CBS News released a trailer for a town hall event featuring Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk, and hosted by Bari Weiss, the network's new editor-in-chief. The event will discuss faith, grief, and political violence in America. Some online reactions have criticized the tone of the promotional materials and the perceived change in CBS's political slant.
Key Facts
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, will lead a CBS town hall.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September.
Erika Kirk is now CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative group.
CBS announced the town hall on December 9, to focus on faith and political violence.
Bari Weiss, new CBS editor-in-chief, will host the event.
The town hall is Weiss' first on-camera appearance for CBS.
Bari Weiss previously worked at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Some online users are concerned about CBS's perceived shift to the right.
The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has changed a part of civil rights law, eliminating the "disparate impact" rule. This means that now only cases showing proof of intentional discrimination can be addressed, rather than relying on statistical evidence of unequal outcomes.
Key Facts
The DOJ removed the "disparate impact" principle from its rules as of Tuesday.
"Disparate impact" allowed proof of discrimination using statistical differences, even without intentional discrimination.
The DOJ now requires proof of intentional discrimination to address civil rights cases.
The change came after an executive order from President Donald Trump in April.
The shift could affect areas like housing, education, and employment.
DOJ officials argue this aligns with the original Civil Rights Act as passed by Congress.
Critics believe this change weakens tools against systemic discrimination.
A man named Juan Antonio Nevarez-Porras was detained by immigration officials at an airport due to issues with his legal status despite having a valid work visa. He has a criminal history and is in custody, with a possible hearing in the future. This event is part of a broader enforcement of stricter immigration policies in the U.S.
Key Facts
Juan Antonio Nevarez-Porras was detained by U.S. immigration officials at El Paso International Airport.
Nevarez-Porras has a pending green card application and was traveling with his son to attend a family event.
He holds a five-year work visa issued in March but was stopped due to insufficient legal documentation.
The Department of Homeland Security noted his past criminal history, including battery and disorderly conduct.
He is currently held in federal custody at the Otero County Processing Center in New Mexico.
His son, an American citizen, was briefly detained but later released.
The incident is linked to stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration targeting individuals with criminal records or pending applications.
Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York, is set to move into Gracie Mansion in January. Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor since 1942, is a historic house located in Manhattan. Mamdani campaigned on issues related to housing justice, which is significant given New York's housing crisis.
Key Facts
Gracie Mansion is the official home for the mayor of New York City since 1942.
The house is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Zohran Mamdani, elected as New York's mayor, will move into Gracie Mansion in January.
Mamdani's election focused on housing issues like freezing rents and improving affordable housing.
Gracie Mansion was originally built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, a shipping merchant.
The house is around 12,000 to 13,000 square feet and includes an events wing added in the 1960s.
New York City acquired Gracie Mansion in 1896, and the estate became part of Carl Schurz Park.
The mansion is maintained through a public-private partnership and is open for public tours.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein canceled planned cuts to Medicaid payments for healthcare providers. This decision comes after legal challenges and opposition from Republicans led to court rulings that required some rates to go back to their original levels.
Key Facts
Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina is a Democrat.
Planned cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates ranged from 3% to 10%.
These cuts were supposed to begin on October 1st.
Medicaid provides healthcare services to over 3 million people in North Carolina.
Legal challenges resulted in court orders to restore some payment rates.
Governor Stein stated the Medicaid program still lacks enough money.
Republican legislators opposed the funding cuts.
Stein and Dr. Dev Sangvai announced the decision to cancel these cuts.
The daughter of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. testified in court that her father beat her after discovering her boyfriend sneaked into their home. The mayor faces multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault, which could lead to 25 years in prison if convicted. Both he and his wife, who is also charged, have pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Mayor Marty Small Sr.'s daughter claims he beat her for sneaking her boyfriend into their home.
The daughter, now 17, gave testimony about incidents involving physical violence.
She described being punched, beaten with a broom, and threatened by her father.
Small faces charges such as endangering a child's welfare and aggravated assault.
If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
His wife, La'Quetta Small, is also indicted and will face trial in January.
Both parents have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The defense argues inconsistencies in the daughter's testimony and claims her injuries were exaggerated.
The United States is considering a new rule that would require some foreign tourists to share their five-year social media history when applying to enter the country. This proposal would affect visitors from countries allowed to visit the U.S. for 90 days without a visa, using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The plan is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase national security.
Key Facts
The proposal requires tourists from certain countries to provide their social media history from the past five years.
The rule applies to visitors eligible for the 90-day, visa-free travel under the ESTA program.
The proposed change aims to enhance U.S. border security, per the Trump administration's broader policy.
Tourists will also need to share their telephone numbers and emails from the last five and ten years, respectively.
