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.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's response to criticism from President Donald Trump gained widespread attention. She posted "I AM AMERICA FIRST" on social media after Trump questioned her loyalty to his movement.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a U.S. Representative from Georgia.
President Donald Trump publicly criticized Greene.
Trump mentioned Greene in a lengthy post on Truth Social.
Trump mocked Greene and questioned her loyalty to his "MAGA" movement.
Greene responded by posting "I AM AMERICA FIRST" on the social media platform X.
Greene's post had over 1.7 million views by Monday afternoon.
A new plan proposed by Republicans may increase health care premiums for many Americans. This plan involves extending tax credits temporarily while phasing out subsidies for higher-income individuals. The plan aims to change how financial assistance is given to those buying health insurance.
Key Facts
The plan is called the Consumer Affordability and Responsibility Enhancement (CARE) Act.
It was co-introduced by Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican from Ohio.
During the COVID pandemic, extra tax credits helped 24 million Americans get coverage.
The new plan would phase out these credits for people earning over $200,000 annually.
A minimum $25 monthly payment for health care will be required to avoid zero-cost plans.
Critics say this proposal could raise premiums, especially impacting middle-income and older adults.
Some lawmakers say the plan is a temporary measure to manage affordability without major disruptions.
Four former federal employees have sued President Donald Trump over his executive orders that ended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government. The lawsuit questions whether it is legal for a president to fire government workers for their perceived political beliefs or past involvement in equity-related work. The case is filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Four former federal workers filed a lawsuit against President Trump for removing DEI programs.
The lawsuit was filed on December 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The case challenges the legality of firing workers based on perceived political views or past duties related to equity.
The executive orders in question are numbered 14151 and 14173.
Plaintiffs claim they lost jobs in various federal roles not specifically tied to DEI offices.
They argue that the executive orders harmed rights to free speech and association.
The lawsuit seeks job reinstatement, compensation, and asks for a class-action certification.
Trump's orders directed the removal of DEI programs and re-evaluation of past civil-rights policies.
Twelve former FBI agents are suing after being fired for kneeling during a 2020 protest in Washington. They claim the kneeling was meant to calm a tense situation and not a political statement. They allege their dismissals by Director Kash Patel were unfair and politically driven.
Key Facts
Twelve former FBI agents were fired after a protest in Washington in 2020.
The protest was related to racial justice following George Floyd's death.
The agents knelt to try to calm a large and tense crowd.
They were dismissed by Kash Patel, the FBI director at the time.
The agents argue the firing was because they were seen as not supportive of President Trump.
The lawsuit claims their action was a tactical decision, not political.
The agents want their jobs back, stating the firing was unjust.
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering overturning a nearly 90-year-old decision that limits a president's power to fire members of independent federal agencies. The case began with President Trump firing a Federal Trade Commission member before her term ended. This legal question could change how much power the president has over independent government bodies.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is reviewing a 1935 ruling limiting a president's ability to fire independent agency members.
The case involves President Trump's removal of an FTC commissioner whose term was supposed to last until 2029.
A lower court said Trump's action exceeded presidential powers, but the decision is now under appeal.
Conservative justices question if the old ruling fits today's government structure.
The case relates to whether Congress can limit a president's ability to dismiss agency leaders.
The court's conservative majority appears open to expanding presidential firing power.
Liberal justices worry this could concentrate too much power in the presidency.
The decision could reshape how different government parts work together.
Former U.S. Representative Colin Allred is no longer running for the Senate in Texas. He plans to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives instead. Meanwhile, this change could make Representative Jasmine Crockett a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate.
Key Facts
Colin Allred decided to stop his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
He will now try to return to the U.S. House of Representatives.
This switch affects the Democratic party's plans in Texas.
Jasmine Crockett might become a top choice for the Democrats’ Senate nomination.
