Nearly 39% of Americans believe they will be worse off financially next year, which is the highest percentage recorded during President Trump's terms. This sentiment reflects ongoing concerns about inflation, credit access, and economic uncertainty in the United States. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's recent findings highlight these economic challenges.
Key Facts
38.97% of Americans think their financial situation will worsen next year.
This percentage is the highest recorded during either of President Trump's terms.
Inflation and high prices for everyday items are key concerns.
The Federal Reserve found slight improvement in unemployment expectations, but credit access perceptions worsened.
Many Americans are not experiencing financial benefits from the stock market.
Economic concerns are linked to excessive government spending and deficits.
Experts noted that people are worried as their expenses continue to rise without matching income growth.
The U.S. economy is growing, but many households do not feel the improvement.
The Supreme Court appears likely to allow President Trump to remove members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This decision could change a long-standing rule that prevents presidents from firing independent agency commissioners for political reasons.
Key Facts
The case, Trump vs. Slaughter, focuses on whether President Trump can fire FTC commissioners.
A 1935 decision, known as Humphrey's Executor, currently protects these commissioners from being fired without a specific reason.
The Supreme Court's conservative justices seem inclined to support expanding presidential powers to fire these commissioners.
President Trump had dismissed two Democratic FTC commissioners, Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, prompting the case.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted once presidential power is reduced, it's hard to regain through the legislative process.
Chief Justice John Roberts stated that the FTC has more power today than in 1935, questioning the current relevance of the precedent.
The U.S. Solicitor General argued that the current rule limits presidential powers unconstitutionally.
The liberal justices challenged the need to overturn a long-standing rule and expressed concerns about increasing presidential power over independent agencies.
A report by ProPublica claims that President Donald Trump committed "mortgage fraud" by declaring two different properties as his primary residence in 1993, which is a practice he has criticized in others. The report focuses on two mortgages Trump signed for homes in Florida and New York, and alleges that he may not have lived in either. The White House spokesperson has denied any wrongdoing, calling the report misleading.
Key Facts
ProPublica claims President Trump called two different homes his primary residence in 1993.
The report suggests this might fit Trump's own definition of "mortgage fraud."
Mortgages for primary homes usually have lower interest rates than those for investment properties.
The White House denies any wrongdoing, saying the same lender issued both mortgages.
Critics argue the claim highlights a double standard regarding political adversaries.
For taxes, people typically must choose one property as their primary residence.
President Trump was previously convicted on different charges related to falsifying business records.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across nine U.S. states due to expected snowfall of up to 14 inches from December 8 to December 10. Cold Arctic air waves associated with the polar vortex are also forecasted to spread from Canada to parts of the Midwest and East Coast, bringing temperatures significantly below average.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are in effect across nine U.S. states.
Up to 14 inches of snow is expected from December 8 to December 10.
Arctic air waves, relating to the polar vortex, will affect the Midwest and East Coast.
Temperatures in some Midwest areas could drop below zero Fahrenheit.
New York City may struggle to reach freezing temperatures on December 13 and 14.
Virginia could see between 2 and 5 inches of snow.
Parts of Wyoming and Montana might receive up to 2 feet of snow and 70 mph winds.
Alaska is also experiencing significant snowfall, with some areas receiving up to 7 inches.
Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace stated that Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic Speaker of the House, was a more effective leader than any Republican this century. This statement comes amid internal challenges within the Republican Party as some members plan to retire or pursue other positions. There is ongoing disagreement within the party over leadership and strategy.
Key Facts
Nancy Mace is a Republican Congresswoman from South Carolina.
Mace said she believes Nancy Pelosi was a more effective House Speaker than any Republican this century.
Mace expressed this view in an opinion piece and noted Pelosi's leadership abilities despite political differences.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, another Republican, praised Pelosi’s effectiveness and expressed a wish for similar success in her own party.
The Republican Party faces internal challenges, including upcoming retirements and disagreements over policies.
Speaker Mike Johnson is dealing with divisions in the party over issues like government funding and health care reform.
Several Republican representatives have announced they are retiring or seeking different offices.
Nancy Mace criticized the lack of accountability and limited input from regular party members in the House.
President Donald Trump plans to announce a $12 billion aid package to support American farmers. This plan aims to help farmers affected by low crop prices and trade conflicts, particularly with China. The aid is meant to help farmers with current and future crop planning.
Key Facts
President Trump will unveil a $12 billion aid package for farmers.
Most of the aid, $11 billion, will go to row crop farmers through direct payments.
Another $1 billion is set aside for crops not covered by the main program.
The agriculture sector has been affected by trade disputes, especially with China.
The aid aims to help farmers with this year's market and future planning.
Trump has given previous aid to farmers in 2019 and 2020, which included $22 billion and $46 billion, respectively.
The aid program follows commitments from China to purchase U.S. soybeans but at lower quantities than promised.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will join the announcement.
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett announced she is running for the U.S. Senate in Texas. She aims to unseat Republican Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming midterm elections. Crockett is known for being vocal in Congress.
