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.
President Donald Trump criticized Somali immigrants, claiming they have harmed the U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar responded by calling his remarks inappropriate.
Key Facts
President Trump said Somali immigrants have "destroyed our country."
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar criticized President Trump's comments.
Ilhan Omar described Trump's remarks as "creepy."
Trump suggested that Ilhan Omar should be removed from the U.S.
The exchange highlights a conflict between Trump and Omar over immigration.
Meteorologists are warning people in the Midwest and Great Lakes about very cold temperatures on Thursday and Friday, which could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. A winter storm is expected, with rain turning to ice and snow in several states.
Key Facts
Very cold air is moving into the Midwest on Thursday and will reach the Mid-Atlantic and New England by Friday.
A winter storm may bring up to 3 inches of snow in some areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that temperatures could drop below zero in parts of the Midwest.
People are advised to dress warmly and limit time outside to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Snow squall warnings have been issued in Pennsylvania and New York, causing dangerous driving conditions.
Cold temperatures with wind chills as low as 15 to 25 below zero were expected early in the day.
Below-average temperatures are predicted for the Northern Plains, Midwest, South, and Northeast over the next week.
New York sent inflation refund checks to some people who had passed away, causing confusion. These checks aimed to help with rising costs but included deceased individuals due to using outdated tax records.
Key Facts
New York issued inflation refund checks to help residents with rising prices.
Single tax filers could receive up to $200, and joint filers could receive up to $400.
Some checks were sent to people who had died because records were based on 2023 tax filings.
People who receive checks meant for deceased relatives should contact the state's tax department.
It's not clear how many checks were sent to deceased people.
Mistakes like this could harm public trust and lead to potential fraud.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance provides guidance on what to do with incorrectly addressed checks.
A recent poll shows that many Americans who use Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits want them extended. If Congress does not act, these credits will expire at the end of the year, affecting about 24 million people. The poll indicates that most people would blame President Trump and Republicans if the credits are not renewed.
Key Facts
ACA premium tax credits help about 24 million Americans with health care costs.
The credits are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress extends them.
A poll found that 84% of people enrolled in the ACA market want the credits extended.
41% of people in the poll would blame President Trump if the credits expire.
67% of respondents said they would have to cut back on essentials like food or clothing without the credits.
52% said they might lose their health insurance if the credits expire.
The poll surveyed 1,350 adults with a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.
Senate discussions are ongoing, but no clear decision has been made to extend the credits.
President Donald Trump suggested that the money from tariffs could be enough to stop Americans from paying income taxes. Experts argue that this seems unrealistic because the numbers do not add up.
Key Facts
President Trump said tariffs might bring in enough money to let Americans stop paying federal income taxes.
He made this statement in a Thanksgiving video to service members.
Experts believe this claim is unrealistic.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods and are paid by businesses or consumers who buy those goods.
The amount of money from tariffs is unlikely to match or exceed the money needed to replace federal income taxes, according to experts.
Federal income taxes are a major source of U.S. government revenue.
A new bill proposed by Representative Pat Harrigan aims to block visas for students and researchers from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. This measure would prevent them from working in sensitive U.S. labs and STEM fields. The bill targets national security concerns related to foreign nationals accessing U.S. scientific research.
Key Facts
The proposed bill seeks to prevent nationals from five countries (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba) from working in U.S. labs and STEM fields.
The proposal is led by North Carolina Republican Representative Pat Harrigan.
Concerns have been raised about national security and economic espionage from these nations, particularly China.
U.S. intelligence has described Chinese economic espionage as a significant threat to America's economy and values.
There have been recent incidents involving Chinese nationals accused of smuggling harmful pathogens into the U.S.
U.S. authorities charged two Chinese researchers with smuggling and visa fraud related to biological pathogens.
President Donald Trump has previously defended the presence of Chinese students in the U.S., highlighting their economic contributions to colleges.
Rep. Nancy Mace stated that she is not planning to leave Congress before her term ends, despite being frustrated with how slowly things move in the House. She addressed a report about possibly following Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's decision to leave Congress, confirming her commitment to continue her term. Mace, who was first elected in 2020, is running for governor of South Carolina next year.
Key Facts
Rep. Nancy Mace has "no interest" in leaving Congress before her current term ends.
She expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in the House of Representatives.
Mace was responding to a report suggesting she might follow Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in leaving Congress.
Mace has shared her concerns with House Speaker Mike Johnson.
She was first elected to Congress in 2020.
Mace is running for the Republican nomination for South Carolina governor in the next election.
She does not plan to seek another term in the House.
In 2026, 19 U.S. states are set to increase their minimum wage, with some states having significant increases up to $2 per hour starting January 1. The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, a rate unchanged since 2010. These changes reflect efforts to address the rising cost of living across the country.
Key Facts
19 states will increase their minimum wage starting January 1, 2026.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2010.
Hawaii will see the highest minimum wage increase from $14.00 to $16.00 per hour.
Nebraska will increase its minimum wage from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour.
Michigan and Missouri will each have an increase of $1.25 per hour.
Rhode Island will see an increase of $1.00 per hour.
Oregon, Alaska, and Florida will have wage increases later in 2026.
The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" proposed a federal increase to $17 by 2030, but it has not advanced.
Norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting disease," is seeing an early rise in cases this year, before its usual peak in January. The virus, which causes symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, is highly contagious and leads to significant healthcare visits and costs each year.
Key Facts
Norovirus cases are rising earlier than expected in 2025, according to CDC data.
Normally, norovirus cases increase after the Christmas and New Year period.
The virus causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
Norovirus is responsible for 60% of foodborne illnesses in the U.S.
