President Donald Trump stated that the rising cost of living, described as a lack of affordability, is a misleading idea pushed by Democrats. He claimed his administration improved the economic situation after he inherited high inflation. Trump argued that Democrats use the term "affordability" to create a false narrative.
Key Facts
President Trump discussed the issue of rising costs in a Cabinet meeting.
He said the idea of struggling with high living costs is a false narrative by Democrats.
Trump claimed he took over a situation with the worst inflation in history.
He credited his administration with reducing prices.
Despite this claim, many Americans still find housing and groceries expensive.
Trump specifically criticized the use of the word "affordability," calling it a "con job."
President Donald Trump announced plans to refund taxpayers using money collected from tariffs, claiming this could eventually eliminate income taxes. However, experts question the feasibility of this plan, noting that the revenue from tariffs is far less than needed to cover tax refunds or replace income taxes.
Key Facts
President Trump said he plans to use tariff money for taxpayer refunds.
He suggested this move could eventually eliminate income taxes.
The U.S. collected $258.1 billion in tariff revenue so far this year.
This amount is significantly more than last year's $90 billion but not "trillions."
The national budget shortfall last fiscal year was $1.8 trillion.
Experts are uncertain about how refunds from tariff revenue would work.
Tariffs are taxes on goods imported from other countries.
A new bill allows children under 14 to get a new Social Security number if their card is stolen or lost. This measure aims to better protect children from identity theft. The bill passed the House and now awaits Senate approval and President Trump's signature to become law.
Key Facts
The bill targets children under age 14 who have lost or had their Social Security card stolen.
The House of Representatives passed the bill with a 386-0 vote.
Representative Lloyd Smucker from Pennsylvania introduced the Social Security Child Protection Act.
The bill requires the Social Security Administration to issue a new Social Security number to affected children.
Currently, a victim of fraud must report it to get a new number, and this often isn't discovered until adulthood.
The new law aims to help prevent long-term troubles associated with identity theft.
Christina Woodling, whose child's Social Security number was stolen, supports the bill as a way to protect children.
The bill is now with the Senate and needs President Trump's approval to become law.
President Donald Trump stated during a Cabinet meeting that he does not want Somali immigrants in the U.S., citing their reliance on social services and claiming they contribute little. This follows his administration's decision to halt all asylum decisions after a shooting incident involving a suspect from Afghanistan.
Key Facts
President Trump stated he does not want Somali immigrants in the U.S.
He claimed that Somali immigrants rely too much on U.S. social services.
Trump mentioned that Somali immigrants contribute little to the country.
His comments came after a decision to stop all asylum decisions.
The decision followed a shooting in Washington involving an Afghan suspect.
Trump raised concerns about immigrants from nations like Somalia.
The administration plans an operation in Minnesota focusing on Somali immigrants.
Federal authorities plan an immigration operation in Minnesota targeting Somali immigrants living illegally in the U.S. The operation will focus on those with final deportation orders in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. This follows increased remarks from President Trump about Minnesota's Somali community.
Key Facts
Federal authorities are planning an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.
The operation targets Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S.
It will focus on individuals with final deportation orders.
The operation is expected in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
It is described as a high-priority sweep by immigration agents.
President Donald Trump's comments about the Somali community have raised concerns among local leaders.
The situation is developing, and plans could change.
Federal authorities are planning an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, focusing on Somali immigrants in the U.S. illegally. The operation is expected to target those in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area with final deportation orders. This comes as President Donald Trump has increased scrutiny of the Somali community in Minnesota.
Key Facts
Federal agents plan to conduct an immigration operation targeting Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
The operation will focus on Somali individuals with final deportation orders in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
President Trump has recently made statements focusing on the Somali community in Minnesota.
The State of Minnesota has the largest Somali community in the U.S.
The operation may lead to incidental arrests of other undocumented individuals encountered.
Homeland Security did not comment on specific future operations.
President Trump terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants last month.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the planned operation as an ineffective approach.
Senator Rand Paul plans to introduce a new health care proposal called the Health Marketplace and Savings Accounts For All Act. His plan aims to lower health insurance costs by allowing groups to buy insurance together across state lines and expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to everyone. Paul claims this approach will reduce costs for taxpayers and individuals, unlike current plans that increase subsidies for insurance.
Key Facts
Rand Paul is a Republican Senator from Kentucky.
Paul's health care proposal is named the Health Marketplace and Savings Accounts For All Act.
The plan allows groups like Costco or Amazon to purchase insurance collectively to lower prices.
The proposal would make everyone eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
HSAs allow people to save money tax-free for health expenses not always covered by insurance.
