In 2025, the United States had the lowest number of mass killings in 20 years, with 17 incidents recorded. This represents a significant drop from previous years. A mass killing is when four or more people are killed in a single event.
Key Facts
There were 17 mass killings in the U.S. in 2025, the lowest in two decades.
A mass killing is defined as an event where four or more people are killed, excluding the perpetrator.
The number of mass killings dropped by nearly 59% compared to 2019.
The database tracking these killings is compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University.
Data for 2025 showed a 24% decrease from 2024, which was already 20% lower than 2023.
Experts suggest this decrease might be a "regression to the mean," where numbers return to more average levels after an unusual spike.
Improved responses to violent incidents might be contributing to fewer deaths during such events.
A Thanksgiving night fire in Los Angeles led to an off-duty paramedic named Richard Recinos rescuing 7-year-old Savannah Vasquez from a burning building. Recinos acted quickly when he saw the house on fire and managed to get Savannah to safety. The fire caused significant damage, but the Vasquez family was able to stay in their home after the firefighters confirmed it was safe.
Key Facts
On Thanksgiving night, a fire broke out in a two-story residence in Larchmont, Los Angeles.
Richard Recinos, an off-duty paramedic, rescued 7-year-old Savannah Vasquez from the burning building.
Savannah was alerted to the fire and safely exited the house following fire-safety lessons from school.
Neighbor Ari Vokydis helped by alerting other residents and contacting emergency services.
Richard used his leather jacket for protection and quickly carried Savannah out of harm's way.
Firefighters confirmed that while the home was damaged, it was not condemned.
Savannah sustained minor injuries, like burns and blisters on her feet.
An investigation into the fire's cause is underway.
Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky closed due to bad weather following a meeting on proposed school closures because of budget issues. Superintendent Brian Yearwood proposed closing some schools to save money, but many people oppose the plan, saying it will negatively affect students. The proposal needs approval from the Board of Education, and more meetings are planned.
Key Facts
Jefferson County Public Schools closed due to bad weather on December 2.
The proposed plan involves closing, consolidating, and relocating some schools.
The plan aims to address a $132 million budget deficit.
The district expects to save about $4 million annually from the proposal.
The proposed school closures include Zachary Taylor Elementary and Liberty High School.
The plan sparked opposition from teachers and community members.
The proposal requires approval from the Jefferson County Board of Education.
Additional public forums are scheduled before a final decision is made.
Melania Trump, as the First Lady, has received both praise and criticism for her 2025 White House Christmas decorations. The theme, "Home Is Where the Heart Is," includes patriotic symbols and modern elements like AI-generated ornaments and Lego portraits. Public reactions have been mixed, with discussions about the decorations mainly occurring on social media platforms like TikTok.
Key Facts
Melania Trump revealed her 2025 White House Christmas decorations on December 1.
The decorations have a theme called "Home Is Where the Heart Is."
The designs include patriotic elements acknowledging the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
Modern features include AI-generated ornaments and Lego portraits of President Donald Trump.
Social media, particularly TikTok, has been a platform for discussing the decorations, generating varying opinions.
A TikTok video featuring the decorations gained over 1,600 views, while another post received over 737,000 views.
Public opinion on the decorations is divided, with both praise and criticism expressed.
The decorations aim to reflect broader American cultural themes and contrasts.
First Lady Melania Trump showcased the 2025 White House Christmas decorations themed "Home Is Where the Heart Is," celebrating America's upcoming 250th anniversary. The design uses red, white, and blue colors and features 51 Christmas trees, among other decorations. Last year, former First Lady Jill Biden chose the theme "A Season of Peace and Light."
Key Facts
Melania Trump's 2025 Christmas theme is called "Home Is Where the Heart Is."
This theme celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Decorations include 51 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, and a Lego portrait of President Trump.
The main colors used are red, white, blue, silver, and green.
First Lady Jill Biden's 2024 theme was "A Season of Peace and Light."
Jill Biden's decorations included white paper doves and messages of peace.
The role of decorating the White House for Christmas traditionally falls to the First Lady.
The mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, Jose Ceballos, faces charges of voting illegally due to his non-citizen status, risking deportation. He has been accused of voting in American elections without being a U.S. citizen, and if convicted, could face significant penalties and removal from the country.
Key Facts
Jose Ceballos is the mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, and a registered Republican.
He is accused of voting in U.S. elections despite not being a U.S. citizen.
The Kansas attorney general charged him with multiple counts related to illegal voting.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that if convicted, Ceballos will be placed in deportation proceedings.
Ceballos received a green card in 1990 and applied for citizenship in 2025.
He mistakenly believed his permanent residency equated to citizenship, claiming he has voted in every election since 1991.
He cited voting for Republican candidates, including President Trump.
His next court appearance is set for December 3, and he could face prison time and fines if convicted.
Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has proposed a bill called the "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025" that would end dual citizenship for Americans. The bill requires Americans with dual citizenship to choose between their U.S. citizenship and any other citizenship they hold. If passed, this law could impact many Americans who currently hold dual citizenship.
