The National Weather Service has issued warnings about freezing fog in parts of Maryland, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Freezing fog occurs when temperatures are at or below freezing, posing risks like reduced visibility and black ice on roads. The severe winter weather is affecting travel, with numerous flight delays and cancellations.
Key Facts
Freezing fog warnings were issued for several areas including Maryland and Virginia.
Freezing fog can occur when temperatures are below freezing, leading to black ice and reduced visibility.
On Sunday, visibility was expected to drop to a quarter mile or less in affected areas.
The NWS warnings were in place until midday on Sunday.
Winter weather alerts are also affecting the West and Northwest areas, warning of snow and strong winds.
Over 4,000 flights were delayed, and more than 550 flights canceled in the U.S. as of Sunday morning.
More than 18 million Americans live in regions under winter weather alerts.
Heavy rain and potential flooding are forecast for Washington and Oregon in the coming days.
The article describes a comedic sketch from Saturday Night Live (SNL) that satirizes the U.S. government's military actions against alleged drug boats near Venezuela. The sketch features actors portraying Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump, highlighting issues such as military decisions and the president's behavior. The skit critiques recent U.S. military actions and questions about President Trump's alertness during meetings.
Key Facts
Saturday Night Live (SNL) presented a comedy sketch involving actor Colin Jost as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The sketch mocked U.S. military actions against drug boats near Venezuela.
Actor James Austin Johnson played President Donald Trump, sleeping during the skit.
The sketch comments on recent U.S. military strikes and President Trump’s perceived alertness.
U.S. airstrikes targeting Venezuelan drug boats have faced criticism and legal questions.
White House confirms a second U.S. strike, stating Admiral Frank Bradley authorized it.
Former officials argue the strikes could be crimes against humanity, given the civilian nature of the targets.
President Trump has been noticed dozing off during meetings, sparking commentary about his age and alertness.
ICE has placed a detainer on Oscar Solarzano, a suspect in a stabbing incident on Charlotte's light rail. Solarzano, who faces several charges, is being held by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. There are concerns about whether local authorities will honor the detainer due to past non-cooperation.
Key Facts
ICE placed a detainer on Oscar Solarzano after a stabbing on the Charlotte light rail.
Solarzano was involved in an incident late Friday afternoon and is currently in police custody.
He faces several charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that Mecklenburg County has historically not honored ICE detainers.
ICE's interest in Solarzano connects to a recent operation targeting illegal immigration.
President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the incident and Solarzano's immigration status.
Local authorities are required to verify Solarzano's citizenship status before setting bond.
The stabbing occurred about four months after another fatal stabbing on the Charlotte Blue Line.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. is speeding up work on its missile defense system called the Golden Dome. This system aims to protect against advanced missile threats and is expected to be operational by the end of President Trump's term. Additionally, he mentioned that the U.S. plans to test nuclear weapons delivery systems in response to actions by other countries.
Key Facts
The Golden Dome is a missile defense project aimed at countering advanced threats like ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles.
Over 1,000 companies might be part of building the Golden Dome, which is inspired by Israel's Iron Dome.
The Golden Dome project could cost several hundred billion dollars and has faced delays due to a government shutdown.
President Trump linked the Golden Dome to the Strategic Defense Initiative from the 1980s, also known as "Star Wars."
Current U.S. missile defenses aren't fully capable of stopping extensive missile attacks from countries like Russia or China.
The U.S. plans to conduct nuclear weapons delivery system tests, matching the actions of other unnamed countries.
The U.S. has not ratified the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, which bans nuclear explosions.
No full nuclear tests have been done by the U.S., Russia, or China since the 1990s.
President Donald Trump expressed displeasure after pardoning Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, who plans to run for Congress again as a Democrat. Cuellar and his wife had been indicted for allegedly accepting bribes but received a pardon from Trump after a request from their daughters. Cuellar criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies, which Trump saw as unfair targeting.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife.