Currently, only 10% of insurance plans are eligible for an HSA, according to Paul.
The plan aims to use market incentives rather than government subsidies to reduce costs.
Paul's plan is presented as an alternative to both Democratic and some Republican proposals that continue to rely on subsidies.
President Donald Trump announced plans to rebuild Dulles International Airport in Virginia, saying it is poorly designed. The Transportation Secretary said the government will soon request bids to repair the airport's transport shuttles.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to reconstruct Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
Trump described Dulles as a poorly designed airport.
Trump praised Eero Saarinen, the original architect of the Dulles main terminal.
The Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, mentioned repairing the airport's passenger shuttles.
The request for repair bids for the shuttles will be announced soon.
Dulles is one of three main airports for the Washington area.
The airport's shuttle system faced issues, including a crash in November.
A video showed President Donald Trump appearing tired during a long Cabinet meeting. The meeting lasted over 90 minutes, and there were times when Trump seemed to have his eyes closed as others spoke. This comes as he addresses questions about his energy levels due to a recent New York Times report.
Key Facts
President Trump attended a Cabinet meeting that lasted more than 90 minutes.
During the meeting, a camera captured moments of Trump appearing to have his eyes closed.
The footage showed Trump sitting back in his chair and staying still for lengths of time.
This event occurred amid ongoing discussions regarding President Trump's stamina.
Questions about his energy levels were heightened by a recent New York Times report.
President Trump emphasized he is "sharp" at the beginning of the meeting.
Each Cabinet member was asked by Trump to provide extended remarks.
Mass killings in the United States have decreased in 2025 to the lowest number since 2006. Experts suggest this decline might be a return to average levels rather than a long-term trend. Improvements in crime response and a decrease in overall violent crime rates may also contribute to these numbers.
Key Facts
In 2025, the U.S. recorded 17 mass killings, the lowest since 2006.
Mass killings are defined as events where four or more people are killed, not including the perpetrator.
The decrease marks about a 24% reduction compared to 2024, which itself saw a 20% drop from 2023.
James Alan Fox, a criminologist, explains this drop as a likely "regression to the mean," or a return to average levels.
Mass killings typically show variation because they are relatively rare, according to experts.
Possible reasons for the decline include better immediate response to shootings and a decrease in overall violent crime since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2006, 3,234 people have died in mass killings in the U.S., with firearms involved in 82% of cases this year.
No school-based mass killings were recorded in 2025, and only one occurred in 2024.
Georgia officials are actively searching for Timothy Shane, an inmate who escaped from an Atlanta hospital. Shane stole a vehicle, which has since been found, and is believed to be armed and dangerous.
Key Facts
Timothy Shane escaped from an Atlanta hospital on Monday.
Shane was seen stealing a silver Pontiac Grand Prix on video.
The stolen vehicle was found, but Shane remains missing.
Shane has a history of fleeing from authorities and faces multiple charges, including drug and weapons offenses.
He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and dark blue pants.
Shane was initially in the hospital for a medical exam after attempting suicide.
He escaped around 1:20 a.m. on Monday while in deputy custody.
Authorities have urged the public to consider Shane armed and dangerous.
President Donald Trump is urging voters in Tennessee to support Republican Matt Van Epps in a special election. The election is gaining national attention because it could impact control of Congress, with both Republicans and Democrats actively campaigning.
Key Facts
A special election took place in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.
President Trump expressed support for Republican candidate Matt Van Epps.
President Trump communicated with voters via phone calls during campaign events.
House Speaker Mike Johnson participated in rallies for Van Epps.
Prominent Democrats like Al Gore and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also campaigned in Tennessee.
The election is significant as it might affect the balance in Congress.
President Donald Trump has announced new immigration measures following a shooting incident near the White House involving an Afghan asylum-seeker. These measures include reviewing green cards and asylum cases from 19 "countries of concern," as well as implementing a biometric entry-exit system for non-citizens. This move affects many immigrants who have settled in the U.S.
Key Facts
On November 27, a 29-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers near the White House, resulting in one death and one critical injury.
President Trump has ordered a review of green cards from 19 specific countries, including Afghanistan and others, due to security concerns.
The review affects green cards and asylum cases approved during President Joe Biden's administration.
Around 200,000 to 233,000 refugees admitted between 2021 and early 2025 might have their cases reopened.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will start a new biometric system that will collect data like photographs and may include fingerprints, iris scans, and DNA.
The new biometric entry-exit system will be mandatory for all non-U.S. citizens starting December 26, 2025.
This measure affects the 12.8 million green-card holders in the U.S., including those from the flagged countries.
