The Trump administration has launched a "Media Offender of the Week" website feature to track misleading stories by news organizations. This site highlights major media outlets that the administration claims share biased or false reporting. This initiative continues President Trump's criticism of mainstream media, which he often calls "fake news."
Key Facts
The "Media Offender of the Week" section is part of a new White House website feature.
It lists major news outlets like CNN, MSNBC, The Washington Post, and CBS News.
The website aims to identify and spotlight what the administration calls biased or false reporting.
The feature includes sections labeled as "Bias," "Lie," "Malpractice," and "Left-wing Lunacy."
The administration argues media misrepresented President Trump's social media posts regarding military orders and Congress members.
The Wall Street Journal, despite a $10 billion lawsuit from Trump, is also named on the site.
The initiative is said to add scrutiny to President Trump's interactions with the media and his longstanding critique of mainstream news outlets.
Notably, Fox News is absent from the website's lists.
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will be back in court for a pretrial hearing about evidence in the case. His defense argues that evidence was obtained unlawfully and should not be used in court. Mangione, who was arrested in Pennsylvania and is held without bail, denies all charges.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
He was arrested on December 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after the shooting.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to charges, including murder and weapons violations.
The court hearing will discuss whether certain evidence can be used at trial.
His defense claims his rights were violated during the arrest and evidence collection.
Mangione's supporters have raised over $1.3 million for his legal defense.
Prosecutors, including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, seek the death penalty for the case.
President Trump and others refer to Mangione as a "cold-blooded assassin."
A debate is happening in American Christianity about whether empathy is a strength or a weakness. Some conservative leaders are challenging empathy's role in areas like immigration and racial justice, while others argue that empathy is a core value of Christianity. This discussion is occurring as the U.S. becomes more diverse and organized religion declines.
Key Facts
A division exists within American Christianity regarding the role of empathy.
Some conservatives argue that empathy is a weakness, especially in discussions about immigration, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Supporters of empathy see it as central to Christian teachings, including the Gospels.
Empathy is part of social-emotional learning, a teaching approach that was challenged in some states but none managed to ban it.
Polls show 80% of U.S. adults consider empathy a key moral value.
Around 16% view empathy as a harmful emotion that opposes divine guidance.
Diverse groups, like Homeboy Industries and Repairers of the Breach, use empathy to address social issues.
Former Vice President Al Gore will support Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn in a special election in Tennessee, while President Donald Trump will campaign for Republican candidate Matt Van Epps. The election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has become closely contested, with both parties seeking to boost voter turnout.
Key Facts
Al Gore will campaign for Aftyn Behn in a special election in Tennessee.
President Trump will host a rally for Matt Van Epps, the Republican candidate.
The election is competitive, with polls showing Van Epps leading Behn 48% to 46%.
The special election happened because Republican Representative Mark Green resigned.
The race could impact control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans have a slim majority.
Behn's campaign initially announced and then deleted a post about Gore's participation.
Both parties aim to increase voter turnout with high-profile supporters.
The election touches on national issues like the economy and health care.
A shooting at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, left four people dead and 11 injured during a family gathering. The victims who died were between eight and 21 years old. Authorities believe it might have been a targeted attack, and the suspect has not yet been caught.
Key Facts
A shooting happened at a banquet hall in Stockton, California.
Four people were killed in the incident.
Eleven people were injured during the shooting.
The victims who died were aged between eight and 21.
The suspect is still at large.
Authorities suspect the incident might have been targeted.
The shooting took place just before 6 p.m.
Stockton is located about 40 miles south of Sacramento.
A winter storm caused major flight disruptions in the United States, leading to thousands of delays and cancellations at key airports following the Thanksgiving holiday. Airports in cities like Chicago, Texas, and across the Southeast faced severe challenges due to snow, ice, and cold temperatures, affecting air and ground travel.
Key Facts
Over 15,000 flights were delayed, and at least 900 were canceled due to the storm.
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport experienced significant delays and over 1,300 flight cancellations in 24 hours.
The Des Moines Airport closed a runway after a plane slid off; no injuries were reported.
The National Weather Service reported record snowfall in Chicago on Saturday.
Detroit Wayne County Airport and Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport also experienced over 80 cancellations.
Travel on roadways was dangerous, with a notable 40-vehicle crash in Indiana.
The National Weather Service warned of continued wintry weather in the coming days.
Democrats are asking President Donald Trump to release the results of a recent MRI test, raising questions about his health. This request follows his remarks about immigration and is linked to visible health concerns like bruises and a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
Key Facts
Democrats want President Trump to release his MRI results.
President Trump had an MRI in October at Walter Reed Medical Center.
He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July.
Photos showed bruises on Trump's hands, causing health concerns.
Trump is the oldest person to become U.S. president at 78 years old.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's social media post called for releasing the MRI results.
