Twenty states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They aim to stop changes to a federal housing program. The lawsuit claims these changes could harm support for homeless Americans.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Continuum of Care grant program.
The states argue the program changes violate what Congress intended.
The changes could reduce funds for permanent housing.
New rules might limit who can get funding support based on gender.
Rhode Island's Attorney General claims the changes could worsen homelessness in his state.
President Donald Trump spoke at the White House Turkey Pardon ceremony, where he joked about his weight and the large size of the turkeys being pardoned. The event included discussions on various current issues and introduced the term "Maha" to describe the turkeys. The turkey pardon is a traditional American ceremony where the president pardons turkeys, saving them from being served at Thanksgiving dinner.
Key Facts
President Trump joked about wanting to lose weight during the White House Turkey Pardon ceremony.
Two large turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, were pardoned at the event.
Trump discussed issues like ICE enforcement and crime in American cities during his speech.
The term "Maha" was introduced to describe the turkeys, which were certified as such.
The presidential turkey pardon tradition began in 1947 and became official in 1989.
Trump humorously suggested naming the turkeys after Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer.
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden's turkey pardons as invalid due to his use of an autopen.
U.S. Senator Jim Justice from West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes. This agreement comes after the federal government filed a lawsuit regarding taxes that have been owed since 2009. Justice, once considered a billionaire, has been dealing with significant financial difficulties and has other unresolved financial issues.
Key Facts
Senator Jim Justice owes nearly $5.2 million in personal taxes and has agreed to a payment plan.
The federal government filed a lawsuit stating Justice had not paid these taxes dating back to 2009.
Justice’s financial status was formerly valued at $1.9 billion but has decreased significantly.
In October, Justice claimed his businesses are "complicated" and suggested the actions against him were politically motivated.
Justice was elected to the U.S. Senate in November, taking over Joe Manchin’s vacated seat.
The IRS has filed additional liens totaling more than $8 million against Justice for unpaid taxes.
Justice's family businesses have faced multiple financial challenges, including unpaid taxes and fees related to The Greenbrier hotel and resort.
The Greenbrier, purchased by Justice out of bankruptcy in 2009, has been central to financial disputes involving unpaid debts and potential foreclosure.
A gold sign outside the Oval Office at the White House appeared briefly in early November but is now missing. This sign became a topic of online discussion and was a source of both ridicule and political commentary. President Trump is conducting significant renovations at the White House, which have received mixed reactions.
Key Facts
A gold sign reading 'The Oval Office' was placed outside the White House but is now missing.
This sign quickly became a topic of online jokes and political criticism.
The sign’s font matches others used in the White House, like the new Presidential Walk of Fame.
President Trump is leading significant renovations at the White House, including a new ballroom.
The White House spokesperson stated that these changes aim to beautify the building.
The sign’s return or its future location remains uncertain.
Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, was removed from the immediate jeopardy designation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital was originally placed in this serious category due to practices leading to an unsafe environment for patients. The hospital is now working on a corrective action plan following a survey confirming improvements.
Key Facts
CMS removed Mission Hospital from its immediate jeopardy status, which is the most serious classification for hospital noncompliance.
This is the third time Mission Hospital faced immediate jeopardy since HCA Healthcare acquired it in 2019.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommended the immediate jeopardy status after identifying safety risks in October.
The risks were related to improper patient identification and failures in monitoring patients during transport.
Hospital staff previously rallied in September to raise concerns about staffing and safety conditions.
As of November 10, 2023, the state agency confirmed that improvements were made, resulting in the removal of the jeopardy status.
Mission Health plans to submit an updated correction plan and undergo a re-survey by January 15, 2026.
The hospital states it has ongoing action plans to address any remaining issues.
The Trump administration plans to review refugees admitted to the U.S. during President Biden's time in office. This review involves checking the backgrounds of nearly 200,000 refugees and may include interviews, with green card approvals currently paused for these individuals.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is re-evaluating refugees admitted to the U.S. from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025.
A memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow states that past refugee admissions focused on speed rather than thorough checks.
The review may create concern and confusion among the nearly 200,000 refugees involved.
Legal challenges from refugee advocates are possible, as they oppose the review.
Refugees awaiting review had their green card applications put on hold.
Refugee advocates claim refugees undergo extensive checks before U.S. entry.
The list of refugees to be interviewed will be ready within three months.
A government memo has paused green card applications for refugees admitted to the U.S. from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025. This affects those who came under the Biden administration, as President Trump’s administration reviews the admissions process and refugee vetting. Concerns have been raised that previous vetting may not have been thorough enough.
Key Facts
Green card applications for certain refugees have been halted following a government memo.
Refugees admitted under the Biden administration from January 2021 to February 2025 are affected.
The Trump administration is conducting a review of about 233,000 refugees from this period.
The review checks if earlier refugee admissions prioritized speed over security checks.
Refugees deemed incorrectly admitted might lose their refugee status.
Refugees cannot appeal the decision but can present their case in court if in removal proceedings.
Refugee admissions have decreased under Trump, except for specific groups like white South Africans.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stressed that refugee status is a privilege tied to strict compliance with U.S. laws and values.
