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.
A congressional watchdog called the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has started an investigation into Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The probe follows complaints about Pulte's actions against President Trump’s opponents. Pulte is also involved in separate legal matters concerning mortgage fraud investigations.
Key Facts
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating Bill Pulte.
Pulte is the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The investigation relates to complaints about Pulte targeting President Trump's opponents.
Pulte is also part of a grand jury probe related to mortgage fraud cases he has been investigating.
The GAO has received a request to investigate Pulte’s behavior and is working on determining the investigation's scope.
Pulte has accused some Trump administration rivals of mortgage fraud.
He criticized Federal Reserve officials and suggested the resignation of the Fed chair.
Pulte's actions led President Trump to dismiss a top central banker, sparking a legal case to be reviewed by the Supreme Court next year.
Colon cancer cases are increasing among younger adults in the United States. Research shows a significant number of these cases will affect those under 55 years old.
Key Facts
Colon cancer is traditionally linked to older adults.
The number of young adults diagnosed with colon cancer is rising.
The American Cancer Society predicts that 154,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025.
Of those diagnosed, one in five will be under the age of 55.
The article includes research data and patients' personal stories.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided that Texas can use a new congressional map in upcoming elections. This map is said to help Republicans, including President Trump, despite previous lower court concerns that it lessens the voting power of Black and Latino voters.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court allowed Texas to use a new voting map for future elections.
The map is designed to help Republicans gain five more seats in the U.S. House.
Texas officials claimed the urgency was due to upcoming primary elections.
A lower court had blocked the map, saying it reduced minority voting power.
The decision is part of a larger trend where courts handle election map disputes near election times.
The map was made at President Trump's request, and similar changes are happening in other states.
Lawsuits argue these maps are unfair by potentially discriminating based on race.
The Supreme Court will hear separate cases that might change how race can be considered in voting laws.
The Department of Justice has asked a judge to re-jail Taylor Taranto, a man previously pardoned by President Trump for charges linked to the January 6 Capitol riot. Taranto is now accused of causing alarm by being in Representative Jamie Raskin's neighborhood and has convictions for other offenses.
Key Facts
Taylor Taranto received a pardon from President Trump for charges related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Taranto was later convicted of illegally having weapons near former President Obama’s home.
He also made a hoax threat to bomb a government building in Maryland.
A judge sentenced Taranto to time served and three years of supervised release.
The Department of Justice wants Taranto back in jail due to his recent behavior in DC.
Taranto was seen at 2 a.m. in Representative Raskin’s neighborhood, causing concern.
DOJ argues his actions resemble previous charges he faced.
A Fox News host corrected President Trump’s economic advisor Kevin Hassett during a live interview about wage growth and inflation. The conversation included topics such as job cuts and public opinions on the current economic conditions. Some Americans are concerned about rising prices due to tariffs and economic uncertainty.
Key Facts
Fox News host Martha McCallum pointed out an error by economic advisor Kevin Hassett about inflation rates.
Hassett claimed real wage growth was $1,200 over the year.
McCallum noted job cuts increased by 54 percent so far this year.
A Fox News poll showed 76% of people surveyed rated the economy as "only fair" or "poor."
62% of survey respondents blamed current economic conditions on President Trump.
Hassett mentioned that government shutdowns affect people's views of the economy.
President Trump's approval rating improved slightly from the previous month.
Rising prices, partly due to tariffs, are causing frustration among Americans.
A federal grand jury in Virginia decided not to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on new charges. This decision comes shortly after an earlier case against her was dismissed. James was facing allegations of bank fraud and making false statements, which she has denied.
Key Facts
A grand jury in Virginia chose not to indict Letitia James.
The decision was made less than two weeks after a previous case against her was dismissed.
Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York.
She faced accusations of bank fraud and lying to a financial institution.
Letitia James has denied all allegations.
James is known for being a political opponent of President Donald Trump.
This article is marked as breaking news, indicating more updates may follow.
A recent poll shows Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is slightly behind Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate, while leading Representative Wesley Hunt. With many voters undecided, the race remains open, reflecting internal divisions within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
John Cornyn leads Ken Paxton by 1% in a recent poll (28% to 27%).
