united states news

The Trump administration has cancelled naturalization ceremonies and halted immigration processing for immigrants from 19 countries subject to a travel ban, leaving legal permanent residents who had completed all requirements in limbo just before their final citizenship oath. The policy changes came after a November 26th shooting by an Afghan national in Washington DC, which the administration cited as justification for tightening immigration restrictions, including reducing work visa validity and pausing asylum decisions. Affected individuals like Sanam from Iran and Jorge from Venezuela, who had spent years navigating the legal immigration system and passed extensive vetting, had their ceremonies abruptly cancelled within days of the scheduled dates. While the administration claims these measures are necessary for national security, immigrant rights advocates argue that applicants have already undergone rigorous multi-year security screening and that the indefinite pause effectively constitutes a ban that places vulnerable people at risk.

A 21-year-old Brown University student named Mia Tretta experienced her second school shooting incident when an active shooter alert was issued on campus, having previously survived the 2019 Saugus High School mass shooting in California where she was shot in the stomach and her best friend was killed. Tretta had chosen to attend Brown in Rhode Island hoping distance would provide safety, but now feels fear, confusion, and anger about America's gun violence epidemic. The recent Brown incident has shattered students' sense of security on campus, with local officials acknowledging the tragic reality that active shooter drills—while helpful—shouldn't be necessary. Multiple students at Brown have now survived more than one school shooting, highlighting how widespread gun violence has become across American communities.

A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon resulted in two student deaths and nine injuries when a gunman opened fire in an engineering building classroom. Authorities have detained a male suspect in his twenties who was apprehended at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning following a multi-agency search. University President Christina Paxson confirmed all victims were students, and approximately 2,000 students were evacuated to secure locations overnight while police maintained restricted access to parts of campus. This incident marks the 389th mass shooting in the United States this year according to the Gun Violence Archive's tracking data.

A shooting at Brown University's engineering building in Providence, Rhode Island left two students dead and nine others wounded when a gunman opened fire during exam review sessions around 4 PM on Saturday. The attacker, described as a man in his 30s dressed entirely in black, entered a classroom and began shooting at students before fleeing on foot and remains at large. Authorities have implemented a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area while approximately 400 officers from police and federal agencies conduct an extensive manhunt. This incident marks the 389th mass shooting in the United States this year according to Gun Violence Archive's tracking, and has devastated the Ivy League institution's community of over 11,000 students. # Key Takeaways

Following complex negotiations led by the United States, Belarus has released 123 political prisoners who were jailed for opposing authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko's regime during the 2020 mass protests. The freed prisoners include prominent opposition figures like protest leader Maria Kolesnikova, presidential candidate Viktor Babaryka, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, all of whom had faced lengthy sentences. In exchange for the releases, President Lukashenko received diplomatic engagement with the US after years of isolation and had sanctions lifted on Belarus's potash exports, though European Union penalties remain in place. Most of the released prisoners were sent to Ukraine rather than directly to Lithuania where families had gathered, which observers interpreted as a final power move by Lukashenko to delay long-awaited reunions.

A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island left two students dead and nine others injured when a gunman opened fire in a classroom during exam review sessions on Saturday afternoon. The suspect, described as wearing all black and possibly a mask, fled the scene and remains unidentified and at large, prompting an extensive police manhunt and campus-wide shelter-in-place orders. Most of the wounded victims are hospitalized in critical but stable condition, though their identities have not been disclosed. The attack on the prestigious Ivy League institution marks the 389th mass shooting in the United States this year and has devastated the university community.

Mahad Mohamud, a 36-year-old Somali TikTok personality known as "Garyaqaan" with nearly half a million followers, was deported from Minneapolis to Mogadishu after being detained by ICE despite being cleared of kidnapping allegations by the FBI. He had entered the US illegally through Mexico while seeking asylum, claiming threats from al-Shabab militants due to his online content, but his asylum request was ultimately denied. President Trump recently announced plans to end temporary protected status for Somalis and stated he doesn't want Somali immigrants in the US, causing widespread fear in Minneapolis's 80,000-strong Somali community. While Mahad has reunited with his children after a decade apart, he continues to receive death threats and fears for his safety, though his social media prominence may provide opportunities unavailable to other deportees who face dire circumstances with no employment prospects in Somalia.

Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's most iconic studios with a 102-year history, is facing a potential sale that has created anxiety throughout the entertainment industry already reeling from production slowdowns and job losses. Netflix has announced a deal to acquire the studio's most valuable assets including HBO and its film archive, while Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $108 billion takeover bid backed by Middle Eastern investors and a fund connected to Jared Kushner. Industry workers are torn between Netflix, which they blame for damaging theatrical film releases, and Paramount, whose leadership has financial ties to President Trump and foreign governments that raise censorship concerns. Many in Hollywood blame current Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav for mismanaging the company, which lost over $11 billion while he earned nearly $52 million, and the sale represents yet another consolidation reducing opportunities for creative professionals in an already contracting industry.

Representative Ayanna Pressley convened a roundtable discussion in Boston to address the alarming rise in unemployment among Black women, which jumped from 6.7% to 7.5% between August and September. Despite having the highest labor force participation rate among all female demographics, Black women face disproportionate job losses compared to other groups, with their unemployment rising much faster than white women's rate during the same period. Participants attributed this troubling trend primarily to recent federal policy changes, including downsizing of agencies supporting minority businesses, contract cancellations, and rollbacks of diversity initiatives under the Trump administration. The discussion emphasized that this disparity serves as both an injustice to Black women and a warning signal about broader economic vulnerabilities, with attendees proposing various solutions ranging from state-funded business development programs to stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination policies.

San Diego health officials are warning parents about toy safety during the holiday season, as hundreds of local children are treated in emergency departments annually for toy-related incidents. The primary concerns include choking hazards from small parts, dangers from button batteries that can cause severe internal burns, and lead exposure from older or imported toys. Parents are advised to check age-appropriateness labels, avoid button battery-powered toys when possible, and verify that toys meet safety standards through ASTM certification. Officials also recommend testing older toys for lead, maintaining proper nutrition to prevent lead absorption, and ensuring sports equipment comes with protective gear. # Key Takeaways

Over one million Ukrainian households lost power following intensive Russian strikes on energy and industrial infrastructure across five regions, injuring at least five people as Moscow escalates attacks heading into winter. US envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Berlin this weekend to meet with President Zelensky and European leaders to discuss the latest version of a peace proposal aimed at ending the war by Christmas. The negotiations remain contentious, particularly regarding eastern Ukrainian territory, with Zelensky expressing skepticism about US proposals to create a demilitarized "special economic zone" in the Donbas region. Meanwhile, EU nations agreed to freeze €210 billion in Russian assets that could potentially be loaned to Ukraine to address its €135.7 billion funding shortfall over the next two years. The latest peace plan iteration reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine's rapid EU membership as early as January 2027.

The Trump administration's Justice Department has initiated legal action against Fulton County, Georgia, demanding access to voting materials from the 2020 presidential election, including ballots, stubs, and signature envelopes. The lawsuit accuses the county of violating the Civil Rights Act by refusing to comply with a subpoena issued in October, with county officials stating the materials are sealed and require a court order for release. This legal move continues Trump's longstanding claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent, despite his narrow loss to Joe Biden in Georgia being confirmed through multiple reviews and all previous legal challenges being rejected by courts. Fulton County previously became notorious as the location where Trump faced criminal racketeering charges for allegedly attempting to overturn Georgia's election results, though that case was recently dismissed after Trump returned to the presidency. # Key Takeaways

The United States has removed sanctions from Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro's alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election loss. This decision coincides with Brazilian lawmakers advancing legislation that would dramatically reduce Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence to under three years. The Trump administration, which previously labeled the Bolsonaro investigation a "witch hunt" and sanctioned Judge de Moraes in July, now welcomes the proposed sentence reduction as addressing what it views as politically motivated legal actions. The legislative proposal still requires Senate approval and the signature of current President Lula da Silva, potentially creating a significant political confrontation in Brazil. # Key Takeaways