Each year, norovirus leads to about 900 deaths and 109,000 hospitalizations.
The CDC data showed that 13% of norovirus tests were positive for the week of November 15, 2025.
Young children and adults over age 85 are more likely to be hospitalized due to norovirus.
Preventive measures include washing hands, avoiding raw shellfish, and cleaning contaminated surfaces.
Health experts in the U.S. are discussing whether to change the timing of the hepatitis B vaccine given to newborns. This vaccine has been administered at birth since 1991 and has greatly reduced childhood infections. Delaying this vaccination could potentially increase the risk of children contracting the virus.
Key Facts
The hepatitis B vaccine is currently given to newborns in the U.S. right after birth.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices may vote to delay the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.
Some experts believe delaying the vaccine could increase the number of hepatitis B cases.
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and spreads through contact with bodily fluids.
The vaccine has helped decrease childhood infections by 95% since 1991.
Delaying the vaccine could lead to more liver diseases and cancers as the children age.
Hepatitis B often shows no symptoms, making it hard to diagnose without tests.
Multiple U.S. states are working on reforms to reduce property taxes, responding to rising housing costs and high tax bills. States like Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Arizona, and Colorado are considering or implementing changes that aim to help homeowners but could impact local government budgets that rely on these taxes.
Key Facts
Property taxes have risen nearly 30% nationwide from 2019 to 2024, reaching an average of $250 per month.
Florida is considering changes that could phase out some property taxes; these changes need voter approval in 2026.
Ohio has introduced property tax reform bills to cap tax growth and simplify the tax system.
Iowa's tax reform limits tax growth to about 2% and includes a homestead exemption.
In Arizona, Proposition 312 allows property tax refunds if local governments do not enforce nuisance laws.
Colorado has expanded property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and senior citizens starting in 2025.
A winter storm is expected to bring ice and snow to parts of the Central and Eastern United States from Thursday night into Friday. This storm could cause dangerous driving conditions, travel delays, and power outages. The affected areas include parts of Oklahoma to New England, with specific risks in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Key Facts
A winter storm will move from Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas to New Jersey and New England.
The storm could cause hazardous travel and power outages from Thursday night to Friday.
Areas like southern Kentucky, northern Tennessee, and North Carolina are at risk for ice.
Snow may spread north to Washington, D.C., and Maryland by late Friday.
Roads in Virginia and northern North Carolina might be especially slippery.
Heavy rain is expected in the southern states, leading to possible flooding.
Recent weather has already brought significant snow to Missouri and Kentucky.
Various winter warnings are active in the Northeast.
President Donald Trump might consider leaving the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) next year. The agreement was created to replace the previous trade deal and includes plans for periodic reviews. Trade and tariffs are a key part of President Trump's plans, impacting how the U.S. interacts economically with Mexico and Canada.
Key Facts
President Trump is considering withdrawing the U.S. from the USMCA, the trade deal with Mexico and Canada.
USMCA replaced the old North American Free Trade Agreement with a plan that lasts 16 years unless extended.
The agreement has a review process starting in 2026 to decide if it should be extended beyond 2036.
USMCA covers about $2 trillion in trade each year among the three countries.
Article 34.6 of USMCA allows a country to leave if it gives six months' notice to the others.
Article 34.7 requires a joint review every six years to possibly extend the agreement.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized differences between Canada's and Mexico's economies in relation to the U.S.
A joint statement from business groups in all three countries supports extending the USMCA for continued economic benefits.
The Department of Defense's Inspector General reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used a personal messaging app, Signal, to send sensitive nonpublic information about military operations. The report stated that while no classified information was shared, this use of a personal device violated specific DoD guidelines. Despite this, the Pentagon spokesperson said that the review exonerates Secretary Hegseth of wrongdoing.
Key Facts
The report was released by the Department of Defense's Inspector General.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the Signal app to send sensitive data.
The data included details about planned U.S. military strikes in Yemen.
The messages were sent on Hegseth's personal cell phone.
No classified information was shared, according to the Pentagon spokesperson.
The Pentagon considers the case closed and Secretary Hegseth exonerated.
The Inspector General found the use of a personal phone for official business violated DoD instructions.
The issue remains relevant due to other recent strikes and scrutiny on Hegseth's actions.
Two churches in the United States have used Nativity scenes to comment on immigration policies, sparking public reaction. The displays aim to highlight concerns with how immigration enforcement impacts families, especially under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Lake Street Church in Illinois created a Nativity scene showing baby Jesus with zip ties, symbolizing challenges faced by migrants.
Rev. Michael Woolf from Lake Street Church criticized immigration enforcement and was arrested during a protest at an ICE facility.
St. Susanna Parish in Massachusetts displayed an empty manger with signs saying "ICE Was Here."
Church leaders argue these displays highlight parallels between biblical stories and current immigration issues.
St. Susanna Parish has supported resettling 10 refugee families since 2018.
The Nativity displays have received both support and criticism from the public.
President Trump’s administration has increased immigration enforcement, raising concerns about deportations affecting families.
New York City buses will soon have civilian fare inspectors checking if passengers have paid their fare after boarding. This change is to address bus fare evasion, which cost the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) hundreds of millions of dollars in 2024.
Key Facts
The MTA will require passengers on New York City buses to show proof of fare payment after boarding.
Civilian fare inspectors, not police, will check tickets, similar to systems in some European cities.
Bus fare evasion cost the MTA about $568 million in 2024.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is currently focused on subway fare evasion.
The MTA has already caught over 370 fare evaders on selected high-evasion routes since introducing inspection teams.
The rise in fare evasion is linked to relaxed rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new fare enforcement will start once the OMNY contactless payment system is fully implemented by 2026.
