After the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C. by an Afghan national, President Trump's administration announced new policies. These changes make it harder for some foreigners to enter or stay in the U.S., including a pause on asylum decisions and a review of certain immigration applications.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington D.C. by a suspect from Afghanistan.
President Trump's administration is responding with new immigration policies.
They are pausing decisions on asylum, which is protection granted to people fleeing persecution.
The administration will review green card applications from countries "of concern."
Visas for Afghans who helped the U.S. in its war efforts are being stopped.
A memo showed that cases of all refugees entering during the Biden administration will be reviewed.
Indiana Republicans have suggested a new congressional map, which could strengthen their position in the state's House representation. This proposal has sparked debate among state leaders and drawn attention from President Donald Trump. The ongoing discussions and upcoming votes may influence the state’s political future and representation in Washington.
Key Facts
Indiana House Republicans proposed a new congressional map.
The map could give Republicans an advantage in all nine congressional districts.
Marion County, home to Indianapolis, would be split into four districts, affecting Democratic areas.
The map is part of a national push by President Trump for Republican-led states to redraw districts.
State Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray previously opposed redistricting, citing lack of support.
The Indiana Senate plans to vote on the proposal after the House.
Indiana Democrats criticize the proposal, arguing it won't improve government efficiency.
A special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District has become competitive, with Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn challenging Republican Matt Van Epps. This race, viewed as a test for future elections, shows Behn closing the gap in a historically Republican area. Both parties are investing significant resources, highlighting the high stakes of this election.
Key Facts
The election is for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, seen as competitive for the first time in years.
Aftyn Behn, a Democratic candidate and state lawmaker, is running against Republican Matt Van Epps.
Van Epps is endorsed by President Trump and is a former state commissioner and Army veteran.
Recent polls show Van Epps leading by only two points, making the race very close.
More than $5 million has been spent on the race, with heavy investment from conservative groups and Trump-backed PACs.
Behn's campaign focuses on local issues like healthcare costs and basic services.
President Trump has criticized Behn's past comments and positions in an effort to rally Republican voters.
This election is seen as an indicator of political dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
President Donald Trump has shortened the prison sentence of David Gentile, a former investment manager who was serving time for fraud. Gentile was released from prison after serving only a few days of his seven-year sentence. The White House justifies the decision by pointing to possible legal errors made during Joe Biden's administration.
Key Facts
President Trump commuted the sentence of David Gentile, a former executive convicted of fraud.
Gentile began serving a seven-year prison sentence but was released after only a few days.
Gentile was found guilty of defrauding over 10,000 investors through GPB Capital.
GPB Capital was accused of falsely representing private equity fund performance.
Gentile's co-defendant, Jeffry Schneider, received a six-year prison sentence and remains imprisoned.
The White House argues there were legal mistakes and that investors knew some risks.
Commuting a sentence doesn't forgive the crime as a full pardon would.
President Trump has commuted sentences of various white-collar criminals in his term.
An appeals court decided that Alina Habba was not allowed to serve as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey because the way she was appointed broke the rules. This decision can impact many criminal cases in New Jersey since her appointment skipped the required Senate approval process.
Key Facts
Alina Habba, formerly President Trump's lawyer, was serving as the US Attorney for New Jersey.
An appeals court found her appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which sets rules for temporary appointments.
President Trump selected Habba, but her nomination was not confirmed by the US Senate.
The Trump administration installed her in an acting role to bypass the Senate.
This is the second time in recent weeks that a Trump-appointed prosecutor has been disqualified.
The ruling may require the appointment of a new federal prosecutor in New Jersey.
The case began when three defendants argued her appointment was illegal, leading to a favorable ruling for them.
A similar issue led to dismissing criminal cases in Virginia due to an improperly appointed prosecutor.
A Minnesota judge alerted the state’s Department of Education about the issues arising from halting payments to Feeding Our Future, an organization involved in a major fraud scheme. This fraud scheme resulted in charges for 78 individuals who allegedly misused over $240 million intended for child nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Facts
A judge told Minnesota's Department of Education it had a problem after suspending payments to Feeding Our Future.
The organization and 78 individuals are involved in a large fraud scheme, defrauding over $240 million.
Feeding Our Future filed a motion for payments to resume in 2021, which was later denied because payments had already been reinstated voluntarily.
The fraud is the largest COVID-19 related fraud scheme identified in the U.S. so far.
Feeding Our Future falsely claimed to provide meals to thousands of children during the pandemic.
The judge did not order nor force the resumption of payments; the department voluntarily continued them.