A raccoon in Hanover County, Virginia gained notoriety after being discovered unconscious in a liquor store bathroom following a drinking spree two days after Thanksgiving. Animal control officials now suspect this "trashed panda" is responsible for multiple break-ins at a local shopping center, including incidents at a karate studio and Department of Motor Vehicles office where it consumed snacks. After sobering up from its liquor store adventure, the raccoon was released approximately one mile from the shopping complex, though officials predict it will likely return. The viral story has led to a successful fundraising campaign selling commemorative shirts, generating over $200,000 for animal shelter renovations. # Key Takeaways

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is facing a significant erosion of support from his longtime allies China and Russia, who are now offering only symbolic backing rather than concrete military or financial assistance. Both nations are preoccupied with their own challenges—Russia with its war in Ukraine and China with managing relations with the Trump administration—making Venezuela a lower priority. This diplomatic shift coincides with a major US military buildup in the Caribbean, including deployment of 15,000 troops, naval forces, and a nuclear submarine, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking but widely interpreted as aimed at regime change. Meanwhile, Venezuela's disputed July 2024 election, which lacked transparency and faced fraud allegations, has further diminished international support for Maduro's government.

Sherrone Moore, the University of Michigan's head football coach, was terminated from his position and subsequently arrested on criminal charges including home invasion, stalking in a domestic relationship, and assault. The university fired the 39-year-old coach after discovering what they described as credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, which violated university policy. Following his dismissal, Moore was detained by police in a nearby suburb and formally charged, with a magistrate setting his bail at $25,000 and requiring GPS monitoring and a no-contact order with his former girlfriend. Associate head coach Biff Poggi will take over Moore's duties, including leading the Michigan Wolverines in their upcoming bowl game against the University of Texas. # Key Takeaways

Prosecutor Jonathan Schmidt is under fire for alleged misconduct during the murder trial of Kevin Epps, a 57-year-old filmmaker and journalist facing charges in San Francisco. Defense attorneys and civil rights advocates accuse Schmidt of withholding exculpatory evidence and misrepresenting the deceased victim, Marcus Deleon Polk, as non-aggressive despite records showing violent behavior, substance abuse issues, and parole violations. The defense filed a motion for mistrial based on these concerns, but the judge denied it. Critics argue Schmidt's conduct reflects broader problematic prosecutorial patterns affecting Black defendants in San Francisco's justice system, prompting calls for accountability at the District Attorney's Office.

Ashley M. Jones is concluding her four-year tenure as Alabama's first Black and youngest poet laureate at the end of 2025. During her time in this role, she gained national recognition through appearances on "Good Morning America" and in a Secret deodorant commercial, while maintaining her focus on making poetry accessible to diverse audiences across Alabama through workshops and community engagement. Jones established the Alabama Poetry Delegation to empower regional poets, published two poetry collections, and balanced her laureate duties with teaching at UAB and pursuing doctoral studies at Old Dominion University. As she prepares to pass the title to Montgomery poet Jacqueline Allen Trimble in January 2026, Jones reflects on staying authentic to herself despite being a barrier-breaking "first" and using her poetry to present an honest, nuanced portrayal of Alabama's complex history and beauty.

Afro-descendant quilombo communities in Brazil's Amazon region are advocating for official land titles to protect their territories and traditional ways of life during U.N. climate talks in Belem. These communities, descendants of escaped slaves, use sustainable harvesting techniques like traditional acai berry collection that preserve forests, but face threats from illegal logging, cattle ranching, and industrial projects. Of nearly 2,500 quilombos in the Brazilian Amazon, only 258 have been officially recognized by the government, leaving many vulnerable to land grabs and environmental contamination. Leaders like Erica Monteiro argue these communities deserve both land recognition and compensation for their forest conservation efforts, though they remain skeptical about whether recently announced climate funds will actually reach them. # Key Takeaways

Kenya's journey to independence was influenced by centuries of coastal trade connecting East Africa to Asia and the Middle East, followed by British colonial control beginning in 1895. British land confiscation and restrictive policies sparked resistance that culminated in the 1952 Mau Mau Uprising, a violent rebellion seeking land rights and freedom. The combination of this armed conflict and increasing political pressure compelled Britain to implement constitutional changes and negotiate with Kenyan leaders like Jomo Kenyatta. Kenya gained internal self-governance in June 1963 and achieved complete independence on December 12, 1963, with Kenyatta serving as the country's first prime minister and president.