The Texas Senate race is important for Democrats aiming to win control of the Senate in the next elections.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a case about a Texas county removing 17 books from local libraries. A lower court's decision allowing the removal of books about topics like sexuality and racism now stands, impacting Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The residents argued the removals violated their right to information, but this claim was rejected.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will not hear the book removal case from Texas.
A Texas county removed 17 books from public libraries.
The subjects of these books include sexuality, racism, and juvenile humor.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the book removals.
Residents claimed a First Amendment right violation, which the court rejected.
This ruling now affects Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
A complete list of the removed books is not publicly available.
A Vermont man named José Paniagua Calderón was arrested by immigration agents, and his family claims that the agents drove over his foot during the arrest. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denies these claims, stating that he was not injured. The incident is under investigation, and the man's family is planning a protest.
Key Facts
José Paniagua Calderón was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on December 4.
His family claims ICE agents drove over his foot with an SUV during the arrest.
Video footage appears to show the incident, but DHS denies the claims.
DHS describes the claims of injury as an "Oscar-level performance."
Calderón's family says he was denied immediate medical care and pain medication.
Local police in Vancouver, Washington, are investigating the incident.
Carmen Paniagua, Calderón's sister-in-law, states the family is planning a protest on December 8.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed concerns during a case about whether President Donald Trump can fire leaders of federal agencies without specific reasons. This case questions a 1935 decision that set limits on presidential power to remove federal officials. President Trump's administration argues this rule should be changed to allow more direct control over these positions.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed worries about the Trump administration's stance on firing rules for federal agency leaders.
The case involves President Trump wanting to fire a Federal Trade Commission member, Rebecca Slaughter.
The Trump administration wants to overturn a 1935 Supreme Court decision, Humphrey's Executor v. United States, which limits presidential firing power.
U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued for allowing more presidential control over federal agency appointments.
Liberal justices questioned whether changing the rule threatens the independence of federal agencies.
Justice Elena Kagan warned of giving the president too much unchecked power.
Rebecca Slaughter was originally appointed by Trump and then reappointed by President Biden.
The Supreme Court has not made a decision on this case yet.
In December 2025, many Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will get two payments due to the Social Security Administration's schedule and a federal holiday. The second December payment will cover January 2026's amount, issued early because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday. This shift includes a cost-of-living adjustment to help with inflation.
Key Facts
Millions of Americans receive SSI and will get two payments in December 2025.
The second payment, made on December 31, is for January 2026 due to New Year's holiday.
About 75 million Americans rely on Social Security and SSI for financial support.
A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will start in 2026 to help with inflation costs.
SSI payments differ from Social Security benefits and are a needs-based assistance.
Social Security benefits are related to work history; SSI aids those with limited income/resources.
SSI payment adjustments are made when the first falls on a weekend or holiday to avoid financial delays.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating among young people has dropped significantly, according to a CNN data analyst. The rating fell by 56 points since February, mainly due to concerns about the economy. Young voters, who were crucial to Trump's 2024 election win, have shown a decline in support as a result.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among young adults, aged 18 to 29, dropped by 56 points since February.
A key issue for young voters is the economy, with 76% of voters having a negative view of it.
Trump's economic policies, such as tariffs, received criticism from the public.
Young voters' support was essential for Trump’s success in the 2024 election.
Approval ratings among millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) have slightly improved from -19 to -16 points.
President Trump stated on Truth Social that he believes the polls are biased against him.
Young people's support is crucial for the GOP in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that starting December 5, 2025, the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which are work permits for some immigrants, will be reduced from five years to 18 months. This change will require more frequent renewals and affect green card applicants who rely on EADs to work while waiting for their green card decisions.
Key Facts
USCIS announced changes to EAD validity starting December 5, 2025.
EADs allow certain immigrants, including green card applicants, to work legally in the U.S.
The maximum validity for EADs will reduce from five years to 18 months.
More frequent renewals might lead to increased paperwork and fees.
Shorter EAD timeframes could impact job stability due to possible processing delays.
The policy aims to re-vet foreign nationals more regularly for safety reasons.
