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.
President Donald Trump’s administration has directed U.S. embassies to prioritize visa applications for foreign investors and fans attending big events like the World Cup and Olympics. At the same time, new rules make it harder for highly skilled foreign workers to get H-1B visas if they have been involved in online censorship of Americans.
Key Facts
U.S. embassies are instructed to give priority to visa applications for foreign investors and sports fans ahead of major events.
The 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics are included in these prioritized events.
New screening rules for H-1B visas target applicants suspected of participating in online censorship of Americans.
Consular officials must prioritize "significant investments" and major sporting events in visa processing.
Over 400 additional consular officers have been added globally to manage visa demand.
H-1B visa applications will be closely reviewed for any connections to censorship activities.
Visa applications related to projects promoting "American re-industrialization" may take precedent over sports-related visas.
The changes aim to manage an expected rise in international visitors for upcoming events.
Former Ohio Governor John Kasich stated that Republicans may lose control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections because voters are worried about high costs. Kasich said that voters are unhappy with the current state of the economy under President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
John Kasich is a former Republican governor from Ohio.
Kasich mentioned that affordability issues could lead to Republicans losing the House in 2026.
President Trump has expressed differing views on affordability in recent weeks.
Trump blamed the Biden administration for inflation issues he says he inherited.
Kasich promotes a plan for a balanced federal budget to regain economic focus.
Recent elections showed Democrats winning by focusing on economic issues.
President Trump’s approval ratings have decreased to 36% during his second term.
The Republican base still largely supports Trump, with 84% approval among Republicans.
A Pentagon report found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the Signal messaging app to discuss sensitive military operations, which might have put personnel and missions at risk. The investigation concluded Hegseth did not follow protocol by using his personal phone for these discussions and there is ongoing scrutiny about his actions.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used Signal to discuss military operations about Yemen.
The Pentagon report states using Signal violated security protocols since it's not a secure network for classified information.
Hegseth has the authority to declassify information, making the consequences of his actions unclear.
The investigation suggests all Pentagon officials need better training on communication protocols.
The report has not been published yet, but one version is expected to be released soon.
Some lawmakers have asked for Hegseth to be fired, but President Trump downplayed the situation.
The investigation began after a journalist was accidentally added to the Signal chat group Hegseth used.
Hegseth claims he was exonerated by the report, although it does not fully clear him of wrongdoing.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is focusing on tackling fraud cases in Minnesota, which are challenging due to limited resources. Prosecutors have charged many individuals in significant fraud schemes but acknowledge that not everyone involved can be prosecuted. President Trump and his administration have expressed concerns about fraud linked to funding being improperly used, including allegations involving the Somali group al-Shabab.
Key Facts
The DOJ is prioritizing efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse, particularly in Minnesota.
Minnesota federal prosecutors face challenges due to insufficient resources to charge everyone involved in fraud cases.
A significant case involves a housing stabilization fraud scheme with eight defendants charged.
The Feeding Our Future scheme was identified as the largest COVID-19 fraud in the nation, involving $240 million in misused federal funds.
President Trump discussed concerns about taxpayer dollars allegedly reaching the Somali group al-Shabab.
78 defendants have been charged in relation to the Feeding Our Future case.
Prosecutors highlighted the involvement of both U.S. citizens and Somali individuals in these fraud schemes.
Federal authorities may focus on Somali immigrants living illegally in the U.S. as part of future immigration operations.
Meteorologists are monitoring a possible weather event called Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) that might bring colder than usual temperatures to parts of the United States. While some experts suggest there's a small chance of another significant SSW soon, forecasts show continued cold temperatures in several regions.
Key Facts
Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) can cause rapid changes in weather, leading to cold spells when Arctic air moves south.
The National Weather Service previously warned about SSW affecting U.S. temperatures.
Meteorologist Ben Noll mentioned a potential SSW affecting the U.S. soon.
NOAA's Laura Ciasto stated current models don't predict another major SSW immediately.
People in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast face risks of frostbite and hypothermia due to continued cold.
Temperatures in some regions have dropped below zero, particularly affecting Iowa and the broader Midwest area.
The NWS Climate Prediction Center expects below-average temperatures to last for an extended period across various parts of the U.S.
Residents in affected areas are advised to follow local weather guidance and take precautions against the cold.
Luigi Mangione is facing murder charges for allegedly killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. During a court hearing, new details about Mangione's arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania were revealed, including his use of a fake ID and interactions with police. Mangione's lawyers argue that evidence from his arrest should not be used in court.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2024.