Cuellar announced he will run for Congress again as a Democrat.
Cuellar and his wife were indicted for allegedly accepting about $600,000 in bribes.
Trump decided to pardon them after a "beautiful letter" from their daughters.
Trump was upset because he expected loyalty after the pardon.
Cuellar represents an area on the Texas-Mexico border.
Trump believes Cuellar was targeted for criticizing Biden's immigration policies.
The article discusses how inmates at New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) must engage in small trades, known as "hustles," to supplement their low prison wages and afford basic needs. Prisoners at NJSP earn very little for their work, forcing many to create a secondary economy inside the prison. This economy includes activities like sewing clothes for stamps, which are used as currency among inmates.
Key Facts
Inmates at NJSP earn as little as $0.86 per day, with some states paying prisoners nothing for certain jobs.
The Department of Corrections has a budget running in the billions, yet prisoners earn only enough for basic needs.
The pricing at prison commissaries can be much higher than outside prices, sometimes with a 600% markup.
Inmates create a "hustle" economy to survive, trading services like tailoring for stamps, which act as currency.
Jack, an inmate, sews and repairs clothes for stamps to afford basic necessities like bottled water.
Prisoners often need to support themselves and their families, with some earning more through hustles than their assigned jobs.
Inmates have limited opportunities to purchase items, with restrictions on how much and how often they can order from the commissary.
Congress has changed the definition of hemp, making many popular hemp-derived products potentially illegal by November 2026. This change affects products containing delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids, setting new limits on THC content. The hemp industry is concerned about the impact on businesses and jobs.
Key Facts
Congress changed the hemp definition to limit THC content in hemp products.
Products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container are banned.
The law takes effect in November 2026 to allow businesses to adapt.
Many hemp-derived products like delta-8 vapes could become illegal.
The hemp industry is worth $28 billion, employing over 300,000 people.
The change could lead to layoffs and revenue losses in the hemp industry.
There may be new complications in workplace drug testing related to hemp.
It is uncertain how the federal government will enforce the new law.
Cameron Kasky, a young activist who survived a school shooting in 2018, is running to become a member of Congress for New York's 12th District. He aims to pass progressive policies such as Medicare-for-All and abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Kasky wants to bring change by challenging traditional Democratic strategies and focusing on issues important to progressive voters.
Key Facts
Cameron Kasky is running for Congress in New York's 12th District.
He survived a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.
Kasky co-founded a group advocating for stricter gun laws after the shooting.
He wants to promote policies like Medicare-for-All and abolishing ICE.
Kasky identifies as a democratic socialist and focuses on affordability issues.
He believes Democrats need to be more oppositional to President Trump and Republicans.
Recent polls show growing support for socialist policies among Democrats and others.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Justice Department from accessing evidence related to a case against former FBI Director James Comey. The evidence, connected to emails and a computer belonging to Comey's former lawyer, is crucial for potentially charging Comey again.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked the Justice Department from accessing certain evidence against James Comey.
The evidence comes from email accounts and a computer of Daniel Richman, Comey's former lawyer.
The order is valid until December 12 or until the court decides otherwise.
Richman argues the use of this evidence violates his Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches.
The Justice Department previously used this evidence in its case against Comey.
Comey faced charges related to lying to Congress but pleaded not guilty.
The Justice Department plans to appeal the dismissal of charges against Comey.
The mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, Bruna Ferreira, has spoken out from an ICE detention facility, disputing the way the administration portrays her. She described her decision to appoint Leavitt as her son's godmother as a mistake and criticized the administration’s portrayal of her as an absentee mother. Ferreira, who has no criminal record, has strong family ties to the Leavitts.
Key Facts
Bruna Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew, is currently in an ICE detention facility in Louisiana.
She has criticized the administration's description of her as an absentee mother.
Ferreira asked Karoline Leavitt to be her son's godmother.