Key Facts
The bill aims to eliminate dual citizenship for U.S. citizens, requiring exclusive allegiance to the United States.
It would require U.S. citizens with another nationality to renounce their foreign citizenship or U.S. citizenship.
Failure to comply with the bill's requirements would result in the person losing their U.S. citizenship.
The bill would need the Secretary of State to establish procedures and regulations for compliance.
There is no registry of dual citizens, so the bill could affect between 500,000 to 5.7 million Americans.
Senator Bernie Moreno, who introduced the bill, was born in Colombia but renounced his Colombian citizenship.
The bill might impact public figures like First Lady Melania Trump, who holds dual citizenship with Slovenia.
The bill could face legal challenges based on previous Supreme Court rulings recognizing dual citizenship.
The White House holiday decorations in 2025 include two Lego portraits, one of President Donald Trump and another of George Washington. The theme for the decor is "Home Is Where The Heart Is," and it features numerous decorations including 51 Christmas trees and unique installations like the "Fostering the Future Red Room."
Key Facts
The White House Christmas decorations include 51 Christmas trees and 75 wreaths.
Among the decorations are Lego portraits of President Donald Trump and George Washington.
The theme for this year's decorations is "Home Is Where The Heart Is."
First Lady Melania Trump chose designer Hervé Pierre to help create the decorations.
The decorations also include the "Fostering the Future Red Room," highlighting the foster-care community.
Patriotic displays are included to mark America's upcoming 250th anniversary.
There are over 10,000 butterflies as part of the decor.
Families can see interactive-style exhibits during tours of the White House.
A video shows a pastor in San Diego threatening to report a Hispanic woman to ICE during a parking dispute. The video has sparked negative reactions online, and the church involved has not commented on the incident.
Key Facts
A video posted on Reddit captures a pastor in San Diego threatening to call ICE on a Hispanic woman over a parking space disagreement.
The incident took place outside the New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in San Diego on November 30.
The video shows a woman arguing with a man identified as the pastor next to a parked car.
The pastor suggests contacting ICE, and the woman responds by stating she has legal papers.
The church has received numerous negative reviews on Yelp after the video surfaced.
People online criticized the pastor's actions as inconsistent with expected church values, such as compassion and moral leadership.
The church has not yet issued an official response to the incident.
A special election is taking place in Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District to fill the seat left by former Representative Mark Green. The race is between Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps. Both President Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris are involved, with Harris supporting Behn and Trump endorsing Van Epps.
Key Facts
The special election is for Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District seat.
The seat was previously held by Mark Green, who left for a private sector job.
Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps are running for the seat.
President Trump supports Van Epps, urging voters to support him.
Kamala Harris, former Vice President, is encouraging Democrats to vote for Behn.
The district includes parts of Nashville, Clarksville, and surrounding areas.
Democrats hope for high voter turnout in Nashville to win.
Harris has not officially endorsed Behn but attended a campaign event supporting Democrats.
The article discusses how the U.K. reduced its net migration significantly and compares this with U.S. immigration practices under President Trump. It notes how Europe and the U.K. manage emigration and quick decision-making in immigration processes, contrasting with the United States’ slower system. It also highlights the debate in the U.S. over immigration enforcement and asylum procedures.
Key Facts
The U.K. reported a two-thirds drop in net migration, reducing the number to 204,000.
In the U.K., 252,000 of the emigrants were British citizens, mostly under 35 years old.
The U.S. does not track emigration of its citizens effectively, focusing instead on visa overstays.
Europe has implemented fast-track immigration decision-making to reduce backlogs.
As of November, the U.S. immigration court has a backlog of over 3.4 million cases.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services lately paused all asylum decisions for expanded vetting.
Critics argue that U.S. immigration enforcement lacks due process while efforts are made to increase deportations.
The Department of Education classified nursing as not a "professional degree", affecting financial support for students in nursing programs. This change limits loan amounts for nursing students compared to other healthcare programs classified as professional, leading to concerns about worsening the nursing shortage in the U.S.
Key Facts
The Department of Education says nursing is not a "professional degree."
Nurses will not get the same financial support as other medical students.
The decision is part of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' under President Trump's administration.
Loans for nursing students are capped lower than those for professional degrees.
The classification affects hundreds of thousands of nursing students.
There are concerns this will worsen the nursing shortage in the U.S.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing predicts a future nurse shortage.
Some experts argue the decision undervalues the nursing profession.
The Trump administration is looking into adding more countries to its travel ban list after a recent shooting in Washington D.C. involving an Afghan national. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem discussed the potential expansion, and current travel restrictions already target 19 countries primarily in the Middle East and Africa. The administration has stopped processing immigration requests from Afghan nationals while reviewing security procedures.
Key Facts
The Trump administration may expand its current travel ban to include more countries.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned the possible expansion after a shooting in Washington D.C.
The current travel ban, announced in June 2025, affects 19 countries, mostly from the Middle East and Africa.
