President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree at the White House Ellipse to start the holiday season. The tree, a 35-foot red spruce, is from Virginia's George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and will be open for the public to view starting December 6.
Key Facts
President Trump and First Lady Melania lit the National Christmas Tree.
The tree lighting event took place at the White House Ellipse.
The tree is a 35-foot red spruce from Virginia.
The tree comes from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
A federal grand jury in Virginia decided not to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James after a previous case against her was dismissed. The charges were related to allegations of bank fraud and making false statements, which James claimed were politically motivated. The grand jury's decision marked a setback in President Trump's efforts to prosecute political adversaries.
Key Facts
A federal grand jury did not indict New York Attorney General Letitia James in Virginia.
The grand jury's decision came after a judge dismissed an earlier case against her.
James faced allegations of committing bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
James argued that the charges were politically motivated.
A judge previously dismissed federal cases against both James and ex-FBI Director James Comey.
Dismissal with prejudice means the government could potentially pursue the same charges again.
It is rare for grand juries to reject a prosecutor's request to indict; in 2016, only six out of over 150,000 cases were not indicted.
President Donald Trump has chosen a new architect, Shalom Baranes Associates, to lead the construction of a large ballroom at the White House. The previous architect, James McCrery, has left the main role but will stay as a consultant. The ballroom is designed to accommodate up to 1,350 guests, with planning and funding details still underway.
Key Facts
President Trump has hired Shalom Baranes Associates to design a new White House ballroom.
The ballroom project expanded to fit up to 1,350 guests.
James McCrery, the previous architect, is now a consultant on the project.
The East Wing was demolished in October to make room for the ballroom.
The ballroom project is fully funded by President Trump and donors.
The National Capital Planning Commission must approve the construction plan.
Some groups and political opponents have criticized the project.
Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill to prevent similar demolitions without approval.
The US Supreme Court has allowed Texas to use new voting maps for the 2026 midterm elections. This decision overturns a lower court's ruling that blocked the maps, which were signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court approved the use of new voting maps in Texas for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Texas filed an emergency request after a lower court blocked the new maps.
The maps were passed by the Texas state legislature and signed into law by Republican Governor Greg Abbott in August.
The Supreme Court's decision was made with a 6-3 vote.
Three liberal justices disagreed with the majority decision.
The lower court argued the maps were "racially gerrymandered."
Democrat lawmakers in Texas previously left the state to delay voting on the maps.
The decision may help the Republican party maintain their majority in the elections.
A new poll by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School shows that young Americans feel economically insecure and have low trust in political and economic systems. Most young people doubt the U.S. is on the right track and have negative views of major political parties and institutions. The poll indicates declining faith in democracy and capitalism among the youth.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 2,040 young Americans aged 18 to 29 from November 3-7.
Only 13% believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction.
43% of young people report financial struggles or limited security.
30% expect to be financially better off than their parents.
President Trump has a 29% approval rating among young people.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans both have low approval ratings, at 27% and 26%, respectively.
Faith in capitalism among young Americans is at 39%, down from 45% in 2020.
64% view the U.S. as a democracy in trouble or failed, with only 32% seeing it positively.
The New York Times has sued the Pentagon over new rules that restrict media access. The newspaper claims the rules violate freedom of speech and due process rights under the First Amendment. They argue that these rules allow the Pentagon to limit which reporters can cover military news.
Key Facts
The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon in a U.S. District Court.
The newspaper argues the rules violate the First Amendment by restricting freedom of speech and press.
The rules give Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth the authority to decide if a reporter should be banned.
Some media outlets have moved out of the Pentagon instead of agreeing to the new rules.
The rules claim to allow the Pentagon to remove reporters if they pose a "security or safety risk".
The Pentagon states the rules are "common sense" to protect the military from dangerous information leaks.
The Pentagon Press Association supports the New York Times' efforts to defend press freedom.
Security for Representative Jamie Raskin increased after a person pardoned for involvement in the January 6 Capitol events was reportedly near his home. This follows a rise in threats against members of Congress. The individual in question denies being near Raskin's residence.