She is a Brazilian immigrant with a child who has ties to the White House Press Secretary’s family.
Ferreira does not have a criminal record, according to her attorney.
Her attorney claims Ferreira maintains close ties with the Leavitt family.
An Ohio woman, Tammie Kelton, shared on social media her decision not to buy Christmas gifts for her grandchildren. Instead of gifts, she invests money in their custodial accounts. She hopes this approach will teach them about saving and break cycles of financial struggles in her family.
Key Facts
Tammie Kelton has four grandchildren.
She chooses not to buy them Christmas gifts but invests money on their behalf instead.
Each grandchild has a custodial investment account where Kelton deposits money monthly and on special occasions.
The grandchildren are aware of these investments; she educates them about money as they grow.
Kelton’s goal is to encourage financial literacy and savings in her family.
Her approach has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some approving and others finding it harsh.
Kelton emphasizes that she spends time and does fun activities with the grandchildren, which she values over material gifts.
The U.S. Supreme Court will review a case that could change the way political parties spend money to support their candidates. The case questions current rules that limit the amount parties can spend in coordination with candidates. A decision is expected in 2026, possibly allowing parties to spend without limits.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is set to hear the case NRSC v. FEC, considering changes to party spending rules.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee argues that spending limits violate free speech under the First Amendment.
Current rules, defined by 52 U.S.C. § 30116(d), restrict coordinated spending between parties and candidates.
A ruling in favor of the NRSC could allow unlimited coordinated spending by parties.
The 2010 Citizens United case previously reduced campaign finance limits, influencing this challenge.
Public Citizen and others argue that lifting limits might increase corruption by allowing more money to directly support candidates.
The case’s decision could significantly affect campaign spending rules for upcoming elections in 2026 and 2028.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among millennial voters has slightly improved, according to recent polling by The Economist/YouGov. His net approval rating moved from -19 points in September to -15 points in December. Millennials are a large group of voters, making their opinions important for upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among millennials improved from -19 to -15 points from September to December 2023.
Millennials are those roughly born between 1981 and 1996.
Millennials are now the largest age group in the U.S., surpassing baby boomers.
In the latest poll, 39% of millennials approve of Trump, while 54% disapprove.
Polls showed Trump's approval among Gen Z voters also increased from -55 to -34 percentage points.
Broader polls have Trump's approval rating at its lowest since January, with 39% approving and 58% disapproving.
The changes in approval ratings may be influenced by events like a federal shutdown in October.
Winter storm warnings have been issued for six states in the U.S., expecting up to 10 inches of snow and high winds. The National Weather Service has noted that these storms could create life-threatening conditions and challenging travel. The affected areas include parts of Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Some areas are predicted to receive up to 10 inches of snow along with strong winds.
In Alaska, specific regions might experience between 16 to 20 inches of snow.
Wind gusts could reach up to 65 miles per hour in certain places, causing reduced visibility and dangerous travel.
Hazardous road conditions are expected, with warnings advising against unnecessary travel.
Frostbite and hypothermia risks are heightened due to cold temperatures and strong winds, especially in Alaska and Wyoming.
The alert covers several other states potentially facing similar conditions in the coming days.
Officials recommend carrying emergency supplies like flashlights, food, and warm clothes if travel is unavoidable.
President Donald Trump awarded medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees at the White House, a change from the usual tradition. Honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone and singer Gloria Gaynor. Trump had a significant role in selecting the honorees and changed how the Kennedy Center is managed.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump gave medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees at a ceremony in the Oval Office.
The honorees are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, the rock band KISS, and Michael Crawford.
Trump made changes to the Kennedy Center's management by firing the president and chairman, replacing them with his supporters.
Traditionally, honorees were selected by a bipartisan committee, but Trump was "about 98% involved" in choosing this year's group.
The medal ceremony was moved from the State Department to the White House.
The new medals, designed by Tiffany & Co., have a different appearance, featuring a gold disc and navy blue ribbon.