Key Facts
Jasmine Crockett is a Democratic Representative.
She plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas.
The Senate seat is currently held by Republican John Cornyn.
Texas is largely controlled by the Republican Party.
Crockett is known for being outspoken in Congress.
The election will play a role in determining control of the Senate.
Crockett launched her campaign on the last day of qualifying in Texas.
This race is important for Democrats aiming to gain a Senate majority.
Roy Cooper, former Governor of North Carolina, is campaigning for a Senate seat currently held by Republicans. Recent polls show Cooper, a Democrat, leading his Republican opponent Michael Whatley. The seat is open because Senator Thom Tillis is not running again in the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Roy Cooper is the former Governor of North Carolina.
He is running for a U.S. Senate seat that is currently Republican-held.
A recent poll shows more North Carolina voters support a Democrat for the Senate seat than a Republican.
The poll showed 46% of respondents would vote Democrat, while 41% would vote Republican.
Senator Thom Tillis is not seeking reelection in 2026, leaving the seat open.
Another poll showed Cooper leading Whatley 47% to 38.6%.
Cooper has an average lead of 4.7 points in polls conducted from July to November.
The North Carolina primary for this election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, departing from the usual tradition by taking the lead role in the event. Usually hosted by public figures, Trump is the first president to take on this role. Earlier in the year, he made changes to the Kennedy Center's leadership and became the chair of the institution.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors on December 7.
The Honors ceremony included award recipients like Sylvester Stallone and Gloria Gaynor.
Previously, figures like Walter Cronkite and Caroline Kennedy have hosted the event.
Trump is the first U.S. president to host the Kennedy Center Honors.
Earlier this year, President Trump replaced the Kennedy Center's board with Republican supporters.
He then became the chair of the institution and plans to rename it the "Trump-Kennedy Center."
During a White House meeting about farm aid, President Trump criticized ABC News reporter Rachel Scott for questioning him about video footage related to Venezuelan strikes. He called her "obnoxious" and criticized her for asking what he considered hostile questions. This is part of a pattern of President Trump making remarks about female reporters.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Rachel Scott, an ABC News journalist, at a White House event.
Scott asked about video footage from recent Venezuelan strikes.
Trump called Scott "obnoxious" and accused her of asking hostile questions.
In May, Trump also criticized Scott for questions regarding a luxury jet from Qatar given to the U.S.
Trump has made other negative comments recently about female journalists.
His interactions with the press, particularly female reporters, have raised concerns.
Georgia State Representative Sharon Henderson has been arrested and charged with fraud related to pandemic unemployment benefits. She allegedly obtained $17,811 in COVID-19 assistance fraudulently. Henderson is expected to plead not guilty in federal court.
Key Facts
Sharon Henderson is a State Representative from Georgia's District 113.
She is charged with theft of government funds and making false statements about unemployment benefits.
The alleged fraud amount is $17,811, received between 2020 and 2021.
Henderson reportedly claimed to work for Henry County Schools, which she hadn't since 2018.
She was accused of submitting false unemployment certifications even after becoming a state representative.
The investigation involves several agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Henderson is expected to appear in federal court and plans to plead not guilty.
The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force handles cases like this.
The Justice Department accused federal judges in Virginia of being biased against U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan. Despite a court ruling her appointment illegal, Halligan continues to work as U.S. attorney, leading to conflicts with the judges. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed the DOJ's intent to appeal decisions and support Halligan.
Key Facts
The Justice Department claims judges are biased against Halligan.
A federal court ruled Halligan's appointment as U.S. attorney illegal.
After the ruling, Halligan continued her work, causing judges to act.
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized judges for political bias.
Halligan's cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed.
Bondi announced plans to appeal the dismissal of these cases.
Judges in Virginia have removed Halligan's name from court documents.
The DOJ argues it is defending public safety and the rule of law.
The US Supreme Court is examining whether President Donald Trump had the legal right to fire an FTC commissioner, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, who was dismissed for not aligning with his administration's goals. The legal argument focuses on a rule that federal agency leaders can only be fired for specific reasons like inefficiency or misconduct. This Supreme Court decision could affect how much control a president has over federal agencies.
Key Facts
The case is called Trump v Slaughter.
It involves President Trump's firing of FTC member Rebecca Kelly Slaughter.
A law states FTC commissioners can only be removed for specific reasons, not for political differences.
A lower court ruled that Slaughter's removal was illegal, leading to an appeal.
The conservative-majority Supreme Court had previously issued an order supporting the firing until a decision.
The FTC was created in 1914 to address unfair business practices, with rules limiting political influence.
A historic 1935 Supreme Court ruling found certain federal agencies are independent of presidential control.
The Supreme Court will also consider Trump's firing of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
A heavy snowstorm in Lynchburg, Virginia, delayed personal property tax payments by one day. The storm led to the closure of municipal offices and various local services, with warnings for residents to stay safe if they must travel.
Key Facts
Personal property tax payment deadline in Lynchburg extended by one day due to snow.