Wesley Hunt is third in the poll with 19% support.
The poll found that 26% of likely voters remain undecided.
Cornyn has a 52% favorability rating according to the poll.
Paxton's favorability rating is 58%, while Hunt's is 49%.
Cornyn has reportedly spent $70 million on his campaign since July.
If no candidate wins over 50% in the March 3, 2026 primary, a runoff will occur in May.
A report by a Pentagon watchdog found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might have risked U.S. troops' safety by sharing sensitive information through an unapproved app during a strike in Yemen. The report says that if enemies had accessed this information, it could have led to counteractions. Despite the findings, the Pentagon spokesperson claimed that no classified information was shared.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth sent sensitive information via an unapproved Signal group chat.
The information involved a planned strike in Yemen against Houthi forces.
There are concerns that if adversaries got the information, they could have avoided the strike.
A House Democrat is considering impeachment efforts against Hegseth.
Hegseth stated he did not share any details that would endanger troops.
A Pentagon spokesperson described the report as clearing Hegseth of wrongdoing.
The report noted Hegseth did not allow access to his personal phone during the investigation.
A survey by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) shows that morale is very low among U.S. Foreign Service workers. Many employees are struggling due to job cuts and changes made by President Trump's administration. This has affected their ability to meet diplomatic goals.
Key Facts
A survey showed 98% of Foreign Service members reported poor morale.
86% said the administration's changes have hindered their work.
About 64% reported delays in projects and initiatives.
61% of members are experiencing heavier workloads due to staff cuts.
Nearly one-third plan to leave their jobs earlier than planned.
The Trump administration cut thousands of jobs in foreign service agencies.
More than 200 Foreign Service members were laid off in a single day in July.
AFSA raised concerns over job replacements by political appointees and budget cuts.
A federal appeals court allowed President Donald Trump to keep National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C., for now. This decision temporarily stops a lower court's order that would have required the troops to leave by December 11.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to keep National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
A lower court had ordered the troops to leave by December 11.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit lifted this order.
The deployment began in the summer and expanded after an incident on November 26.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit arguing the president exceeded his authority.
Matt Van Epps, a Republican from Tennessee, is now a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He took the oath of office after winning a special election.
Key Facts
Matt Van Epps is the newest member of the U.S. House from Tennessee.
He was sworn in on Thursday after winning a special election.
The election was closely watched and important for maintaining the Republican party's control in the House.
Van Epps is a Christian, husband, father, and former Army helicopter pilot.
He has completed nine combat tours.
In his first speech, he talked about the value of freedom and supporting families who pursue the American dream.
A Harvard Youth Poll found that nearly 40% of Gen Z believes political violence can sometimes be justified. This comes amid concerns about political polarization and a lack of trust in political institutions. The poll also shows a decline in support for capitalism and socialism among young Americans.
Key Facts
Nearly 40% of Gen Z respondents believe political violence can be justified in certain situations.
The poll surveyed opinions on five specific circumstances where violence might be acceptable.
29% said violence might be okay when government violates individual rights; 12% cited election fraud.
56% of respondents said political violence is never justified.
Only 6% of respondents think the U.S. is a "healthy democracy."
Many Gen Z feel disillusioned with the political system and their economic future.
Support for capitalism and socialism has decreased since 2020 among Gen Z.
A man has been arrested for allegedly placing pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national committee buildings on the night before the January 6 Capitol riot. The bombs did not explode, and the arrest ended a long manhunt involving a significant investigation and a $500,000 reward. President Trump, in office for his second term, has pardoned many of those involved in the Capitol riot.
Key Facts
A man was arrested for placing pipe bombs outside political committee buildings in Washington, D.C.
The incident happened the night before the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
The arrest follows a years-long manhunt and a $500,000 reward.
The pipe bombs were deactivated safely and did not explode.
The suspect is expected to face charges in a federal court in D.C.
CCTV footage earlier this year showed an individual placing the bombs.
President Trump pardoned many involved in the Capitol riot after starting his second term.
Over 1,500 pardons or commutations were granted by Trump, who also ordered pending cases dropped.