He is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Police approached Mangione at a McDonald’s after receiving reports about a suspicious person.
Mangione initially provided a fake New Jersey driver’s license to police.
Officers found a gun and notebook in Mangione's backpack, which are part of the evidence against him.
The gun reportedly matched the firearm used in the CEO's killing.
Mangione's defense claims his rights were violated because he wasn't read his rights before questioning.
The hearing is for the state case and is revealing evidence for both state and federal cases.
President Donald Trump is changing the rules for immigrant work permits in the U.S. Under the new policy, work permits for immigrants applying for asylum or humanitarian programs will be valid for 18 months instead of five years. The administration believes this change will help them review immigrants more often.
Key Facts
President Trump announced changes to immigrant work permit rules.
Work permit duration for certain immigrants will be reduced from five years to 18 months.
The change affects immigrants applying for asylum or other humanitarian programs.
An attack involving an Afghan national granted asylum prompted this policy move.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) supports more frequent checks on immigrants.
USCIS Director Joe Edlow stated working in the U.S. is considered a privilege.
The FBI has arrested a person believed to have planted pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C., the night before the 2021 Capitol riot. This arrest comes nearly five years after the incident, which was previously unsolved.
Key Facts
The FBI arrested a suspect in a nearly 5-year-old case involving pipe bombs.
The bombs were found near the Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The incident occurred the night before the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The bombs did not explode.
Security footage showed the suspect wearing a mask, glasses, gray hoodie, and gloves.
The suspect used a backpack to carry the bombs.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino had recently announced a new investigation strategy.
The FBI has not commented yet on this development.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is questioning the legitimacy of John Sarcone serving as the acting U.S. attorney for northern New York. James argues that Sarcone was appointed unlawfully and therefore cannot oversee the investigation into her lawsuits against President Trump and the National Rifle Association. The courts are reviewing whether the appointments of certain U.S. attorneys by the Trump administration were done legally.
Key Facts
Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York.
James is challenging John Sarcone's role as acting U.S. attorney for northern New York.
Sarcone's appointment is in question because it did not go through the usual process.
Federal law requires U.S. attorney appointments to be confirmed by the Senate.
If a temporary appointment is not confirmed in 120 days, judges can choose to reappoint or pick someone else.
A judge recently dismissed charges related to Sarcone's appointment due to legality issues.
The Justice Department argues that the U.S. attorney general can appoint attorneys and delegate duties.
Representative Ilhan Omar responded to claims from the White House suggesting she married her brother, which she denies. The claim is old and has been debunked. Her response to President Trump's comments about her and Minnesota's Somali community became highly viewed online.
Key Facts
Ilhan Omar is a Democratic representative of Minnesota.
The White House revived an old claim that Omar married her brother, which she denies.
President Donald Trump commented negatively about Omar and Minnesota's Somali immigrants.
Omar responded to Trump's comments on social media, gaining millions of views.
The White House's Rapid Response team repeated the debunked marriage claim.
Omar questioned President Trump with a controversial response in a social media post.
Omar is a member of "the Squad," a group of progressive House Democrats.
Brian Cole was arrested in connection with two pipe bombs placed in Washington, D.C. a day before the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. The bombs were found near Republican and Democratic party offices but did not explode. The arrest drew reactions online, especially from people involved in the January 6 events, and from some members of Congress.
Key Facts
Brian Cole was arrested for his alleged connection to pipe bombs found on January 5, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
The bombs were placed outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic National Committees.
Investigators worked for five years to identify a suspect and the FBI offered a $500,000 reward for information.
There is no information yet on the specific charges Cole will face.
Many individuals who were involved in the January 6 riot reacted to the arrest on social media.
Some members of Congress praised law enforcement for making progress in the investigation.
Details about Cole's motives or his possible connection to President Donald Trump supporters have not been disclosed.
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington has been renamed to include President Donald Trump's name by the Department of State. This renaming comes just before a peace agreement signing ceremony between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the building. The Trump administration has been involved in changes at USIP, which led to legal issues still being decided in court.
Key Facts
The US Institute of Peace is now called the "Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace."
The name change happened before a peace deal was signed between Rwanda and the DRC at the location.
USIP is an independent non-profit funded by Congress.
The Trump administration attempted to control the institute by reducing staff and budget, causing legal disputes.
President Trump has sought a Nobel Peace Prize and talks about his diplomatic achievements.
The Department of State described Trump as "the greatest dealmaker" in its announcement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to Trump as the "President of Peace."
The future of USIP is uncertain due to court cases about these changes.
