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.
Justice Clarence Thomas did not take part in a Supreme Court decision related to a student loan case. The case is part of ongoing discussions about student debt and its legal concerns. The court did not explain why Justice Thomas stepped aside from this case.
Key Facts
Justice Clarence Thomas did not participate in a Supreme Court decision on a student loan case.
The case is named William F. Kaetz v. United States et al.
Justice Thomas is one of the longest-serving members of the Supreme Court.
His recusal occurred amid discussions about student loans and the Biden administration’s forgiveness plans.
Justice Thomas has spoken about his past personal student loan debt.
The Supreme Court did not explain the reason for his recusal.
Federal judicial ethics rules suggest justices should avoid cases if there might be a conflict of interest.
A woman named Crystal Wilsey was fired from a Cinnabon in Wisconsin after a video showed her making racist comments toward a Somali couple. A GiveSendGo fundraiser created for her raised over $100,000. The incident has brought attention to concerns about discrimination against Somali Americans.
Key Facts
Crystal Wilsey was fired after a video showed her using racial slurs against a Somali couple.
The incident occurred at a Cinnabon in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.
A fundraiser on GiveSendGo raised over $100,000 to support Wilsey.
The fundraiser was set up by someone named Tom Hennessey.
Some of the donations included messages supporting Wilsey's actions.
Cinnabon stated that Wilsey's actions were unacceptable and not aligned with their values.
The situation highlights broader concerns about discrimination towards Somali Americans.
President Trump and his administration have made comments that have raised fears within the Somali community.
By 2026, home prices in several U.S. cities are predicted to drop, especially in Florida and California. This forecast comes despite a general national increase in home prices. These decreases are mostly expected in areas that saw rapid price rises during the pandemic.
Key Facts
Four of the top ten cities with expected price drops are in Florida; three are in California.
Nationally, home prices are expected to rise 2.2% by the end of 2026.
Cape Coral, Florida, is predicted to have the largest price drop of 10.2%.
Home prices in 22 U.S. cities are expected to decrease.
Florida's price drop is linked to slowed migration and rising housing costs.
California cities expected to see price falls include Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
Multi-family housing in Denver contributes to a predicted price drop in that city.
Rising insurance costs and homeowner fees in coastal Florida affect housing demand.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito did not take part in a decision on a case involving President Donald Trump. The case was dismissed, and the reason for Justice Alito's non-participation was not given.
Key Facts
Justice Samuel Alito did not participate in the Supreme Court decision about a case involving President Donald Trump.
The case is named MACTRUONG, DMT v. Trump, President of U.S., et al.
The petition for a writ of certiorari in the case was dismissed.
The Supreme Court did not explain why Justice Alito did not take part.
The plaintiff, known as MacTruong, has filed many lawsuits against political leaders, claiming abuse of power and other issues.
Lawsuits by MacTruong often include claims about constitutional violations and intellectual property theft.
Newsweek requested a comment from the Supreme Court for more information.
COVID-19 cases are increasing in some U.S. states, according to new data from the CDC. The CDC's tracking shows that while the virus is still a concern, it is spreading more in places like North Dakota, Michigan, and New York. This change could strain local healthcare systems and affect vulnerable people.
Key Facts
The CDC reports that COVID-19 emergency department visits are increasing in some states.
States with growing COVID-19 trends include North Dakota, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Maine.
The CDC uses a model to predict case trends, where a value above 1 shows increasing infections.
Eleven states show growing or likely growing COVID-19 infections.
The CDC warns that holiday reporting might affect the data presented.
The CDC no longer advises blanket COVID-19 vaccinations; decisions should be personalized.
The agency expects hospitalization rates for COVID-19, flu, and RSV to be close to last season's peak levels.
Colin Allred announced he is dropping out of the race for the U.S. Senate nomination in Texas. Instead, he will run for a position in a newly created congressional district in Texas.
Key Facts
Colin Allred was running for the U.S. Senate nomination in the Texas Democratic primary.
He decided to exit the Senate race to avoid a divisive primary election.
Allred expressed concerns about the impact a contested primary could have on party unity.
He plans to run for election in the newly drawn Congressional District 33 in Texas.
Allred made his decision known through an official statement on Monday.
An economist has expressed concerns over President Trump's preferred candidate for the Federal Reserve chair position. Kevin Hassett is seen as a potential choice to replace Jerome Powell. Critics worry this could lead to political interference and inflation issues, similar to what has been seen in other countries.
Key Facts
President Trump may choose Kevin Hassett to lead the Federal Reserve.