Social media users continue to discuss the topic, many asking for transparency about Trump's health.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an alleged shooter of two National Guard members, was likely "radicalized" in the U.S. Lakanwal, who worked with American forces in Afghanistan, entered the U.S. through an initiative to help Afghan allies and was granted asylum during the Trump administration. This incident has led to a freeze on immigration requests for Afghan nationals by the current administration.
Key Facts
Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly shot two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, which helped Afghan allies enter the country.
His asylum application was approved earlier this year by the Trump administration.
Kristi Noem blamed the Biden administration for his entry and alleged radicalization.
The National Counterterrorism Center and CIA initially vetted Lakanwal as having no terrorist group ties.
Lakanwal's actions led to a freeze on U.S. immigration requests for Afghans.
Both shooting victims were hospitalized; one died, and the other is in critical condition.
A large immigration enforcement operation named "Swamp Sweep" will begin in Southeast Louisiana and parts of Mississippi, involving about 250 federal agents. The operation aims to arrest around 5,000 people and is part of a broader effort by President Trump’s administration to enforce immigration laws.
Key Facts
Approximately 250 federal agents will conduct the "Swamp Sweep" operation starting Monday.
The operation will target around 5,000 individuals for immigration violations.
The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on upcoming operations.
"Swamp Sweep" is part of a series of actions focusing on cities that resist federal immigration policies.
New Orleans, a "sanctuary city," is a particular focus due to its historical stance on immigrant protections.
Federal agents plan to operate in several Louisiana parishes and parts of Mississippi.
The operation will use local federal infrastructure, including the FBI field office and a naval base in New Orleans.
Emails from a community member show concerns about Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is suspected of a National Guard shooting that killed one person and injured another. Lakanwal had exhibited troubling behavior, including long periods of isolation and unemployment. These revelations come as security in the nation's capital is under scrutiny.
Key Facts
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of a National Guard shooting that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.
Lakanwal, age 29, showed signs of distress such as long isolation periods and difficulty holding jobs.
A community member reported concerns about Lakanwal's mental health and behavior to a refugee organization.
Lakanwal reportedly made long cross-country drives and experienced what the community member described as "manic" episodes.
His family faced eviction due to unpaid rent in 2023.
Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021 through a program for Afghan evacuees after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan.
Security concerns in Washington D.C. are heightened, with plans to deploy more National Guard troops.
Senator Cory Booker married Alexis Lewis after they announced their engagement in September. Alexis Lewis works in real estate and has a background in politics and business. The couple's marriage could have implications for Booker's political future.
Key Facts
Senator Cory Booker married Alexis Lewis after announcing their engagement in September.
Alexis Lewis is 38 years old and works as a vice president of investments at Brasa Capital Management.
Before her current job, Lewis worked as an economic policy manager for the Los Angeles Mayor's Office.
Lewis has degrees in marketing and business administration from New York University and Cornell University.
Booker and Lewis had been together for a year and a half before making their relationship public.
They got married in Newark and Washington, D.C., which are significant places for both of them.
Booker made headlines earlier for a 25-hour filibuster against President Trump's administration.
More than 40 politicians in the U.S. Congress, including both House and Senate members, have announced they won't run again in the 2026 midterm elections. This number is higher than in recent election cycles and may grow as the election approaches. The Republican Party is experiencing internal disagreements, and President Donald Trump's approval ratings are low, which may impact election outcomes.
Key Facts
Over 40 U.S. Congress members will not seek reelection in 2026.
The number of retiring Senate members is the highest since 2012.
Traditionally, the party not in control of the White House does better in midterms.
Republicans have a narrow majority in the House (219-213).
Both political parties are working on redrawing congressional maps.
President Trump's approval rating is at an all-time low.
Some Senate and House members are leaving to run for other political positions.
Public discussions could lead to a further increase in retirements close to the election.
Last year, only 11% of Americans moved to a new home, which is the lowest number since records began in 1948. This decline in moving is linked to economic factors and changes in community rules that discourage people from relocating.
Key Facts
In 2024, about 11% of people in the US moved to a new home.
This is the lowest moving rate since 1948.
Moving rates were higher in the 1960s at around 20%.
New Jersey and New York had the lowest moving rates, around 8-9%.
States like Alaska, Oklahoma, and Colorado had higher moving rates, around 14%.
Many people who did move went to different cities or states seeking affordable housing, better jobs, or climate resilience.
Wyoming and New Hampshire had the highest percentage of new residents from other states.
Communities with fewer moves can experience slower wage growth and reduced economic flexibility.
Recent polls indicate President Donald Trump and the Republican Party face several challenges. These include declining approval ratings, decreasing support from Hispanic voters, and tight races in traditionally Republican districts.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36%, according to Gallup, with 60% disapproval.
A Politico poll shows over one-third of Trump voters in 2024 don't identify as MAGA Republicans and are skeptical about his economic management.