Key Facts
Rep. Jamie Raskin had increased security after a January 6 defendant was seen near his home.
The defendant was previously convicted for threatening Raskin and former President Obama.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's offices received bomb threats.
There has been a rise in threats against lawmakers who spoke against illegal orders.
The defendant, Taylor Taranto, was living from a van in D.C. and claimed to be an independent journalist.
Raskin's security increase included the Capitol Police escorting him.
Taranto's lawyer disputes that Taranto was near Raskin's home.
A group of U.S. senators introduced a bill to stop President Donald Trump from easing rules on selling advanced AI chips to China. The bill, called the SAFE CHIPS Act, aims to block certain AI chip sales for 2.5 years to protect national security.
Key Facts
The bill is called the SAFE CHIPS Act.
It aims to restrict AI chip sales to China for 2.5 years.
Republican Senator Pete Ricketts and Democrat Chris Coons introduced the bill.
The bill would require the U.S. Commerce Department to deny licenses for selling certain AI chips to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The Department of Commerce must inform Congress of any rule changes a month before they take effect.
The bill is supported by both Republicans and Democrats, showing bipartisan support.
President Trump had previously relaxed some tech export restrictions to China.
There are concerns that China could use advanced AI chips for military purposes.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided to temporarily block a lower court's ruling against Texas's new voting map, which opponents say violates voter rights. Justice Elena Kagan warned that the decision could lead to a constitutional violation by affecting voter rights based on race. The map will remain as planned, potentially helping Republicans in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued a decision to freeze a lower court ruling against Texas's proposed redistricting map.
Justice Elena Kagan voiced concern that the decision could violate the Constitution by placing voters in districts based on race.
The map is believed to aid Republicans in gaining additional seats in the House of Representatives.
Opponents argue the map may violate the federal Voting Rights Act by reducing minority voter representation.
Texas's decision was challenged for potentially having a racial impact on voter district placements.
The ruling did not decide on the overall legality of the redistricting map.
Supporters say the map adds new Hispanic-majority and Black-majority districts, but critics claim these are not significant.
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the decision as a political win for conservatives in Texas.
President Donald Trump attended a ceremony in Washington, D.C., where he allowed First Lady Melania Trump to light the National Christmas Tree. The event took place on Thursday evening with the tree lighting up in gold lights.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump attended the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
The event took place in Washington, D.C., on Thursday evening.
First Lady Melania Trump lit the tree.
Melania Trump pressed a button to illuminate the tree with gold lights.
The White House plans to submit construction plans for a new ballroom at President Donald Trump's request. These plans will be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission this December.
Key Facts
The White House is preparing to submit plans for a new ballroom.
The ballroom is linked to President Donald Trump.
The plans will go to the National Capital Planning Commission.
The submission is expected before the end of the year.
The commission will review the plans when they are submitted.
The review process is described as normal and careful.
Will Scharf, a top aide to President Trump, mentioned these updates.
U.S. military leaders showed Congress videos of attacks on a boat in the Caribbean. The actions have led to disagreements between Republicans and Democrats about whether the military actions were legal.
Key Facts
U.S. military officers showed video evidence to Congress about boat strikes in the Caribbean.
The videos were from an incident in early September.
Republicans support the Special Operations commander's decision to target survivors of the first strike.
Democrats believe the commander wrongly targeted a shipwreck.
The disagreements have led to a new divide between political parties.
The debate is about the legality of the military actions.
Authorities in the United States have arrested Brian Cole Jr, suspected of planting pipe bombs near the headquarters of the two major political parties in Washington, DC, on January 5, 2021. The FBI and Department of Justice announced the arrest and described the investigation as involving extensive data analysis. The suspect now faces charges for using an explosive device, although the investigation continues.
Key Facts
Brian Cole Jr was arrested for allegedly placing pipe bombs near political party headquarters on Capitol Hill.
The arrest was announced by the FBI and the Department of Justice.
Authorities reviewed over 3 million lines of data to identify the suspect.