Jerome Powell’s term as the current chair ends in May.
Economist Justin Wolfers expressed concerns about possible political influence on the Fed.
Wolfers cited Turkey as an example of political interference causing high inflation.
The Federal Reserve is meant to operate independently from political pressure.
Turkey experienced inflation rates above 80% due to similar political interference.
Wolfers believes picking Fed chairs based on expertise is crucial for economic stability.
The role of the Fed chair is considered highly influential in guiding U.S. economic policy.
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case that might give President Donald Trump more power to remove leaders of independent federal agencies at will. This case challenges a 1935 ruling that currently limits presidential power over these agencies.
Key Facts
The case, Trump v. Slaughter, could change the rules about presidential authority over federal agencies.
The 1935 decision, Humphrey’s Executor, currently protects agency heads from being fired without specific reasons.
The Justice Department argues that presidents should have more power to remove agency leaders.
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, an FTC commissioner, was removed by President Trump without the required legal reasons.
The Supreme Court is also examining if judges can put officials back in their jobs if removed unlawfully.
In recent decisions, the Court allowed President Trump to remove officials from other agencies without cause.
The 1935 ruling distinguished between agencies that perform duties not strictly political or executive, setting a foundation for agency independence.
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett is thinking about running for the U.S. Senate in Texas. She would face tough competition from other potential candidates in the Democratic primary. Polls show she has a chance of winning her party's primary if she enters the race.
Key Facts
Jasmine Crockett is a Democratic Representative elected to the U.S. House in 2022.
She is considering entering the Senate race in Texas.
If she runs, she will compete against candidates like James Talarico, Colin Allred, Joaquin Castro, and possibly Beto O'Rourke.
Texas has voted for Republican presidential candidates since the 1980s and supported President Trump in 2024.
Polls show Crockett could win the Democratic primary, with one poll giving her 31% support.
The primary election in Texas is scheduled for March 2026.
Crockett plans to make an announcement just before the filing deadline for the Senate race.
President Donald Trump's administration has significantly increased spending on weapons for federal agents, focusing on chemical weapons, as part of efforts to combat illegal immigration and enhance border security. This increase in spending has sparked concerns about excessive use of force and the impact on civil rights. The Department of Homeland Security has responded by emphasizing the need for law enforcement resources, citing increased violence against their officers.
Key Facts
George Retes, a U.S. citizen, reported being pepper-sprayed and arrested by federal agents during an immigration raid in California.
Reverend David Black participated in a prayer vigil and reported being struck by chemical pellets, leading to a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
The Trump administration has spent over $5 million on chemical weapons for the Department of Homeland Security in about 11 months.
This spending is nearly as high as what former President Joe Biden's administration spent over four years.
The funds went to agencies like ICE, CBP, and others for "chemical weapons and equipment."
Contracts include items like pepper spray and less lethal munitions, which could mean rubber bullets or tear gas.
Some advocacy groups express concern over the potential misuse of these weapons.
The DHS cited an 11,000-agent increase as justification for purchasing these resources and noted a significant rise in assaults on law enforcement officers.
Gas prices in the United States have dropped to their lowest level in nearly five years, with the national average now below $2.90 per gallon. This happens during President Trump's second term, where he promised to lower living costs, including having gas prices drop significantly.
Key Facts
Average gas price in the U.S. is now $2.897 per gallon, the lowest in 1,680 days.
The national average price fell below $2.90 for the first time since May 2021.
Gas prices have decreased from $2.950 last week, $3.079 last month, and $2.995 last year.
California has the highest gas price at $4.414 per gallon, while Oklahoma has the lowest at $2.298 per gallon.
Experts attribute the price drop to refinery maintenance completion and increased oil production by OPEC, not directly to Trump's policies.
President Trump had pledged to bring gas prices down to below $2 per gallon during his campaign.
President Trump and the White House credit Trump's energy policies for the current lower gas prices.
GasBuddy's analysis suggests that the market supply adjusting to demand has also contributed to the price drop.
Two types of Wegmans unsalted mixed nuts have been recalled in 10 U.S. states due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall includes products sold between November 3 and December 1, 2025. No illnesses have been reported, and customers can return the products for a refund.
Key Facts
The recall was announced by Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. and involves possible Salmonella contamination.
The affected products are Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 34 oz tubs and 11.5 oz bags.
These products were sold at Wegmans stores between November 3 and December 1, 2025.
States affected by the recall include Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The contamination was discovered during routine testing, which found Salmonella in raw pistachios used in the nuts.
Consumers can find the lot codes and best-by dates on the products' packaging.
