Florida's Republican congressional delegation, including Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, is asking President Donald Trump to stop a plan for new oil drilling off Florida’s coast. They believe the plan might harm the state’s tourism industry and interfere with military training. The group is urging President Trump to keep a ban on drilling in place to protect coastal areas.
Key Facts
Florida’s Republican-led congressional team is against new oil drilling off the state's coast.
Both Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody signed a letter addressed to President Trump.
The letter was also signed by all 28 House members from Florida, including 20 Republicans.
The proposed drilling could potentially harm Florida's tourism economy.
Military training operations in Florida could face disruptions due to the drilling plan.
This request shows rare disagreement between GOP lawmakers and President Trump.
Lawmakers want to maintain a previous decision to ban drilling in Florida’s coastal waters.
This is a developing news story, indicating further updates may follow.
A federal judge in San Francisco questioned the Trump administration's control over California National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles. The judge asked if the federal government could legally control these state troops indefinitely. Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the Trump administration's stance on this issue.
Key Facts
A federal judge in San Francisco held a hearing about National Guard deployment in Los Angeles.
The Trump administration initially deployed the California National Guard in June due to violent protests.
Judge Charles Breyer questioned the ongoing need for federal control over these troops.
The judge asked if conditions had changed since the initial deployment.
Judge Breyer noted that crises do not last indefinitely.
He questioned the government's evidence of state authorities' inability to protect federal property.
President Trump can also deploy active duty troops in California if necessary.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the idea of the National Guard as a "private army" for the administration.
Immigration officials detained Allan Dabrio Marrero in Manhattan after he missed an important mail from the immigration office. Allan had a green card interview with his U.S. citizen husband but was held due to a previous missed immigration hearing. The couple and their church are working to secure his release.
Key Facts
Allan Dabrio Marrero was detained by ICE agents at his green card interview.
He missed a piece of mail about an immigration hearing because of a move.
Allan has lived in the U.S. for over ten years and is originally from the Cayman Islands.
He applied for asylum to escape discrimination as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Allan married a U.S. citizen, Matthew Marrero, and they applied for a marriage-based green card.
Authorities marked Allan's missed mail as a failure to appear, affecting his immigration status.
He is currently held at a detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
The family raised over $15,500 through a GoFundMe campaign to help with legal fees.
Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva from Arizona claimed that an ICE agent pepper-sprayed her while she was asking questions during a raid in Tucson. The Department of Homeland Security denied her claims, saying she was near someone else who was pepper-sprayed after obstructing law enforcement. This incident is part of a larger discussion about immigration enforcement in the U.S.
Key Facts
Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva claimed an ICE agent pepper-sprayed her during a raid in Tucson.
The raid took place at a local restaurant, Taco Giro, known in the community.
ICE and Grijalva's office were contacted for further comments.
Department of Homeland Security stated Grijalva was not directly pepper-sprayed.
DHS claimed two law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Grijalva posted videos online claiming she was treated aggressively.
Immigration enforcement actions are part of a broader national policy under President Trump.
A US vaccine advisory panel decided to stop recommending that all newborns get vaccinated against hepatitis B right at birth. The panel suggests that only babies born to mothers with hepatitis B should get the vaccine immediately, while others can start vaccinations later. Some experts worry that this change could increase hepatitis infections.
Key Facts
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Acip) voted 8-3 to change the hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns.
Babies born to mothers without hepatitis B can start getting the vaccine after two months.
The change does not affect babies born to mothers with hepatitis B, who should still get the vaccine early.
The panel's decision follows a recent change in membership by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The hepatitis B vaccine has been given to newborns in the US since 1991 to prevent liver diseases.
Experts are concerned about increased risks of infection if vaccination is delayed.
The World Health Organization recommends a different vaccination schedule for hepatitis B.
Insurance coverage for hepatitis B vaccines is not expected to change following this decision.
American flags across the United States are flying at half-staff in remembrance of several events. This includes honoring those killed in the Pearl Harbor attack 84 years ago and recent victims of shootings and significant community figures. President Trump has ordered flags to be lowered in memory of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed near the White House.
Key Facts
Flags across the U.S. are lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, honoring those who died in the attack on December 7, 1941.
President Trump ordered flags at half-staff to honor Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed near the White House.
California is flying flags at half-staff after a shooting at a children's party in Stockton.
Michigan lowered flags to honor former State Representative Fred Durhal Jr.
Maryland and St. Mary's County lowered flags in tribute to Shelby P. Guazzo.
West Virginia ordered flags to honor Staff Sergeant Wolfe and Specialist Beckstrom, with a statewide moment of silence.
Connecticut is flying flags at half-staff in memory of Representative Kevin Ryan who passed away.
Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily stopped a lower court's decision in a case involving immigration judges’ speech rules. The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court for emergency action to halt a federal appeals court ruling. Responses related to the case are due by December 10.
Key Facts
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary hold on a lower court decision.