The bombs were viable but did not explode and could have caused serious harm.
The investigation has been ongoing for nearly five years.
Officials offered a $500,000 reward for information about the suspect.
The suspect was seen on surveillance footage wearing a mask, gloves, and a grey hoodie.
Cole Jr faces charges related to the use of an explosive device, with additional charges possible.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under scrutiny for his decisions during a naval operation against alleged drug-smuggling ships in the Caribbean and for sharing sensitive information on a messaging app. Despite criticism and various betting odds predicting his early departure, there is no strong indication that he will leave his position soon.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Defense Secretary.
He is criticized for authorizing a second attack on a boat with survivors from a prior strike.
Some people believe the second strike may have broken war laws.
Hegseth also shared sensitive military information using the app Signal.
An inspector general report recently criticized his handling of information.
Betting markets show mixed predictions about Hegseth leaving before 2027.
A market called BetOnline favors him leaving before 2027.
Polymarket suggests a low chance of him leaving before March 31, 2026.
The FBI has arrested Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old man, in connection with pipe bombs found near political party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. The investigation into the incident lasted nearly five years.
Key Facts
Brian Cole Jr. is 30 years old.
He was arrested by the FBI for allegedly placing pipe bombs.
The pipe bombs were found near Republican and Democratic headquarters.
The bombs were placed on January 5, 2021, the day before the Capitol attack.
The investigation took almost five years to result in his arrest.
President Donald Trump made negative comments about Somali immigrants and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, calling them "garbage." This has upset Somali communities both in the United States and Somalia. People have criticized Trump's words as racist, and some worry they could lead to violence.
Key Facts
President Trump called Somali immigrants and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar "garbage."
Trump's comments upset Somali communities in both the U.S. and Somalia.
Minnesota state Senator Omar Fateh criticized Trump’s remarks as "hurtful" and incorrect.
Fateh warned that Trump's words might encourage more violence, particularly in Minnesota.
Local business owners in Minneapolis reported fear and a decrease in customers.
Trump increased anti-immigrant rhetoric following a shooting incident in Washington, DC.
Congresswoman Omar stated that Trump's negative comments about her and the Somali community are not new.
People in Somalia have asked their government to respond to Trump's derogatory remarks.
The Supreme Court allowed Texas to use a new congressional map favored by Republicans for the 2026 elections. The decision came after a lower court said the map might discriminate based on race, but the Supreme Court put that ruling on hold.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court approved Texas's new congressional map for the 2026 elections.
The map favors Republican interests, backed by President Donald Trump.
A lower court had ruled that the map likely discriminated based on race.
The Supreme Court responded to an emergency request from Texas for a quick decision.
Justice Samuel Alito temporarily blocked the lower court's decision before the full court reviewed the appeal.
The decision allows Texas to continue with its election plans amidst legal challenges.
President Trump's administration is directing U.S. embassies and consulates to prioritize visa applications for investors and fans attending major sports events like the World Cup and Olympics. New rules require visa applicants to undergo in-person interviews, and additional consular officers have been sent to manage the increased demand. The administration also introduced new criteria for skilled worker visas, particularly focused on social media content moderation issues.
Key Facts
U.S. embassies and consulates prioritize visas for investors and sports event attendees.
Major events include the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
In-person interviews are required for visa applicants, leading to long wait times.
Additional consular officers have been deployed to manage demand.
A new "FIFA Pass" initiative aims to speed up World Cup-related visa processing.
Visa applications for major sports event fans should be prioritized over other types.
New guidelines were introduced for H-1B skilled worker visas, focusing on social media moderation activities.
ICE is recruiting about 10,000 new agents to support President Trump's immigration plans. Some people are concerned about the methods ICE is using to hire and train these new agents.
Key Facts
ICE is currently conducting a large recruitment campaign.
The goal is to hire nearly 10,000 new agents.
This recruitment is aimed at supporting President Trump's immigration policies.
Some people have raised concerns about how ICE is hiring and training these agents.
Changes in hiring and training standards are part of the concerns mentioned.