Lynchburg, Virginia, experienced 4 to 6 inches of snow due to a winter storm.
All municipal offices in the city closed on Monday because of the storm.
Public services like Lynchburg Public Library and city neighborhood centers also closed.
Residents were advised to travel only if necessary and with caution.
Payment methods included online options and City Hall drop box.
Municipal offices planned to reopen with tax payments due the following day.
Public Works focused on clearing major roads and advised against unnecessary travel.
Alina Habba, a former lawyer for President Donald Trump, resigned as the chief federal prosecutor for New Jersey. She stepped down because a court decided she was serving unlawfully in that role. Habba will continue working at the Justice Department as a senior adviser.
Key Facts
Alina Habba used to be a personal attorney for President Donald Trump.
She resigned as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey on Monday.
A court of appeals said she was serving unlawfully in the prosecutor role.
Habba described the court's decision as political in her social media statement.
She decided to resign to maintain her office's stability and integrity.
Habba will stay in the Justice Department as a senior adviser to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Her former prosecutor duties will be taken over by three other lawyers temporarily.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett has announced her run for the U.S. Senate in Texas, seeking the Democratic nomination. Her decision follows Colin Allred's exit from the race and comes just before the candidate filing deadline. The race is significant as Democrats aim to win a statewide race in Texas, which has not happened in decades.
Key Facts
Jasmine Crockett filed paperwork to run for a Texas U.S. Senate seat as a Democrat.
Her announcement came shortly before the Texas candidate filing deadline.
Colin Allred exited the Senate race to run for a new congressional district.
Crockett will not run for re-election to her House seat, which she has held since 2023.
She first entered Congress in 2022 after serving in the Texas House.
The Senate race, featuring candidates from both major parties, is expected to gain national attention.
Polling indicates Crockett has strong recognition among Democrats but also faces some opposition.
Her campaign affects local political dynamics, with shifts in congressional district races in North Texas.
The Supreme Court is hearing a case on President Trump's authority to fire independent agency leaders. At stake is a precedent from 1935, known as Humphrey's Executor, which limits the President's ability to remove agency heads without cause. The decision could allow more direct presidential control over agencies.
Key Facts
President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC Commissioner, and wants the Supreme Court to allow such removals.
Humphrey's Executor, a case from 1935, set rules that protect agency heads from being fired without specific reasons.
Recently, the Supreme Court weakened this precedent for federal agencies with a single director.
In 2023, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to remove members of boards like the National Labor Relations Board.
A federal judge initially blocked Trump’s removal of Slaughter, but the Supreme Court allowed it temporarily.
Justice Elena Kagan dissented, arguing the court shouldn't change the balance of power between Congress and the President.
The case reflects ongoing debates over presidential power and control of independent federal agencies.
President Donald Trump has announced a $12 billion aid plan to help U.S. farmers affected by trade issues with China. This aid is designed to support farmers dealing with increased costs and reduced markets due to tariffs on Chinese goods. The plan includes financial assistance mainly for soybean and sorghum farmers, who have been hit hardest by these trade tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a $12 billion farm aid package.
The aid aims to help farmers affected by tariffs on Chinese goods.
Most of the $12 billion will go to soybean and sorghum farmers.
These farmers rely heavily on exports to China, which have decreased.
The remaining funds will go to farmers growing other crops.
The aid is intended to stabilize farmers as they plan for the next season.
China has not yet met its promised purchase levels of U.S. soybeans.
President Trump has previously used farm aid programs to support farmers.
Senator Raphael Warnock criticized President Donald Trump's policies as contrary to Christian teachings. Warnock, a Baptist pastor, argues that these policies negatively affect vulnerable populations and misuse religious symbols. The two are competing for influence ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Key Facts
Senator Raphael Warnock criticized policies of President Donald Trump, stating they go against Christian teachings on caring for the poor.
Warnock is also a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, giving his words significant influence.
Trump frequently uses religious imagery and references the Bible in speeches.
Warnock highlighted Trump's past attempt to sell a Trump-branded Bible as an example of inappropriate use of religious symbols.
The senator criticized Trump's policy decisions such as reducing food aid and cutting healthcare for vulnerable groups.
Warnock has been vocal about his disagreements with Trump’s use of religion in politics in various interviews and public appearances.
The Trump campaign responded to Warnock's criticisms, dismissing his statements.
Alina Habba announced her resignation as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after a court ruled she was serving illegally. Despite disagreeing with the decision, Habba decided to step down to maintain the office's stability. She will stay with the Justice Department as a senior advisor to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Key Facts
Alina Habba resigned as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey following a court ruling.
The court said she was serving unlawfully since her temporary term expired.
Habba was appointed to the role in March and faced opposition from New Jersey's Democratic senators.
Pam Bondi, Attorney General, reappointed Habba after firing a deputy who was temporarily filling the position.
A federal court confirmed that Habba's appointment was unlawful, causing delays in court operations.
Alina Habba previously worked as President Trump’s legal spokesperson during his time out of office.
Other Trump-era U.S. attorney appointments have faced similar legal challenges.
