Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, leads a state where President Trump had significant support in the past. She focuses on local issues rather than national politics, which helped her win elections in a predominantly Republican state. Kelly also played a key role in recent Democratic successes in other states as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association.
Key Facts
Laura Kelly is the Democratic Governor of Kansas, a state President Trump won by 16 points.
She chairs the Democratic Governors Association and helped elect Democrats to governorships.
Laura Kelly chose to focus on Kansas policies rather than national politics.
She was elected governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Before becoming governor, she served 14 years as a state senator in Kansas.
Kelly’s predecessor, Sam Brownback, left the state in economic trouble after large tax cuts.
As DGA chair, she influenced the elections of Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia.
Several U.S. states are planning to adjust their tourism taxes on short-term accommodations like hotels and vacation rentals by 2026. These changes will either increase or introduce new taxes, making overnight stays more expensive for visitors. States like Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, and California are updating their policies to raise revenue for local services and infrastructure.
Key Facts
A lodgings tax is an extra fee added to the overnight stay cost at accommodations like hotels and motels.
Michigan may let local governments add a 3% accommodations tax if approved by local voters.
Eagle County, Colorado, will increase its lodging tax from 2% to 4% starting January 1, 2026.
Hawaii plans to increase its hotel room tax from 10.25% to 11%.
Saratoga County, New York, is raising its local hotel occupancy tax from 1% to 3%.
Menlo County and San Mateo County in California will raise their transient occupancy tax from 14.5% to 15.5%.
San Diego, California, is increasing its hotel-room tax to fund infrastructure and homelessness services.
Some tax changes are voted on locally, while others affect entire states.
People in Georgia have been told by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stay inside due to poor air quality. The air is considered "Unhealthy" because of high levels of fine particles in the air, known as PM2.5, which can harm health.
Key Facts
The warning comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Georgia has reached "Unhealthy" levels due to fine particles called PM2.5.
PM2.5 particles can be harmful to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions.
There are warnings in counties like Cherokee, Pickens, Dawson, Barrow, Hall, and Rockdale.
AQI readings in some areas are as high as 166, indicating poor air quality for the public.
PM2.5 levels come from sources like power plants, vehicle exhaust, and wildfires.
Atlanta is known for high levels of air pollution due to smog and traffic emissions.
The EPA suggests avoiding outdoor activities or taking it easy if going outside is necessary.
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that requires the Department of Justice to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case. President Donald Trump, after initially opposing, now supports this move. The bill needs a two-thirds majority to pass and aims to make these documents public while allowing certain personal details to be withheld.
Key Facts
The House is voting on a bill called the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The bill mandates the release of unclassified documents about Jeffrey Epstein.
It requires a two-thirds majority to pass in the House.
President Trump switched his stance and now supports the release of the files.
The release could include information about Ghislaine Maxwell and flight logs.
The DOJ can redact information to protect personal privacy.
The bill will head to the Senate if it passes the House.
There is uncertainty about its progress in the Senate, as some members have limited interest.
Marjorie Taylor Greene announced that the U.S. House would vote on whether to release sealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump indicated he would sign the bill if it got to his desk. Greene supported the release but previously disagreed with some in her party about the issue.
Key Facts
The U.S. House plans to vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein's investigation documents.
If approved by the House, the bill will proceed to the Senate and then potentially to the President.
President Trump stated he would sign the bill to release Epstein's files.
Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly supports releasing the files and expressed her stance on social media.
Greene experienced disagreements within her party, including with Trump, about releasing the files.
Trump changed his previous opposition and now supports releasing the documents.
In a segment on Fox News, financial coach Jade Warshaw advised viewers to save money during the holiday season by not buying gifts for adults. She suggested focusing on buying gifts for those aged 3 to 18 due to the current economic challenges.
Key Facts
The advice was given on Fox News by financial coach Jade Warshaw.
Warshaw suggests avoiding adult gift purchases to save money.
She emphasizes budgeting during the holiday season.
The focus should be on children and teenagers aged 3 to 18.
The current economic climate is a reason for this cost-saving strategy.
Warshaw is a co-host on "The Ramsey Show," a personal finance radio program.
House Democrats are experiencing internal disputes. A group of progressive members is considering action against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez because she criticized Rep. Chuy García's election actions. This situation is causing tensions within the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Progressive Caucus members are thinking about introducing a measure against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
The issue started because Gluesenkamp Perez criticized Rep. Chuy García for his election decisions.
Gluesenkamp Perez accused García of "election subversion" after he dropped out of his reelection bid last minute.
García and his supporters claim his decision was due to health and family reasons.
Democratic leadership tried to stop Gluesenkamp Perez's resolution but were unsuccessful.
The resolution will be voted on in a House session.
Gluesenkamp Perez reportedly received donations from groups like the American Petroleum Institute PAC.