A poll by Emerson College/The Hill reveals that a traditionally Republican district in Tennessee is now a close race.
Pew Research indicates that two-thirds of Hispanic adults disapprove of Trump's immigration policies, with economic dissatisfaction also noted.
Aggregated polls, including sources like YouGov and Fox News, show Trump's overall approval at 42% with 55% disapproval.
These polls suggest Democrats are becoming competitive even in conservative areas, potentially affecting future elections.
People in the United States are checking their glass drinking straws after a woman was hospitalized from swallowing a piece of broken glass. A TikTok video warning against using glass straws has gone viral, leading many people to inspect their straws for cracks.
Key Facts
A woman landed in the hospital after swallowing glass from a broken straw.
A TikTok user warned others not to use glass straws after her experience, and the video got 1.3 million views.
The hashtag #glassstraws has nearly 10,000 videos on TikTok and over 50,000 posts on Instagram.
A content creator named Piper Phillips found a crack in her glass straw after checking her collection.
Phillips, a regular user of glass straws, plans to switch to using thick metal straws.
The viral trend of checking glass straws has made some users wary of using them.
A report by the FDA states that the COVID-19 vaccine may have contributed to the deaths of 10 children. This report has led to changes in the FDA's vaccine approval process. The memo has raised concerns and sparked debate about the safety and effects of the vaccines.
Key Facts
The FDA memo claims the COVID-19 vaccine was linked to the deaths of at least 10 children.
The memo was obtained by Reuters and released on a Friday.
The FDA plans to change its vaccine approval process following this report.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been critical of the COVID vaccine.
The memo indicates the number of deaths might be underreported due to attribution challenges.
There is controversy over the validity of the memo, as some experts argue there is no evidence to support the claims.
Concerns about myocarditis and pericarditis have been previously raised by the FDA in young men.
Some experts demand evidence for these claims, showing the difficulty in proving vaccine-related deaths.
A woman named Eugenia Horan from Syracuse, New York, faced severe financial hardship due to medical bills before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly called Obamacare, was implemented. The ACA later helped her receive necessary cancer treatment, which she believes saved her life. Horan shared her story to highlight the impact of the ACA and her concerns about its potential changes affecting others in similar situations.
Key Facts
Eugenia Horan's husband faced a $400,000 medical bill due to an appendectomy without insurance in 2007.
The couple declared bankruptcy before the ACA was implemented.
Horan was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2019 but received treatment through ACA-supported insurance.
The ACA prevents insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions like cancer.
Horan celebrated being cancer-free since December 2019.
Uncertainty over the continuation of ACA subsidies has raised concerns about rising insurance costs.
President Trump plans to propose a new approach to manage healthcare costs.
A survey found that 47% of U.S. adults worry about affording healthcare next year.
A shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton, California, left four people dead and ten others injured. The incident took place in a banquet hall, and both children and adults were among the victims. The authorities are investigating the event and have not released details about the attacker.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a child's birthday party in Stockton, California.
Four people died, and ten others were injured in the attack.
The victims included both children and adults.
The shooting took place inside a banquet hall.
Stockton officials, including the Vice Mayor, are actively seeking answers.
The authorities believe it may have been a targeted attack.
The police have not yet identified the attacker or the motive.
Governor Gavin Newsom has been informed about the situation and is monitoring developments.
A major winter storm is affecting many areas in the Northern and Midwest U.S., with up to 8 inches of snow and strong winds expected. These conditions are causing challenging travel conditions, and the National Weather Service has advised caution for those traveling.
Key Facts
Many areas in the North and Midwest, including Alaska, Michigan, and Indiana, have winter storm warnings in place.
Alaska could experience up to 8 inches of snow and winds reaching 40 mph.
Michigan's affected counties could see snow accumulations between 3 to 6 inches and increasing winds.
Northern Indiana may receive up to 4 inches of snow with 35 mph winds.
The National Weather Service warns of slippery and dangerous roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Ice accumulation in Alaska could lead to power outages due to the additional weight on power lines.
Drivers are advised to travel only if necessary and to be cautious about changes in road conditions.
An Amazon driver in Panama City, Florida, noticed bowls of food left out for stray cats during a delivery. Captured by a doorbell camera, the driver added cat treats to the bowls as an act of kindness, which the homeowner appreciated.
Key Facts
An Amazon driver saw cat food bowls left outside in Panama City, Florida.
The homeowner, Vicky, watched the event unfold on her Ring doorbell camera.
Feral cats are a significant issue in the U.S., with an estimated 30 to 40 million living nationwide.
Feral cats can cause problems like property damage and disease spread.
Only 25% of feral kittens survive past six months, according to veterinary reports.
The Amazon driver added cat treats to the bowls, as captured on camera, which surprised and pleased Vicky.
Vicky was so touched by the gesture that she thanked the driver as he returned to his truck.