Over 300,000 people in Ohio might receive up to $3,000 in payments after the state's Supreme Court decides on a case about COVID-19 unemployment benefits. Governor Mike DeWine stopped these benefits early, possibly against state law, leaving many without the federal support they were promised.
Key Facts
The case involves over 300,000 Ohio residents who could receive payments up to $3,000.
Governor DeWine ended COVID-19 unemployment benefits 10 weeks early, stopping around $900 million in payments.
Lower courts ruled that Governor DeWine may have violated state law by stopping the payments early.
The Ohio Supreme Court is reviewing the case after the lower courts' decisions supported the view that benefits should have continued.
The early end of benefits was due to concerns about labor shortages caused by extra unemployment money.
Ohio law from the 1930s mandates accepting federal unemployment funds when available.
If the Supreme Court sides with lower courts, funds would need to be sent to qualifying residents.
Additional challenges may arise as unspent COVID-19 funds might have been returned to the federal government.
A U.K. citizen named Justin Grzeb was detained by U.S. immigration agents in Montana while he was applying for a Green Card through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Despite having his application and biometrics appointment completed, he was arrested and might face deportation. His case highlights the current administration's strict immigration policies.
Key Facts
Justin Grzeb, a U.K. citizen, married Carla Kinney, a U.S. citizen, and was applying for a Green Card.
He was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while shopping during a bike ride in Havre, Montana.
Grzeb's wife, Carla Kinney, reported that he had called her after being detained, asking for his passport and paperwork.
Authorities stated that Grzeb could be deported, despite having a pending Green Card application that followed the correct procedures.
Grzeb’s attorney explained that applicants with pending marriage-based Green Cards are legally allowed to stay in the U.S. while their application is processed.
Grzeb is being moved to the Northwest Detention Center in Washington, where an immigration judge will decide on his case.
Voters in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District will soon vote in a special election between Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps. Polls suggest a closer race than expected in this traditionally conservative area. The election could affect the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Key Facts
The special election is for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District seat.
Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps are running in this race.
The district is historically conservative and was won by President Trump by over 20 points last year.
Polls show Van Epps leading Behn by 8 points.
The election could impact the Republican's narrow majority in the U.S. House.
Betting markets give Van Epps a significant chance of winning, over 85%.
Outside political groups are spending heavily to influence the race.
Aftyn Behn has received criticism for past remarks about Nashville, which she has since addressed.
A 26-year-old woman named Bethany MaGee was set on fire on the Chicago subway. Lawrence Reed, who has a criminal history, was arrested and charged with federal terrorism. The incident led to criticism of certain criminal justice policies.
Key Facts
A woman named Bethany MaGee, age 26, was set on fire on the Chicago Blue Line subway.
The incident happened on a Saturday night.
Lawrence Reed, age 50, was arrested and charged with federal terrorism for the attack.
Reed has a history of arrests, sparking criticism of the justice system that allowed him to remain free.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke out against policies perceived as lenient on crime.
Leavitt asked for prayers for MaGee, who is hospitalized.
The incident has raised safety concerns on public transport in the city.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly saw a significant increase in fundraising after facing a potential court-martial over a video urging military members to reject illegal orders. The Department of Defense is reviewing whether Kelly, a retired Navy captain, violated military law. The situation has sparked a political controversy, with President Trump and others weighing in on the issue.
Key Facts
Mark Kelly is a U.S. Senator from Arizona and a retired Navy captain.
He appeared in a video with other lawmakers, telling military members to refuse illegal orders.
The Department of Defense is investigating whether Kelly's actions broke military law.
This investigation has led to increased attention and fundraising for Kelly.
The Pentagon's review of Kelly is unusual and has drawn criticism from legal experts.
President Trump called the actions of the lawmakers "seditious behavior."
The Uniform Code of Military Justice allows the military to recall retirees for court-martial.
Kelly claimed the investigation is an attempt to intimidate him and other lawmakers.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is currently negative in 20 states he won in the 2024 election. This information comes from a poll by YouGov for The Economist. The findings could impact the Republican Party's strategy in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is negative in 20 states he previously won.
The polling found his rating is underwater in all but 11 states.
His lowest approval rating is in the District of Columbia at -75.9 points.
Maryland and Hawaii also recorded low approval ratings with -41.5 and -35.6 points, respectively.
All states, except Idaho, show lower approval ratings for Trump than earlier in January.
Oklahoma saw the biggest drop in approval, going from +27 to -7 points.
Nationwide, a poll showed Trump's approval at a low, with 39% approving and 58% disapproving.
Economic concerns contribute to the approval ratings, with 76% of Fox News poll respondents viewing the U.S. economy negatively.
A former Oklahoma lawmaker, Mike Reynolds, has proposed a plan to end property taxes in the state by 2029. The plan, supported by two current state lawmakers, aims to phase out property taxes over three years, starting in 2027. Concerns have been raised about the loss of revenue for local governments, which rely on these taxes for funding public services.
Key Facts
Mike Reynolds, a former state representative, filed a petition to end property taxes in Oklahoma.
The plan would gradually eliminate property taxes between 2027 and 2029.