Justice Elena Kagan questioned New Jersey's position in a Supreme Court case about whether a crisis pregnancy center can challenge a state subpoena in federal court. The center claims the subpoena, which asks for donor information, violates its First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court is set to decide the case soon.
Key Facts
Justice Elena Kagan questioned New Jersey's state's actions in the Supreme Court case.
The case involves First Choice Women's Resource Centers challenging a subpoena from New Jersey.
The subpoena seeks donor information as part of an investigation into the center's practices.
First Choice argues that sharing donor information threatens its First Amendment rights.
Lower courts ruled that the case was not ready for review since the subpoena was not enforced.
Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concern about donor privacy.
The Trump administration and American Civil Liberties Union support the center's position.
The Supreme Court will make a decision on the case in the coming months.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is being questioned because he approved a second attack on a boat suspected to be involved with drugs. The second attack, called a "double-tap," killed survivors from the first strike.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the US Secretary of War.
Hegseth approved an attack on a boat suspected of drug activities.
A second attack, known as "double-tap," followed the initial strike.
The "double-tap" attack resulted in the death of survivors from the first strike.
Voters in Tennessee are deciding who will fill a seat in the 7th Congressional District after former Representative Mark Green resigned. This election tests the influence of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, as they have actively supported the Republican candidate, Matt Van Epps, with significant campaign funding.
Key Facts
Tennessee held a special election for the 7th Congressional District.
The election was needed because Republican Rep. Mark Green resigned.
The district is known to usually support conservative candidates.
Matt Van Epps is the Republican candidate.
MAGA Inc., a group that supports Trump, spent over $1 million on the campaign.
This is the first campaign the Trump-supporting group spent on since the last presidential race.
President Trump supported Van Epps with a phone rally and a tele-rally.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP Chair Joe Gruters also supported Van Epps.
President Donald Trump discussed his health, addressing questions about a recent MRI scan. The White House stated the MRI was normal and part of a routine check-up. President Trump mentioned he feels sharper than he did 25 years ago.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump commented on his health in response to questions about a recent MRI scan.
He stated he feels "sharper" now than he did decades ago.
The White House described the MRI results as "perfectly normal."
The MRI was part of a routine physical examination.
Advanced cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was done as preventive measures.
Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, Physician to the President, provided the summary of the medical examination.
Such medical procedures are common for men in Trump's age group.
The White House responded to singer Sabrina Carpenter's criticism after it used her song "Juno" in a video about immigration enforcement. The video showed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) making arrests and included a controversial message from a White House spokesperson. Carpenter expressed her disapproval of the video on social media.
Key Facts
The White House used Sabrina Carpenter's song "Juno" in a video shared online.
The video showed ICE agents arresting people as part of immigration enforcement.
President Donald Trump has increased immigration enforcement efforts.
Carpenter criticized the White House, calling the video "evil and disgusting."
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the use of the song.
Jackson stated the administration won't apologize for deporting "dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles."
Carpenter expressed her concerns about her music being associated with the video.
The article discusses the urgent need to repair and modernize America's aging roads and bridges. It highlights an opportunity for the Trump administration to invest in infrastructure, creating economic growth and improving transportation. The article suggests a new funding plan to address these needs efficiently by focusing on existing infrastructure and empowering states.
Key Facts
Nearly half of America's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
There is a nearly trillion-dollar funding gap for roadways over the next 10 years.
The Trump administration has an opportunity to revamp infrastructure starting next year, as current federal transportation funding expires in September 2026.
Infrastructure investment can create jobs, expand the economy, and strengthen national security.
Proposed plan calls for at least a five-year, $600 billion fully funded bill for roads, bridges, rail, and transit.
Previous infrastructure efforts faced delays due to bureaucracy and inflation.
It is suggested to give more decision-making power to states and streamline permit processes to improve efficiency.
Representative Elise Stefanik, a New York lawmaker, accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of blocking a legislative provision related to the FBI's past investigation into President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. Stefanik, a strong Trump ally, expressed her frustration on social media, claiming Johnson is siding against Trump Republicans. Johnson responded, stating her accusations are false and due to a misunderstanding.
Key Facts
Elise Stefanik is a lawmaker from New York and a strong supporter of President Trump.
Stefanik accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of blocking her legislative efforts.
Her legislation is in response to the 2016 FBI investigation involving President Trump.
Stefanik made her accusations public on social media.
Mike Johnson denied the accusations and said there is a misunderstanding.
Johnson indicated he was not aware of the specific issue involving Stefanik's provision.
Stefanik believes Johnson is siding with a critic of President Trump.