Over three dozen people have pleaded guilty, and multiple individuals, including the executive director, were found guilty at trial.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz commented on the responsibility, emphasizing accountability for jailing those involved in the scheme.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned he will try to stop President Donald Trump from using military force in Venezuela. President Trump mentioned that Venezuela's airspace should be considered completely closed, raising concerns about potential military action. Schumer emphasized that only Congress has the power to declare war, not the President.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
Schumer plans to file a war powers resolution to block military action in Venezuela.
President Trump stated that Venezuela's airspace is "CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."
Concerns arose that President Trump might plan strikes against Venezuela.
Critics worry Trump's actions could lead to a potential conflict with Venezuela.
Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is the only body that can declare war.
Schumer previously issued warnings about Trump's actions toward Venezuela.
First Lady Melania Trump and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, were at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C. They packed holiday care packages for military service members along with about 100 military spouses and volunteers.
Key Facts
First Lady Melania Trump and Usha Vance attended an event at Joint Base Andrews.
The event involved packing holiday care packages for service members.
Around 100 military spouses and American Red Cross volunteers participated.
Melania Trump praised the military spouses for handling family duties while their partners serve.
Usha Vance emphasized the importance of supporting those in the military during the holiday season.
The event took place in a hangar at the military base near the nation's capital.
A West Virginia National Guard member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was seriously injured in a shooting near the White House and is showing signs of improvement. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed in the same attack. Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged in connection with the shooting.
Key Facts
Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically injured and remains in serious condition.
Wolfe has shown some positive signs, like responding with a thumbs-up and moving his toes.
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed in the attack near the White House.
The shooting occurred while they were serving on a crime-fighting task force initiated by President Trump.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault.
The Trump administration paused asylum decisions and Afghan passport visas following the attack.
Approximately 2,200 troops are part of the operation in Washington, D.C., with West Virginia sending over 300 members.
An additional 500 National Guard members have been sent to Washington by order of President Trump.
J. Austin McCubben, campaign manager for Representative Nancy Mace, resigned and criticized her for moving away from the MAGA movement. He urged President Donald Trump not to support her in her run for governor of South Carolina. McCubben said Mace is now aligning with other Republican figures and ignoring his advice.
Key Facts
J. Austin McCubben resigned as Nancy Mace's campaign manager.
He criticized Mace for shifting away from the MAGA movement.
McCubben urged President Trump not to endorse Mace for governor.
Mace is aligning herself with lawmakers Rand Paul and Thomas Massie.
A political action committee linked to Rand Paul is supporting Mace.
McCubben accused Mace of not honoring commitments to him.
Mace is planning a run for South Carolina governor in 2026.
Trump's endorsement is considered important in South Carolina politics.
The White House shared that President Donald Trump's recent MRI results were "perfectly normal" as part of his routine health check-up. The MRI included advanced imaging of his heart and abdomen to ensure no health issues, confirming he is in excellent health.
Key Facts
President Trump recently underwent an MRI as part of his regular health check-up.
The MRI included advanced scans of his heart and abdomen.
The scans showed no issues such as artery narrowing, inflammation, or clotting.
All abdominal organs appeared healthy and normal.
Trump mentions his MRI results were "perfect" and part of his annual physical.
He humorously noted he did not know which body part was imaged, except it wasn't the brain.
The MRI was a preventive measure common for men of his age.
A woman in Texas, identified as Stephanie, bailed her husband out of jail after he was caught smuggling migrants. During an interview, she explained that her husband attempted this illegal act to overcome financial struggles despite their opposition to illegal immigration. The woman discussed their financial issues and her husband's recent sentencing.
Key Facts
Stephanie is from San Antonio, Texas, and works as a swim instructor.
She bailed her husband out of jail for $1,200 after he was caught smuggling migrants.
Her husband suggested smuggling migrants to earn extra money because he was earning only $10 an hour.
Stephanie and her husband are described as right-wing "extremists" who oppose illegal immigration.
The husband was sentenced and is set to be released in August 2026.
During the interview, it was revealed that the couple has $14,000 in medical debt.
Medical debt in the U.S. is a widespread issue, totaling at least $220 billion, affecting about 20 million adults.
Stephanie expressed views on President Trump, stating she believes there are others "running the show" besides him.
Luigi Mangione is in a New York court challenging the use of certain evidence in his state murder trial. He is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Mangione’s defense argues that evidence was collected without a proper warrant and wants it excluded from the trial.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione faces trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Prosecutors showed surveillance videos of the incident and Mangione's arrest.
Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania a few days after the killing.
His defense wants to exclude a gun and a notebook found with him.
The defense argues the police searched Mangione’s backpack without a warrant.
Prosecutors claim the gun matches the one used in the crime, and the notebook shows his alleged motive.
The court hearing to decide on the evidence could last over a week.
Mangione wore a suit to the hearing instead of a jail uniform.