Applicants can file for EAD renewal 180 days before expiration.
Employers need to update compliance practices for frequent work status checks.
Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder of the data analytics firm Palantir, has called for the U.S. to bring back public hangings for repeat violent criminals. He argues this could deter crime and provide the kind of strong leadership he thinks is missing. His comments have sparked significant criticism and debate online.
Key Facts
Joe Lonsdale is a billionaire co-founder of Palantir, a major data analytics and software company.
Lonsdale proposed the return of public hangings for repeat violent offenders to deter crime.
Public executions in the U.S. ended by the late 1930s after legal changes moved executions out of public view.
National crime rates, including violent crimes, have declined significantly since the early 1990s.
Lonsdale initially made his remarks on the social media platform X and connected them to a discussion on strong leadership.
Lonsdale has faced backlash, with critics saying his comments are dangerous and radical.
He defended his view by saying he supports due process and considers himself a moderate who believes in second chances.
The U.S. Navy is building a new dry dock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to support modern nuclear submarines. This project, costing $3.42 billion, aims to keep up with military demands and is part of a larger effort to upgrade infrastructure. Construction began in August 2023 and is set to finish in 2027.
Key Facts
A $3.42 billion dry dock is under construction at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
The new dry dock will replace one built in 1942.
Construction started in August 2023 with a Hawaiian blessing ceremony.
The project will ensure maintenance of advanced submarines like the Virginia-class.
Completion is expected in 2027.
Once finished, it will handle the maintenance of future submarine classes for the next 150 years.
Adm. Daryl Caudle recently visited the site to check on progress.
U.S. naturalization ceremonies have faced disruptions, with some citizenship applicants being removed from ceremonies or experiencing delays. This is due to tightened immigration policies after a security incident involving an Afghan refugee.
Key Facts
Some applicants ready for U.S. citizenship have been told they cannot participate in their naturalization ceremonies.
This action follows a security incident involving an Afghan refugee accused of a shooting.
The Trump administration halted immigration processes for individuals from 19 countries deemed high-risk.
Across cities like Boston and Houston, applicants report delays, even when they completed all steps for citizenship.
Raouf Vafaei, an Iranian immigrant, had his ceremony canceled despite following all required steps.
According to a former USCIS official, the number of oath ceremonies has decreased significantly.
Federal law requires a decision on citizenship applications within 120 days, but no such rule exists for scheduling oath ceremonies.
A Christmas tree decorated with images of President Donald Trump was vandalized at a cultural center in Nevada. The decorations, many of which were themed with Trump images, were removed and some were found in a dumpster. The incident has been reported to the local sheriff's office.
Key Facts
A Christmas tree with Trump-themed decorations was displayed at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville, Nevada.
The tree, part of the center's Gallery of Trees event, was put up on November 29.
By December 1, many decorations, including 16 images of the president and 16 wood cutouts, were missing.
Some of the decorations were later found in a dumpster behind the building.
The decorations were estimated to be worth $600.
A report about the vandalism was filed with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
The local Republican Women group had decorated the tree.
Neither the Douglas County Republican Women nor the sheriff's office has commented publicly on the incident.
A significant winter storm is forecasted to hit parts of the U.S. this week. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow to the Northcentral U.S. and Great Lakes, along with strong winds in the northern plains. The Pacific Northwest may experience heavy rain and potential flooding.
Key Facts
Meteorologists predict a winter storm will hit the Northcentral U.S. and Great Lakes area early in the week.
Six to 12 inches of snow could fall in these areas, with the heaviest in northeastern North Dakota through northern Michigan.
Wind gusts in the western Dakotas may reach 60-70 miles per hour.
"Alberta clippers," or fast-moving low-pressure systems, are expected to bring snow and winds from the Plains to the Northeast.
The storm could also bring patches of ice to the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northeast through the weekend.
In the Pacific Northwest, an atmospheric river is expected to cause heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Washington and Oregon could see urban and river flooding, along with possible landslides near the Cascade Foothills.