The plan is connected to an executive order for protecting the U.S. from foreign threats.
Comments from the public are invited for 60 days on the proposal.
Critics express concerns about potential privacy issues and longer wait times for travel authorizations.
Under President Donald Trump's administration, immigration authorities have increased their activity in certain areas, including neighborhoods with many Latino residents. This has affected child care centers like CentroNía in Washington, causing them to change activities to avoid encounters with immigration officials.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump began a second term in January.
CentroNía preschool in Washington changed its activities due to increased immigration enforcement in their area.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been active in historically Latino neighborhoods.
Teachers at the preschool stopped taking children to nearby parks and libraries.
The school's Hispanic Heritage Month parade was canceled due to concerns over immigration enforcement.
ICE detained a teacher at a Spanish immersion preschool in Chicago in October.
These events have made immigrant child care workers and their families feel unsafe and worried.
There has been an increase in arrests of Afghan individuals by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following an attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Immigration lawyers report that Afghans in the U.S. are facing closer scrutiny from officials.
Key Facts
ICE has recently increased arrests of Afghans in the United States.
A volunteer helping an Afghan family witnessed the father getting arrested at an ICE check-in in Sacramento, California.
This rise in arrests happened after an Afghan national was suspected of shooting two National Guard troops.
Immigration lawyers say Afghans, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere, are under more scrutiny from immigration authorities.
The arrests have led to concerns among Afghan communities about their safety and future in the U.S.
A federal judge ordered President Trump's administration to stop using the California National Guard in Los Angeles. The judge ruled that the federal government needed approval from the state governor to deploy these troops. The situation involves disagreement between federal and state authorities over the use of military forces for domestic issues.
Key Facts
A judge told the Trump administration to stop using California National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
California officials argued the federal government needed permission from the state governor to deploy these troops.
The deployment began in June, with more than 4,000 National Guard members first deployed, though numbers later decreased.
The administration extended the mission until February and used troops in other cities like Portland, Oregon.
The Trump administration argued the troops were needed for federal protection during protests and immigration enforcement actions.
California sued, claiming misuse of the National Guard as a domestic force without state approval.
The judge ruled this deployment illegal, and other similar attempts in Portland and Chicago were also blocked by courts.
Some Republicans are concerned about President Trump’s plan to use a special budget process to increase military spending. This process, called reconciliation, lets certain spending bills pass with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the usual 60-vote requirement. Republican Senators, including Lisa Murkowski, prefer to use the traditional appropriations method for setting the defense budget.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration is considering using a reconciliation bill to increase defense spending.
Reconciliation is a budget process that allows some spending bills to pass with a simple majority in the Senate.
The reconciliation process avoids the 60-vote requirement, meaning fewer Democrats need to agree.
Senator Lisa Murkowski and others prefer the regular appropriations process for defense spending.
Last year, a reconciliation bill increased defense funding by over $150 billion.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said more increases through reconciliation are likely.
OMB Director Russ Vought supports using reconciliation for defense priorities like shipbuilding and nuclear modernization.
Some Republican Senators, including Roger Wicker, oppose using reconciliation for defense spending.
Elon Musk discussed his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), a group aimed at reducing government size under President Donald Trump. Musk said Doge had some success in saving money but he would not lead it again due to the impact on his businesses. His political role led to global protests and affected Tesla sales.
Key Facts
Elon Musk said he would not lead Doge again despite its moderate success.
Doge aimed to cut government costs under President Trump, claiming $214 billion in savings.
Musk left Doge after initially promising to save up to $2 trillion annually.
His political involvement with Doge led to protests and vandalism against Tesla.
Tesla experienced its lowest sales in three years due to political backlash.
Musk's relationship with President Trump became strained over a spending bill disagreement.
Their relationship has since improved, with Musk attending a White House dinner in November.
Mark Allen Geralds, convicted of murder in 1989, was executed in Florida on Tuesday. His execution marks the 18th in the state this year, which is the highest number for Florida in a single year. The case involved the home invasion and murder of Tressa Pettibone.
Key Facts
Mark Allen Geralds was executed at Florida State Prison and pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.
Geralds was convicted of murdering Tressa Pettibone in a 1989 home invasion.
This execution was the 18th execution in Florida this year, the most in the state's history for a single year.
Geralds admitted no further appeals before his execution after originally being sentenced to death in 1990, with the reinstatement of his sentence in 1992.
The Pettibone family expressed relief in a statement, saying it was the end of a long legal journey.
Florida plans to execute Frank Athen Walls next week, adding to this year’s tally.
A new map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Louisiana, Colorado, and New York as states with high levels of flu-like symptoms. The map, based on data up to November 29, indicates varying levels of influenza-like illness across the U.S., affecting millions of people this flu season. The CDC advises getting a flu shot to help prevent illness.