Internally, House Democrats are divided on how to handle this situation.
President Donald Trump called a reporter "quiet, piggy" during a press event on Air Force One, related to questioning about Jeffrey Epstein files. President Trump encouraged House Republicans to vote on releasing unclassified Epstein investigation files, stating there is nothing to hide and labeling the situation a "Democrat hoax." The House will vote on the release of the files, followed by potential Senate consideration and then a decision by President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump told a reporter "quiet, piggy" when asked about Jeffrey Epstein files.
The interaction took place on Air Force One and involved a female reporter from Bloomberg.
Trump has suggested releasing all unclassified files related to the Epstein investigation.
He described the Epstein issue as a "Democrat hoax."
The House of Representatives is set to vote on whether to release these files.
Should the House approve, the Senate will then consider it, followed by presidential approval.
Trump said he would sign the legislation to make the files public.
President Donald Trump spoke about lowering prices in the U.S. amidst concerns over the cost of living. He credited his administration for bringing inflation back to normal levels and took steps like lowering tariffs on certain food items. Trump also discussed affordability issues, noting that many Americans still have concerns about the economy.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed McDonald's franchise owners about lowering prices and inflation.
He claimed his administration brought inflation rates back to "normal" levels.
Trump plans to reduce tariffs on 200 food products, such as beef and coffee.
He proposed the idea of tariff-funded $2,000 rebate checks and 50-year mortgages to help with affordability.
Despite progress, 66% of people still feel Trump has not met expectations regarding affordability.
Inflation reached 3% in October, above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The speech included praise for McDonald's efforts to offer more affordable menu options, like extra value meals.
Trump blamed previous economic management under Joe Biden for current cost pressures.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez indicated she would not support Chi Ossé in his potential primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Ossé, a New York City Council member, filed paperwork to explore running for Jeffries' district. Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives believe this challenge may not be well-timed.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not support Chi Ossé challenging Hakeem Jeffries in a primary.
Ossé is a New York City Council member looking to run against Jeffries, who is the House Minority Leader.
Progressive groups and figures think it is not the right time for such a primary challenge.
Ocasio-Cortez expressed she did not know about Ossé's plans until recently.
Chi Ossé filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to possibly run for Jeffries' district.
Ossé criticizes current Democratic leadership for not effectively opposing President Trump and lacking a compelling vision.
Jeffries has dismissed concerns about a challenge, expressing openness to competition.
President Trump changed his position on a petition related to the "Epstein files," a move that challenges Speaker Mike Johnson's previous efforts to block it. The petition, which faced delays, is expected to gain strong support in a House vote.
Key Facts
President Trump reversed his stance and now supports voting on the "Epstein files" discharge petition.
Speaker Mike Johnson previously opposed the petition, arguing it was poorly drafted.
The House was kept out of session for nearly two months, delaying the petition.
The petition is linked to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Johnson believes the ongoing investigation by the House Oversight Committee will provide more information.
The bill advises the Department of Justice to hide sensitive details to protect victims.
The upcoming vote is anticipated to receive broad support from Republicans.
Some progressive Democrats want a new leader in the Senate instead of Chuck Schumer. They are considering different candidates, but none have shown clear interest in replacing him.
Key Facts
Progressive Democrats are looking for someone to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
They have not found a clear candidate willing to take on the role.
Senator Chris Van Hollen was suggested as a potential replacement.
Van Hollen is not seeking Schumer's position, but wants to discuss strategies to counter President Trump.
Progressive groups circulated support for Van Hollen, saying he is ready for leadership.
Van Hollen has been increasing his national visibility.
There is no immediate plan among Democratic senators to remove Schumer.
Some Democrats have avoided publicly criticizing Schumer.
Federal Border Patrol agents will begin operations in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, according to the city's mayor. This follows a series of immigration enforcement actions in nearby Charlotte. Local leaders have expressed concern about the lack of coordination and the focus of these operations.
Key Facts
Federal Border Patrol agents will start work in Raleigh from Tuesday.
Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed the operation and said it was uncoordinated with the city.
The Raleigh Police Department informed the mayor about the federal operation.
Similar enforcement actions in Charlotte have led to over 130 arrests since Saturday.
Enforcement efforts are part of a broader initiative targeting immigration in Democratic cities.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not provide details about the operation.
The Raleigh Police Department stated it is not involved in immigration enforcement.
Local officials, including Durham's mayor, criticized the operations for causing fear and potentially undermining safety.
House Democrats could not stop some members from supporting a motion that criticizes Representative Chuy García. The motion is about García's decision, which ensures his chief of staff can take his place in Congress.
Key Facts
House Democrats failed to prevent a vote against Rep. Chuy García on Monday.
The motion criticizes García for making sure his chief of staff could replace him.
This motion shows divisions within the Democratic Party.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez triggered the vote unexpectedly.