The Kennedy Center Honors program will include speeches and performances and will be broadcast later on CBS and Paramount+.
Trump attending the honors program marks the first time a sitting president participates after such changes in leadership.
The U.S. National Park Service plans to change its free entry days to national parks, removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth. Instead, Flag Day, which is also President Trump's birthday, will be a new fee-free day. The focus is on making park access more affordable for American citizens while charging more for international visitors.
Key Facts
The National Park Service will remove Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its fee-free entry days starting in 2026.
Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump's birthday, will become a fee-free day.
U.S. citizens will get free park access on several holidays, including President's Day and Memorial Day.
The Trump administration's changes aim to benefit American citizens over foreign visitors regarding park fees.
U.S. residents continue to pay $80 for an annual park pass, while non-residents will pay $250.
The policy changes are part of President Trump's modernization efforts for the National Park Service.
The Department of the Interior estimates that increased charges on foreign visitors could bring in over $90 million annually.
President Donald Trump presented the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to several artists during a ceremony at the Oval Office. The honorees included actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, country artist George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. President Trump was highly involved in selecting this year's honorees and has made changes to the Kennedy Center's board since returning to office.
Key Facts
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recipients in the Oval Office.
The honorees for 2025 are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Kiss, and Michael Crawford.
The medals were designed and donated by Tiffany & Co., featuring a navy blue ribbon and an image of the Kennedy Center.
President Trump personally chose the honorees, marking his first selection since becoming chairman of the Kennedy Center's board.
The president made changes to the Kennedy Center board and criticized its programming and appearance.
President Trump described the honorees as iconic figures who have significantly influenced American arts and culture.
A National Guardsman named Andrew Wolfe is recovering from a head injury after being shot in Washington DC on November 26, 2023. A suspect has been charged in connection with the incident. Wolfe's colleague, Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries.
Key Facts
Andrew Wolfe, a National Guardsman, was injured in a shooting on November 26, 2023, in Washington DC.
Sarah Beckstrom, Wolfe's colleague, died as a result of the shooting.
Wolfe is currently in acute care and is showing signs of recovery.
The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.
Lakanwal is an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in 2021 and previously worked with American troops in Afghanistan.
President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard members to Washington DC as part of a crackdown on crime and immigration.
The Trump administration cancelled citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from certain countries, including Afghanistan, following the shooting.
A man named Oscar Solarzano was charged with attempted murder after a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail. The incident has sparked debate over his immigration status, with President Trump and others commenting on it. Solarzano is in the U.S. illegally and has been deported before.
Key Facts
Oscar Solarzano, 33, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other crimes after a stabbing in Charlotte.
The police arrested Solarzano, and he is in custody at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
The victim was found with a stab wound and is in a critical but stable condition.
Solarzano is not a legal U.S. resident and has been deported in the past.
President Trump commented on Solarzano’s immigration status, calling him an "illegal migrant."
The conversation about immigration follows a recent large-scale ICE operation in Charlotte.
Officials have requested Solarzano provide fingerprints and a DNA sample before any potential release.
Authorities in Louisiana are looking for Keith Eli, who escaped from St. Landry Parish Jail on December 3, along with two other inmates. While the two others have been found, Eli remains missing. This escape has raised concerns about jail security and public safety in Louisiana.
Key Facts
Keith Eli escaped from St. Landry Parish Jail in Louisiana on December 3.
Two other inmates also escaped with Eli, but they have been found.
The escape happened by removing mortar from a wall and using improvised tools to scale the jail.
Eli faces an attempted second-degree murder charge.
One of the recaptured escapees, Joseph Allen Harrington, died by suicide.
The other recaptured escapee, Johnathan Jevon Joseph, was found on December 5.
Local authorities have warned the public to stay alert and report any sightings of Eli.
The escape is part of a series of jailbreaks in Louisiana this year, raising questions about jail conditions.