The case is about immigration judges needing permission before giving official speeches.
President Donald Trump's administration requested emergency relief from the Supreme Court.
U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked for the lower court's ruling to be blocked.
The ruling was originally made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Chief Justice Roberts ordered responses for the case to be submitted by December 10.
The U.S. Supreme Court has approved a new Republican-supported voting map in Texas. This decision could help Republicans in future elections, though it is still unclear how it will affect the overall national political balance. The ruling is part of a larger nationwide battle over how voting districts are drawn.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court upheld a new voting district map in Texas that benefits Republicans.
President Donald Trump supported the new Texas map.
The new map can influence the political balance in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans have a narrow majority.
Mid-cycle redistricting efforts are part of a nationwide struggle involving multiple states.
The ruling affects upcoming elections as Texas voters will use this new map.
Legal challenges over redistricting exist in states like Missouri, Indiana, and Utah.
Democrats recently succeeded in some state-level elections but face redistricting challenges before the midterms.
The U.S. Supreme Court will review President Donald Trump's order that changes rules about birthright citizenship. This order says children born in the U.S. to parents who are there illegally or temporarily aren't citizens. The Court's decision on whether this is constitutional will come by early summer.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will decide if President Trump's birthright citizenship order is constitutional.
The order states children born to illegal or temporary U.S. residents are not citizens.
A lower court previously overturned this order, saying it couldn't be enforced.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments for this case in the spring.
A final decision is expected by early summer.
President Trump signed the order on January 20, at the start of his second term.
The birthright citizenship order is part of Trump's larger immigration policies.
Other Trump administration actions include increased immigration enforcement and using the Alien Enemies Act.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are planning to focus the 2026 election on affordability. They want to highlight differences between their economic plans and President Trump's record. The focus is on reducing costs in health care, housing, food, and energy.
Key Facts
Schumer and Jeffries are leading efforts to make affordability a key issue for the 2026 election.
They plan to highlight differences between their economic policies and President Trump's.
The strategy aims to lower costs in health care, housing, food, and energy.
Democratic leaders view affordability as a way to connect with voters.
Trump dismissed Democrats' concerns over affordability as not important.
Schumer and Jeffries often meet to align their messaging strategy.
The focus on affordability comes after inflation impacted the Democrats in past elections.
They aim to promote a message that is straightforward and challenging for Republicans to dismiss.
The U.S. Supreme Court will review President Trump's order that seeks to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily. The order was previously blocked by lower courts, which ruled it unconstitutional. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the spring and decide by early summer.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an order to end birthright citizenship for some children born in the U.S.
The order affects children of parents in the U.S. illegally or temporarily.
Lower courts have blocked the order, calling it unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court agreed to review the case and will hear arguments in the spring.
The decision could affect long-standing interpretations of the 14th Amendment.
Twenty-four Republican-led states and 27 Republican members of Congress support Trump's order.
The order is part of Trump's broader immigration policies and challenges.
The issue stems from a case in New Hampshire where a federal judge blocked the order.
A group of House Republicans is trying to extend premium subsidies provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These subsidies are set to expire soon, and if that happens, many people could face higher healthcare costs. Congress is expected to vote on this issue soon.
Key Facts
Enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts.
The subsidies were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people afford health insurance.
About 24 million Americans use these tax credits for their health care.
Some Republicans want to extend the subsidies, while others oppose doing so.
Representatives Jen Kiggans and Josh Gottheimer are promoting a bipartisan proposal called "CommonGround 2025" to extend these subsidies.
More than a dozen House Republicans support the proposal to extend the ACA premium tax credits.
Another plan, the "Fix It Act," also aims to extend these subsidies and is co-sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats.
A man from Virginia, Brian Cole Jr., appeared in court facing charges for planting pipe bombs outside political party headquarters in Washington the day before the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. He was arrested and will stay in jail until his next court date. Investigators identified him using various tracking methods.
Key Facts
Brian Cole Jr. is charged with placing pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic party offices.
He appeared in court and remains in jail pending another hearing on December 15.
Cole was identified through credit card use, cellphone tower data, and a license plate reader.
He admitted to planting the bombs and has views supporting President Trump.
The bombs did not go off, but they were found to be potentially deadly.
This marks the first public identification of a suspect linked to the pipe bomb case.
Two strong storms, known as atmospheric rivers, are hitting the Pacific Northwest, causing heavy rain and strong winds. These storms can lead to flooding, mudslides, and power outages, especially in Oregon and Washington. People in affected areas are being advised to prepare for the severe weather conditions.
Key Facts
Atmospheric rivers are storms that bring a lot of moisture from the sky, like rivers.
The first storm begins Friday, and a stronger one is expected Monday.
Oregon and Washington could see up to 6 inches of rain, causing flood risks.
Strong winds are expected, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph.
Several feet of snow will fall in the higher areas over the next five days.
Weather warnings include winter weather, gale, coastal flood, and wind advisories.