Key Facts
Louisiana, Colorado, and New York are classified as having "high" levels of flu-like symptoms.
Puerto Rico also has a "high" level of influenza-like illness.
The CDC reported at least 1.9 million flu-related illnesses, with 19,000 hospitalizations and 730 deaths so far this season.
Idaho and New Jersey are categorized as having "moderate" flu activity.
Many states, including California and Texas, show "low" flu activity.
Areas like Maine and Wyoming have "minimal" levels of flu symptoms.
The map data reflects symptoms that could come from other respiratory illnesses, not just confirmed flu cases.
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue.
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on two different health care proposals. Republicans have a plan to let COVID-era health care subsidies end, while Democrats want to extend tax credits for three more years. Neither proposal currently has enough support to pass.
Key Facts
The Senate is discussing two health care plans with opposing views.
Republicans propose ending current health care subsidies and replacing them with savings accounts.
Democrats want to extend enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act for three years.
Neither plan has enough bipartisan support to become law.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the Democratic bill for not addressing fraud or high-income beneficiaries.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the Republican plan as ineffective.
A judge has ordered President Trump to stop using the California National Guard in Los Angeles and give control back to the state. The judge's decision is paused until Monday to give time for any legal responses or changes.
Key Facts
A federal judge made the ruling in San Francisco.
The decision was about the use of California National Guard troops.
President Trump wanted to use these troops for immigration enforcement.
California officials opposed using state troops without the governor's approval.
The judge granted a preliminary injunction, meaning a temporary stop to the action.
The order will not take effect until Monday, allowing time for legal proceedings.
A new map shows the states the Democrats aim to target in the 2026 midterm elections. This is part of their strategy to counter recent Republican wins in redistricting and protect voting rights. They focus on defending current Democratic areas and flipping key Republican-controlled districts.
Key Facts
The Democrats have created a strategy map for the 2026 midterm elections.
They aim to counter recent Republican redistricting successes.
Key focus states for Democrats include Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.
Democrats want to flip competitive congressional seats in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.
Republicans have gained new seats through court-approved redistricting in Texas.
California's Proposition 50 changes the state's redistricting process to favor Democrats.
Governor Gavin Newsom leads California's efforts against Republican redistricting strategies.
The goal is to shift the legislative balance of power and prevent Republican supermajorities.
Eileen Higgins, a Democrat, won the Miami mayor’s race, making her the first woman to hold the position. She defeated Emilio Gonzalez, a Republican supported by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Eileen Higgins is the first Democrat to win the Miami mayor’s race in nearly 30 years.
Higgins is also the first woman to become the mayor of Miami.
The election was officially nonpartisan, meaning candidates did not run as representatives of a political party.
Emilio Gonzalez, the opposing candidate, had the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Higgins often discussed immigration issues during her campaign.
The election was seen as one of the final key battles before the 2026 midterm elections.
Gonzalez, a former city manager, congratulated Higgins on her victory.
A convenience store in Kenner, Louisiana, denied service to U.S. Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement operation. The store's assistant manager locked the agents out and made a dismissive gesture, which was recorded on video. This incident reflects rising tensions between federal immigration officers and individuals opposed to federal immigration policies.
Key Facts
U.S. Border Patrol agents were denied entry to a convenience store in Kenner, Louisiana.
The store assistant manager prevented them from entering and made a rude gesture.
The incident is part of a federal operation called "Catahoula Crunch," focusing on immigration enforcement in Louisiana.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized local authorities for not cooperating with federal efforts.
The law lets private businesses refuse entry to non-customers, and ICE typically needs a court warrant for nonpublic areas.
A Border Patrol chief was at the scene, attempting to enter the store.
The federal immigration operation aims to remove certain individuals deemed "dangerous" from New Orleans.
President Trump has changed U.S. immigration policies, affecting both legal and illegal processes. These changes include expanding the travel ban and pausing asylum decisions, leading to a significant backlog in immigration cases. The changes are slowing down immigration procedures and affecting people from 19 countries on the travel ban list.
Key Facts
President Trump aims to increase deportations and has changed policies impacting legal immigration.
The administration plans to expand the travel ban list and pause asylum decisions.
Legal immigration processes are slowing down due to increased case backlogs.
There are currently about 1.5 million pending asylum cases with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Overall, USCIS is handling 11 million pending immigration cases.
Immigrants from 19 countries, including Venezuela and Iran, face immediate impacts from the travel ban.
Cases and applications are being re-reviewed, creating uncertainties in processing times.
Immigration enforcement efforts are increasing, focusing on national security and vetting.