No illnesses linked to the nuts have been reported as of December 5, 2025.
Customers can return the products to the store for a full refund.
Lawmakers in the United States from both political parties agree on solutions to make housing more affordable. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill aiming to update federal housing programs and reduce building costs, and it now awaits a similar decision in the House. The high cost of housing affects many Americans, with millions struggling to pay rent or afford homes.
Key Facts
Lawmakers agree on making housing more affordable across political lines.
A Senate committee approved the ROAD to Housing Act to modernize federal programs.
The act aims to reduce regulatory barriers and allows local governments more control over housing.
The U.S. has not built enough homes to meet demand over the past 15 years.
Between 2020 and 2023, rents increased by nearly 24%, and home prices went up 38%.
Over 42 million households spend more than a third of their income on housing.
The 2024 federal count recorded over 770,000 homeless people in a single night, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.
High housing costs also raise employer expenses and impact economic growth.
President Donald Trump's administration has increased immigration arrests by expanding partnerships with local law enforcement across the U.S. under a program called 287(g). This program allows local officers to perform certain federal immigration duties after receiving training from ICE. Florida and Texas have seen significant growth in these partnerships, with Florida making up a large portion of the new agreements.
Key Facts
The 287(g) program lets local police perform certain federal immigration jobs after training from ICE.
More than 1,000 partnerships were signed in 2025, covering agencies in 40 states.
About 62% of these agencies have full Task Force authority, allowing operations beyond jails.
Florida alone makes up 42.4% of Task Force-level agreements.
Florida and Texas together have the majority of these partnerships.
Some agencies, like the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, use these agreements in unexpected situations.
The program has led to significant ICE arrest numbers, with some counties like Benton County, Arkansas, contributing notably to national totals.
The Miami mayoral election is set for December 9, with Democratic candidate Eileen Higgins competing against Republican Emilio González. Polls show Higgins, who has campaigned for affordable housing, has a strong lead. Miami has not elected a Democratic mayor in nearly 30 years.
Key Facts
Eileen Higgins and Emilio González are the main candidates in the Miami mayoral race.
Polls suggest Higgins has a high chance of winning over González.
Miami is historically a Republican stronghold, making a Democratic win noteworthy.
Miami-Dade County, where Miami is located, was flipped by President Trump last year.
Higgins won 36% of the vote and González 19% in the November 4 primary.
Polls show Higgins with between 34% and 49.84% support, with González trailing between 23.78% and 31%.
The election is scheduled for December 9.
President Trump endorsed González in a social media post.
An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the Pacific Northwest, particularly in parts of Washington and Oregon. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warns of hazardous conditions, such as landslides and dangerous driving conditions.
Key Facts
An atmospheric river is a narrow band of moisture in the sky carrying large amounts of water vapor.
Heavy rain is predicted for Washington and Oregon, with up to 10 inches possible in some areas.
Flood watches are in effect for northwest Oregon and parts of western Washington.
There is a risk of landslides in the Cascade Foothills.
The National Weather Service advises against driving through floodwaters for safety reasons.
Atmospheric rivers can bring beneficial rain but sometimes cause extreme flooding and damage.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to have a plan to protect their property.
The White House has dismissed a report suggesting President Donald Trump is thinking about replacing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. A White House spokesperson called it "fake news," stating Noem is successfully implementing Trump's policies.
Key Facts
A report claimed President Trump might replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.
The report came from The Bulwark and cited three unnamed former DHS officials.
The White House denied the report and criticized its credibility.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that the report is "fake news."
Jackson affirmed that Secretary Noem is effectively carrying out the President’s agenda.
The current discussion around this topic is ongoing and considered a developing story.
The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day and Juneteenth from the list of National Parks fee-free days for 2026. This decision has led to backlash from the public and several lawmakers who argue that these holidays are important for recognizing civil rights achievements.
Key Facts
MLK Day and Juneteenth were removed from the 2026 National Parks fee-free days list.
These days were replaced with additional former presidents' birthdays and Flag Day, which is President Donald Trump's birthday.
The decision is part of broader changes to National Parks policies, including new entrance fees for foreign visitors and digital passes featuring Trump.
Kristen Brengel from the National Parks Conservation Association expressed concern over the removal, noting MLK Day is popular for community service.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, emphasizing the significance of MLK Day and Juneteenth for civil rights.
President Trump’s administration said the changes ensure affordable access for U.S. taxpayers while asking international visitors to pay more.
Some members of the public have described the decision as "racist" and "narcissistic" on social media platforms.