Seven countries on the list face partial travel restrictions, affecting certain visa types.
After the shooting, which involved a suspect from Afghanistan, President Trump suggested increasing immigration scrutiny.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stopped processing immigration requests related to Afghan nationals for further security checks.
Noem and Trump have not yet provided a specific list of new countries for the expanded ban.
Leaked information suggests the administration was considering adding 36 more countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.
After a meeting with President Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem proposed expanding a travel ban to more countries due to criminal activity concerns. The travel ban could target countries already under review by U.S. immigration authorities for national security threats. The specific countries involved have not yet been announced.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem met with President Trump and recommended expanding a travel ban.
The proposed ban targets countries linked to criminal activity in the U.S.
A recent shooting in Washington, D.C. by an Afghan national prompted the recommendation.
President Trump widened a travel ban on 19 countries, mainly labeled as third-world and failed states.
The U.S. is reviewing green card holders from countries of concern, such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela.
The Department of Homeland Security will announce the specific countries included in the plan.
The travel ban aims to prevent foreign nationals linked to terrorism and security threats from entering the U.S.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for various U.S. states, predicting heavy snow, ice, and high winds. People in affected areas are advised to delay travel due to dangerous road conditions.
Key Facts
Up to 12 inches of snow is expected in some areas.
Affected states include Massachusetts, Vermont, Georgia, New York, Maine, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Northern and central Vermont could see up to 12 inches of snowfall, especially in the Green Mountains.
Maine may experience up to 8 inches of snow and 35 mph winds, potentially causing power outages.
Alaska regions could face snow between 4 and 8 inches, with ice and 40 mph winds until Wednesday afternoon.
Wyoming could experience 5 to 12 inches of snow and up to 50 mph winds in certain mountain ranges.
The NWS warns that outdoor activities may become dangerous due to low visibility and hazardous conditions.
Brianna Aguilera, a Texas A&M student, was found dead near an apartment complex after attending a tailgate event. Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, disputes the police report that suggests Aguilera died by suicide and has raised concerns about the police investigation. The Austin Police are investigating her death but have not classified it as a homicide.
Key Facts
Brianna Aguilera, 19, was found dead near a Texas A&M apartment complex.
Aguilera attended a football tailgate event before she died.
Police suggested Aguilera died by suicide after a fall from a building.
Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, disagrees with the police's conclusion.
Aguilera had a 4.0 GPA and planned to apply to law school.
Rodriguez reported communication issues with Aguilera to the police before her death.
The case remains open, and the cause of death is pending the Medical Examiner's report.
Police have interviewed people who were with Aguilera before her death.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering a program that gives $1,000 and a free flight home to people living illegally in the U.S. who choose to self-deport. This initiative is part of a strategy to cut costs related to deportations and is promoted as a holiday offer via the CBP Home App.
Key Facts
DHS offers $1,000 and a free flight to encourage illegal migrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily.
The offer is part of an effort to reduce deportation costs, which average $17,121 per person.
Migrants must use the CBP Home App to apply for this offer.
The program includes forgiveness for civil fines and preserves the right to return legally.
The initiative began as an Executive Order signed by President Trump.
There has been an increase in self-deportations since Trump took office again.
Kids Can Press, the publisher of "Franklin the Turtle," criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for posting an altered image of the cartoon turtle firing at drug boats. The publisher stated this use of Franklin's image contradicts the values of kindness and empathy that the character represents.
Key Facts
Kids Can Press is the publisher of "Franklin the Turtle."
Pete Hegseth posted a modified image of Franklin the Turtle on social media.
The image shows Franklin firing from a helicopter at boats suspected of drug activities.
The Washington Post reported that Hegseth allegedly ordered strikes on a suspected drug boat.
The White House Press Secretary clarified Hegseth authorized the strikes but did not issue a "kill everybody" order.
Kids Can Press condemned the use of Franklin's image for being violent and unauthorized.
Melania Trump has coordinated the White House Christmas decorations for 2025. The theme this year is "Home Is Where the Heart Is," and it involves a large number of decorations placed with the help of many volunteers.
Key Facts
Melania Trump coordinated the decorating of the White House for Christmas 2025.
The theme for this year's decorations is "Home Is Where the Heart Is."
It took 1,500 volunteers one week to put up the decorations.
The decorations include more than 50 Christmas trees.
There are 700 feet of garland used in the decorations.
Luigi Mangione is in court concerning the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione admitted having a 3D-printed gun, but his lawyers argue that evidence should be excluded because it was obtained illegally. The court is deciding what evidence can be used in his trial.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in December 2024.
A prison guard testified that Mangione said he had a 3D-printed gun in his backpack.
Mangione's lawyers claim the search and evidence collection were illegal.
Prosecutors argue that the evidence, including the gun and Mangione’s writings, should be allowed in court.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to murder and may face the death penalty in a separate federal case.
At a court hearing, surveillance videos and a 911 call related to the case were shown.
Mangione is accused of criticizing the health insurance industry in his writings.