There is a 10-25% chance of some rivers reaching moderate flood levels.
People are advised to prepare by knowing flood risks and safe routes.
Fox News host Sean Hannity questioned FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino about his previous statements alleging a cover-up in the case of pipe bombs planted outside political offices before the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Bongino, now part of the FBI, insisted investigations are based on facts, not opinions. Recently, the FBI arrested Brian J. Cole Jr., accusing him of placing the bombs.
Key Facts
Fox News host Sean Hannity asked Dan Bongino about past comments on a supposed "cover-up" related to pipe bombs from January 5, 2021.
Dan Bongino used to claim there was an inside job involved in the pipe bomb case.
Bongino now serves as Deputy Director of the FBI and stated investigations are based on evidence.
The FBI arrested Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, from Virginia, in connection to the pipe bombs.
Cole is charged with placing explosives near the Democratic and Republican national committee offices.
Authorities said the arrest came from analyzing existing evidence, not from new tips.
Cole had purchased materials associated with making the bombs and was in the area at the time.
The investigation continues with input from several law enforcement agencies.
A Republican candidate, Matt Van Epps, won a special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. This win for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party came amid broader political challenges, including low approval ratings and economic concerns. Democrats improved their performance in this election compared to 2024, prompting discussions about future elections.
Key Facts
Matt Van Epps, a Republican, won the special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.
Democrats performed better than expected, narrowing the typical Republican lead.
President Trump's approval ratings are currently at the lowest point of his second term.
The Republican victory follows a period where Democrats achieved strong special-election results in 2025.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned Republicans about voter complacency in upcoming elections.
Observers noted a significant shift toward Democrats in every county of the district compared to 2024.
The election results are seen as indicative of potential trends for the 2026 midterm elections.
The Trump administration has decided to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the fee-free days at National Parks in 2026. Instead, additional days celebrating former presidents' birthdays and Flag Day have been introduced. The Department of the Interior plans to introduce digital passes and new fees for foreign visitors.
Key Facts
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth will not be fee-free days at National Parks in 2026.
Instead, days like former presidents' birthdays and Flag Day will be fee-free.
The decision aligns with President Trump's policies focusing on American priorities.
Digital "America the Beautiful" passes will be available for use on mobile devices.
These digital passes will feature images of President Trump and George Washington.
New fees will be implemented for foreign visitors to U.S. National Parks.
U.S. citizens will pay $80 for an annual pass, while nonresidents will pay $250.
Poll results show a rise in support for California Governor Gavin Newsom as a possible Democratic presidential candidate. Emerson College's recent poll reveals an increase in potential votes for Newsom from August to December. Although Newsom has not officially announced a presidential run, he indicated he will decide after the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Governor Newsom's support in the Democratic primaries has increased by 13 points from August to December.
In the Emerson poll, 36% of likely voters support Newsom, with Pete Buttigieg receiving 16%.
Other candidates included in the poll are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 13% and Kamala Harris at 9%.
Newsom hinted he would decide on running for president after the 2026 midterms.
Newsom will end his term as California governor in January 2027.
In a hypothetical election matchup, 46% of people would support Vice President JD Vance, and 45% would support Newsom.
Newsom has publicly criticized President Trump and engaged with him on social media.
Congress is examining new changes to U.S. pensions through a bill introduced by Representative Eugene Vindman. This bill aims to make it easier for Americans to save money for emergencies without affecting their retirement plans. It involves raising contribution limits and changing the rules for certain savings accounts linked to pensions.
Key Facts
A new bill was introduced by Representative Eugene Vindman to change U.S. pension rules.
The bill focuses on emergency savings accounts tied to retirement plans, known as pension-linked emergency savings accounts (PLESAs).
The proposal aims to change eligibility rules and increase contribution limits for these accounts.
PLESAs allow workers to save for unexpected expenses without using their retirement funds.
Contributions to PLESAs are made after-tax, meaning no taxes are owed when withdrawing it.
Currently, contributions to PLESAs cannot exceed $2,500, adjusted for inflation.
The proposed changes are intended to improve financial resilience for American workers.
The bill builds on previous changes made under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
A federal vaccine advisory committee voted to change the longstanding recommendation that all newborns in the U.S. receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The new guideline suggests that the decision should be made by parents and doctors unless the mother has tested positive for hepatitis B. The committee members were appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Key Facts
A federal committee voted to change the recommendation that all U.S. newborns receive a hepatitis B shot at birth.
The committee members were appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine activism.
The new guideline suggests that parents and doctors decide on the vaccine unless the mother has tested positive for hepatitis B.
The committee vote passed 8–3 in favor of this change.
The acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will decide whether to accept this recommendation.
The previous guideline had been in place since 1991 to reduce childhood infections from hepatitis B.
Critics argue the new recommendation could harm public health efforts to prevent hepatitis B.
The panel was restructured by Kennedy in June, replacing previous members with critics of past vaccine policies.
