U.S.
5 Key Findings From the Pentagon Report on China’s Military
The Pentagon has provided Congress with an annual assessment of China’s military expansion since 2000.
What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery That Trump Suspended?
The visa lottery allowed over 50,000 people from underrepresented countries to immigrate to the United States every year, with no merit-based requirements.
White House Christmas Through the Ages: How Presidential Holiday Traditions Evolved
Snowballs, gingerbread houses, and NORAD are key aspects of the White House holiday story.
Federal Judge Bars Trump Revocation of Attorney’s Security Clearance
The ruling marks another setback on Trump’s efforts to revoke security clearances of officials involved in the Biden laptop coverup, Steele Dossier, and more.
Nights of Lights: History, Tradition, and Christmas Converge in America’s Oldest City
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is an annual holiday festival, rooted in a Christmas tradition going all the way back to the city’s original Spanish founders.
4
7
8
Hawaii Can Charge Cruise Passengers a Climate Tax, Judge Rules
The legislation, dubbed the ‘Green Fee’ by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, is set to take effect with the start of 2026, becoming a first-of-its-kind law.
Federal Court Rules in Favor of Professor Who Satirized School’s DEI Stance
Judges overruled a lower court decision that said the University of Washington’s actions against the plaintiff didn’t constitute viewpoint discrimination.
Citing Rampant Fraud in Minnesota, SBA Director Halts $5.5 Million in Payments
Kelly Loeffler said Gov. Tim Walz’s administration ‘cannot be trusted’ to protect taxpayers’ money amid multiple scandals and investigations.
China’s Military Buildup Leaves US Vulnerable, Pentagon Warns
Despite the expansion, China’s military remains riddled with corruption, and an ongoing purge may affect its short-term nuclear readiness, the Pentagon says.
US Imposes Visa Bans on Former EU Commissioner, Activists Over Alleged Censorship
The Trump administration says the move targets foreign efforts to pressure U.S. platforms to censor Americans.
Federal Judge Bars Trump Administration’s Funding Cuts to Sanctuary States
The ruling restored more than $233 million in grants to 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Vance Not Confident Ukraine and Russia Will Reach Peace Deal
The vice president made the comments as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he felt the talks were nearing a ’real result.’
Waymo Self-Driving Cars Stopped, Blocked Roads During San Francisco Power Outage
The problem has raised questions over the ability of autonomous vehicles to adapt to unpredictable or real-world driving conditions.
Colorado Faces Federal Funding Cut Over Illegal Issuance of Commercial Driver’s Licenses to Noncitizens
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the state could lose up to $24 million in federal highway funding.
Boasberg Orders Federal Government to Facilitate Hearings, Possibly Return Deportees
Trump had invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Gold Poised for Largest Annual Increase Since 1979 as Prices Top $4,400
Silver prices also climbed to new all-time high as a metals boom persists heading into 2026.
Trump Appoints Special Envoy to Greenland
The president has suggested in recent years that Greenland should become part of the United States, citing security reasons.