Virginia-based construction contractor Brothers Mechanical Inc. has agreed to pay $1.5 million after D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb found the company misclassified nearly 500 construction workers as independent contractors rather than employees on multiple Washington projects between 2020 and the present. The misclassification prevented workers from receiving overtime pay, paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation protections, and resulted in increased tax burdens for the affected individuals. The settlement includes $500,000 in worker restitution, $1 million in penalties to the District, and mandates comprehensive compliance reforms for three years, though the company has denied any wrongdoing. The case highlights an ongoing problem in the construction industry where misclassification creates unfair advantages for companies that cut corners over law-abiding contractors.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released 19 photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, drawn from a collection of 95,000 images obtained during their investigation into the convicted sex offender. The photos show various prominent individuals including President Trump, Prince Andrew, Steve Bannon, Bill Clinton, and other high-profile figures, though the images themselves don't indicate criminal activity. Democrats are demanding transparency and calling for the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related files, while Republicans accuse them of manipulating the photos to create a misleading narrative about Trump. The release occurs ahead of a December 19th deadline requiring the Justice Department to disclose all Epstein investigative materials under recently enacted legislation. # Key Takeaways

Former NBA player Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay active male athlete in major American professional sports, has revealed he is battling stage four glioblastoma, an aggressive and inoperable brain cancer. The 47-year-old discovered his condition after experiencing cognitive difficulties following his May wedding, when a brain scan revealed a tumor spreading across his brain. Collins is currently receiving Avastin treatment and undergoing specialized chemotherapy in Singapore to slow the disease's progression, which doctors said would be fatal within three months without intervention. Drawing parallels between his current fight and his groundbreaking decision to come out publicly, Collins hopes his openness about this diagnosis will help advance cancer treatment research and inspire others facing similar challenges.

Actress Tia Mowry is launching a video series called "Rewrite the Recipe" that combines cooking with conversations about cancer, motivated by her own breast cancer scare and the disproportionate cancer mortality rates affecting Black communities. The show features Mowry cooking alongside cancer survivors and advocates while discussing their experiences with breast and prostate cancer. Recent American Cancer Society data reveals that Black individuals face higher death rates from these cancers compared to other racial groups. Through this initiative, which is part of a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and Pfizer, Mowry aims to inspire Black families to discuss their cancer histories openly during family gatherings and seek appropriate medical screenings. # Key Takeaways

The National Park Service has revised its free admission days for 2026, adding President Trump's birthday (June 14, which coincides with Flag Day) while removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list. Civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the changes as racially motivated and part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration to diminish recognition of civil rights history. The elimination of MLK Day is particularly controversial because it has traditionally been used by community groups for volunteer service projects at national parks. The policy change represents another instance of Trump promoting his personal image while simultaneously downplaying America's civil rights achievements. # Key Takeaways

On December 8 in Detroit, Joshua Threatt encountered a six-year-old girl walking alone to school in freezing weather without proper winter clothing and intervened when a gray van approached her. After ensuring her safety and walking her to school while livestreaming the encounter, the video went viral and touched thousands of viewers across the country. The incident resulted from the child missing her bus and leaving home alone without her parents' knowledge to avoid getting in trouble, prompting her biological father to take custody and seek proper childcare arrangements. Rather than casting judgment on the family, Threatt emphasized compassion and expressed hope that his actions would inspire others to help vulnerable people in their communities. # Key Takeaways

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit against the White House to halt construction of President Trump's new ballroom, claiming the administration violated federal law by demolishing part of the historic East Wing without required reviews. The nonprofit organization, established by Congress in 1949, argues that the White House bypassed mandatory processes including environmental assessments, filing plans with the National Capital Planning Commission, and seeking Congressional authorization. The ballroom project, which Trump claims is funded by private donors, has expanded from accommodating 500 guests to 1,350 people since demolition began in October. The White House maintains that the president has full legal authority to renovate the property, calling it an "exquisite addition," though the lawsuit asserts no president can demolish portions of the White House without proper legal review.