Chicago could face its coldest start to winter in nearly 150 years, with temperatures possibly dropping to -14 degrees Fahrenheit. Meteorologists are tracking changes in the polar vortex, a weather pattern that can cause extreme cold. This winter's weather could break records due to these conditions and other factors like La Niña.
Key Facts
Chicago's temperatures might drop as low as -14 degrees Fahrenheit by December 8.
The coldest early December day in Chicago was recorded in 1876 with a similar temperature.
The polar vortex, a weather system that impacts cold air distribution, is showing signs of unusual activity.
Meteorologists report potential for temperature drops 15-30 degrees below average in the Midwest.
The disruptions in the polar vortex can lead to more frequent cold surges.
La Niña, a climate pattern, may also affect weather conditions and contribute to record low temperatures.
Democrat Aftyn Behn is responding to accusations by President Donald Trump during a Tennessee congressional election. Behn has gained attention as a candidate in a traditionally Republican district, while Trump endorsed her opponent, Matt Van Epps. Despite Trump's criticism, Behn focuses on economic issues and community support.
Key Facts
Aftyn Behn is a Democrat running in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.
President Donald Trump accused Behn of various extreme positions on social media.
Behn denies these accusations, saying they are taken out of context.
The district has been under Republican control for over ten years.
Trump previously won the district with 60% of the vote in 2024.
The political maps in Tennessee were redrawn in 2022, affecting district boundaries.
Political analysts predict a Republican win, but Behn emphasizes economic concerns and voter discontent.
The special election is one of several held this year to fill vacant U.S. House seats.
Melania Trump showed the Christmas decorations for the White House, choosing "Home Is Where the Heart Is" as this year's theme. The decorations also celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Key Facts
Melania Trump unveiled the White House Christmas decorations.
The theme for the decorations is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
The decorations acknowledge the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
This is the first Christmas at the White House for the Trump family after returning.
The decorations include a LEGO model of President Donald Trump.
A study by WalletHub showed that holiday spending varies greatly across U.S. cities. The research ranked 558 cities based on factors like income and debt to estimate holiday budgets, with Palo Alto, California, having the highest average budget.
Key Facts
WalletHub examined 558 U.S. cities to find out how much people plan to spend on holidays.
Palo Alto, California, has the highest average holiday budget of $4,485.
California cities dominated the top 10 list for highest spending.
Elisabeth, New Jersey, has one of the lowest average holiday budgets at $212.
Factors considered in the analysis included income, existing debt, and cost of living.
U.S. Black Friday online sales rose to $11.8 billion in 2025, up 9.1% from 2024.
Cyber Monday sales were higher than expected, pushing total holiday-season sales toward $253 billion.
The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly over a video where he discusses "illegal orders" with military troops. Legal experts are divided on whether he can be prosecuted, given his status as a retired Navy pilot and a serving congressman.
Key Facts
The Pentagon is looking into a video featuring Senator Mark Kelly.
The video involves Kelly talking about "illegal orders" with military troops.
Mark Kelly is a retired Navy fighter pilot and a current U.S. Senator from Arizona.
Legal experts disagree on whether military law applies to Kelly in this situation.
Some say Kelly cannot be charged because he is a member of Congress.
A group of former military prosecutors believes Kelly did nothing wrong.
Starting February 1, 2026, travelers in the United States without a REAL ID, passport, or another accepted ID will have to pay a $45 fee. This fee is for identity verification at airport checkpoints. Almost all travelers already have compliant IDs, but those who don't will need to follow this new process.
Key Facts
The $45 fee starts on February 1, 2026, for travelers without a REAL ID, passport, or approved digital ID.
Standard driver's licenses will not be accepted for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
The fee covers costs for verifying a traveler’s identity and must be paid through pay.gov.
TSA Confirm ID allows those without proper identification to verify their identity at the airport.
Travelers need to pay the fee and complete verification before reaching security checkpoints.
Once verified, the verification is valid for up to 10 days; travelers must pay again after that if still without proper ID.
TSA officials recommend getting a REAL ID from the DMV as soon as possible.
Mobile and digital IDs from companies like Google and Apple are also accepted.
A special election in Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District has become unexpectedly competitive. This district, which strongly supported President Donald Trump previously, now shows signs of shifting voter sentiment. The outcome could impact the Republican Party's slim majority in the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
Tennessee's special election is being held because Representative Mark Green left Congress for a private job.
The district strongly supported President Trump in the past elections.
The race has gained national attention due to its competitiveness.
Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
If the Democrat Aftyn Behn wins, it could further reduce the Republicans' majority.
Both political parties are heavily investing in the election.
A recent poll shows Democrat Behn is close to the Republican candidate Matt Van Epps.
Social media discussions show a mixed sentiment towards President Trump in Tennessee.