By 2029, property taxes would be fully exempt for qualified homesteads.
The proposal must collect over 92,260 signatures and pass review before reaching the 2026 ballot.
The change could reduce local government revenue by $1.2 billion annually by 2029.
Local governments, which use property taxes for services like roads and education, may lose important funding.
Two state lawmakers, Senator Shane Jett and Representative Jay Steagall, support the petition.
The exemption would not apply to taxes for pre-2027 debt payments by school districts and municipalities.
Starting in 2026, California will ban plastic shopping bags in stores. This law aims to reduce environmental harm caused by plastic bags. Customers without their own bags can request a paper bag.
Key Facts
California will stop offering plastic bags in stores starting in 2026.
The law applies to most grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, food marts, and liquor stores.
The ban is part of a law passed in 2024 and takes full effect on January 1, 2026.
Plastic bags are harmful to the environment, taking a long time to break down and often ending up as litter.
Plastic bags can be mistaken for food by wildlife, causing injury or death.
Microplastics from degraded plastic bags can contaminate water and soil, affecting ecosystems and human health.
California voters approved a plastic bag ban almost a decade ago, but the law needed updates.
On average, a plastic bag is used for about 12 minutes but can pollute for many years.
A new poll shows that Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee might struggle to win his party's primary election due to low approval ratings. He faces a challenge from Helena Foulkes, who is leading in the poll, and potential competition from House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. McKee's popularity is affected by local issues, such as his handling of a bridge closure.
Key Facts
Governor Dan McKee received low approval ratings in a recent poll, with 72% of respondents disapproving of his performance.
McKee trails behind Helena Foulkes, who has 29% support, and Joe Shekarchi, who has 13% potential support if he runs.
42% of those polled are undecided about whom they would support in the Democratic primary.
McKee's low popularity is partly due to his management of the Washington Bridge closure, which began in 2023.
McKee became governor in 2021 after Gina Raimondo left to join the Biden administration.
Despite facing a tough primary in 2022, McKee won the general election that year.
The poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire, included 711 Rhode Island residents with a 3.7 percentage point margin of error (5.1 for Democrats).
Rhode Island is typically a Democratic stronghold, with recent support for Democratic candidates in national elections.
The FBI and Department of Justice are directing Capitol Police to interview a group of Democratic lawmakers who made a video advising military service members that they can refuse illegal orders. President Donald Trump, reacting to the video, labeled their actions as "seditious" and called for their arrest. The investigation follows the video release by these lawmakers, which was responded to by President Trump on social media.
Key Facts
The FBI and Department of Justice have instructed Capitol Police to interview Democratic lawmakers about a recent video they released.
The lawmakers involved include Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, and Rep. Jason Crow.
In the video, the lawmakers stated that service members have the right to refuse illegal orders.
President Donald Trump called the lawmakers' actions "seditious" and demanded their arrest.
President Trump made these statements in a post on Truth Social.
The video and the President's reaction are part of ongoing news coverage, with updates expected in the future.
A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) warns that digital surveillance at work, often called "bossware," can harm employees' physical and mental health. The study highlights the need for urgent reforms to protect workers and outlines the negative impact of widespread workplace monitoring.
Key Facts
The GAO warns that employee surveillance can lead to physical injuries and mental stress.
Surveillance technologies include cameras, microphones, productivity software, and location trackers.
68% of U.S. workers have experienced some form of electronic monitoring.
The GAO report is based on interviews with stakeholder groups and a review of 122 studies.
Surveillance can misjudge performance, potentially leading to unfair job terminations or penalties.
There is a growing call for regulatory reforms to ensure employee safety and rights.
Constant monitoring can cause anxiety and stress but can also sometimes improve safety perceptions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke on the "Katie Miller Podcast" about the need for Republicans to reject antisemitism and support Israel. He shared his views on the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance and discussed his personal life and experiences as Speaker. The episode, which includes lighthearted moments and personal anecdotes, will be available on various podcast platforms.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the need for Republicans to reject antisemitism on the "Katie Miller Podcast."
Johnson discussed the importance of the U.S. relationship with Israel, noting it as a critical ally and stable democracy in the Middle East.
The interview included personal aspects of Johnson's life, such as his phone habits and personal schedule.
Johnson mentioned the challenges of his role, including constant communication with members of Congress.
The podcast episode was recorded in the Speaker's Ceremonial Office at the Capitol.
The full interview is set to be available on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
A tornado struck areas north of Houston, Texas, damaging over 100 homes and causing power outages, though no injuries were reported. The storm led to downed trees, power lines, and debris, disrupting travel during a busy holiday period. Officials worked to fix gas leaks and clear debris in affected neighborhoods.
Key Facts
A tornado damaged more than 100 homes north of Houston.
No injuries have been reported from the storm.
The tornado uprooted trees, downed power lines, and scattered debris.
Over 20,000 customers lost power during the storm.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms were forecasted for southern areas following the tornado.
Crews worked to address gas leaks and remove blocked roads in Klein and other areas.
Several vehicle crashes were linked to the storm.
The National Weather Service had issued a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning for the area.