García's team argues the resolution causes unnecessary division within the party.
The resolution disapproves of García's late decision to not run for reelection.
García says he changed his mind due to health and family concerns.
U.S. Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat, stated that more documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate are expected to be released soon. These documents are part of ongoing bipartisan efforts led by the House Oversight Committee to gain transparency, with the release including President Donald Trump's name multiple times. Garcia noted political tensions surrounding the document releases and emphasized the need for more transparency from the Department of Justice regarding Epstein-related files.
Key Facts
Representative Robert Garcia announced that more documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate are expected to be released.
The House Oversight Committee has obtained over 23,000 pages, with President Trump's name appearing more than 1,600 times.
President Trump recently changed his stance, now supporting the release of Epstein-related documents and encouraging House Republicans to vote for the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The House Oversight Committee obtained documents through bipartisan subpoenas, not from the Department of Justice.
Garcia stated that there are significantly more documents still in government custody that have not been released.
Trump posted on Truth Social, calling previous efforts to block document release "a Democrat Hoax" and encouraging transparency.
The new information includes emails from Epstein alleging Trump knew "about the girls," but Trump has denied these claims.
The House of Representatives is set to vote on releasing the full Epstein files. These files include documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal investigation. President Trump supports the release and has stated he will sign the bill if it reaches him.
Key Facts
The House plans to vote on the Epstein files this week, likely on Tuesday.
Speaker Mike Johnson announced the expected vote.
President Trump has encouraged House Republicans to vote for the release.
For the bill to become law, it needs Senate approval and Trump's signature.
The Epstein files include documents from the Department of Justice's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Some Epstein files have already been released by both the DOJ and Congress.
A petition initiated by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna led to the upcoming vote.
It is anticipated that over 100 Republicans might support the bill.
A group of people who survived abuse by Jeffrey Epstein released a video asking Congress to make all related files public. President Trump and some Democrats want the files released, and the House is set to vote on it. However, the Senate may not take any action, which could delay the process.
Key Facts
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein made a video using childhood photos to urge Congress to release files about him.
President Trump supports releasing the files and called for a Congressional vote.
The House plans to vote on the file release, with a predicted strong bipartisan support.
The survivors have also sent a letter to Congress and are actively pushing for laws to prevent sex trafficking.
Although the House may approve, the Senate, led by Majority Leader John Thune, likely won’t hold a vote soon.
President Trump could release the documents through the Justice Department but prefers Congressional action.
Some Democrats claim the release process is being deliberately slowed down.
Lisa Cook, a U.S. Federal Reserve Governor, is defending against accusations of fraud related to her mortgage applications, which led to an attempt by President Trump to fire her. Her legal team argues that discrepancies in the loan documents were unintentional and do not constitute fraud. The Supreme Court will review her dismissal case in January.
Key Facts
Lisa Cook is a U.S. Federal Reserve Governor involved in a legal case over her mortgage applications.
President Trump attempted to fire Cook due to these fraud claims.
The accusations came from FHFA Director William Pulte in August.
Cook’s lawyer claims the discrepancies were either correct at the time or unintentional mistakes.
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked Cook’s firing by President Trump.
Cook's case will be argued in front of the Supreme Court in January.
No criminal charges have been filed against Cook as the investigation continues.
A U.S. federal judge has said that mistakes and misconduct by the government may have affected the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey. Judge William Fitzpatrick ordered the release of grand jury materials to Comey's legal team, which the justice department has appealed. The case began after President Donald Trump called for Comey's prosecution.
Key Facts
A federal judge mentioned government "missteps" in the case against James Comey.
Judge Fitzpatrick ordered the release of grand jury materials to Comey’s defense team.
The justice department is appealing the judge's order.
President Donald Trump called for Comey's prosecution and appointed a new prosecutor for the case.
Comey was charged in September and pleaded not guilty to charges, including obstruction.
Trump fired Comey during Trump's first term after Comey investigated Russian election interference in 2016.
The case was taken up by Lindsey Halligan after other prosecutors declined it, citing a lack of evidence.
The judge noted potential "fundamental misstatements" in grand jury proceedings by the new prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan.
Congressman Thomas Massie has expressed suspicion over President Donald Trump's change in stance regarding the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Trump initially opposed releasing the files but later supported it, causing debate within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie is a Republican Congressman from Kentucky.
President Trump initially opposed but now supports releasing the Epstein investigation files.
The debate over the release of these files has caused differences within the Republican Party.
Trump mentioned on social media that Republicans should release the files as they have nothing to hide.
Trump previously referred to the issue as a distraction by Democrats to cover up their own shortcomings.
Massie is cautious about Trump’s sudden support, suggesting there might be hidden motives.
The vote on the release of the files is expected soon, and Massie anticipates a significant level of support.
Representative Ro Khanna, who supports the release, noted Trump’s change as a strategic move.
