united states news

A 115-page internal report compiled by retired and active FBI personnel reveals significant turmoil within the Bureau six months into Kash Patel's directorship. The document, submitted to Congress, describes an agency suffering from declining morale, widespread fear of retaliation, and serious concerns about leadership competence, particularly regarding Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Agents report confusion over priorities, inadequate communication, and deep divisions over controversial decisions including presidential pardons for January 6 participants and mandatory assignments assisting ICE operations. While most accounts depict an organization in crisis with employees feeling marginalized and anxious about their futures, a minority of voices suggest that refocusing on core investigative work represents positive reform.

The National Park Service announced that Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth would no longer be fee-free entry days at national parks in 2026, replacing them with June 14th, which coincides with both Flag Day and Donald Trump's birthday. The author argues this decision represents a discriminatory erasure of Black history and civil rights commemoration from national policy. By removing holidays that provided symbolic recognition and practical access for marginalized communities, the administration prioritizes personal glorification over meaningful historical acknowledgment. The columnist contends this policy change demonstrates how public institutions are being repurposed to minimize Black American experiences while centering nationalist symbolism around a single political figure. # Key Takeaways

Federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act that help over 20 million Americans afford health insurance are approaching their month-end expiration deadline, creating urgent pressure on Congress to act before premiums increase dramatically nationwide. President Trump has expressed reluctance to extend the subsidies while congressional Republicans remain divided between those seeking restrictions on the program and those pushing for complete overhauls, complicating negotiations. Democrats are leveraging polling data showing broad public support for extending the tax credits and warning that failure to act will result in significant premium increases, particularly for older households and residents in states with high subsidy enrollment rates. The Senate has committed to holding a vote in early December, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to guarantee consideration of any extension bill, creating a major legislative obstacle with only days remaining before the deadline.

Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson made history in November 2024 as the first African American elected to California's State Senate from south of Los Angeles County, while also serving as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. Her greatest achievement this year was advancing two bills to the Governor's desk that would establish the nation's first state agency dedicated to addressing the needs of descendants of enslaved people, as part of the "Road to Repair" reparations initiative. Despite facing one of California's most challenging budget years, she successfully secured seed funding for a potential Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery while protecting critical community services from cuts. Looking ahead to 2026, Weber Pierson plans to focus on building healthier communities by addressing social determinants of health including housing, education, healthcare access, and environmental conditions that disproportionately affect Black Californians facing significant inequality. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump is introducing a $12 billion agricultural aid program to assist American farmers struggling with depressed crop prices and impacts from his administration's trade conflicts, particularly with China. The majority of the funds will provide direct one-time payments to producers of row crops, with additional money allocated for commodities not included in the main program. The assistance is designed to help farmers market current harvests and prepare for upcoming planting seasons while the administration works toward improving trade conditions. Although farmers welcome the financial support, some acknowledge it won't solve underlying problems like elevated production costs and diminished export markets that continue to squeeze their profitability.

The National Park Service has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from its 2026 list of free-entry days at national parks, replacing them with patriotic observances including Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump's birthday. The agency characterized this change as "modernization," but critics view it as part of a broader pattern following Trump's ban on federal DEI programs that previously halted observances of these holidays. Congressional members and historians have condemned the decision, arguing it erases recognition of Black Americans' contributions and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial justice. Many see this move as a political statement about which historical narratives the current administration deems worthy of national commemoration, signaling a withdrawal from acknowledging America's history of racial injustice. # Key Takeaways

Michigan State, ranked No. 7, hosted No. 4 Duke at the Breslin Center in a highly anticipated matchup between top-10 teams, with the Spartans seeking to solidify their elite status after recent wins over ranked opponents. Despite a strong defensive first half that limited Duke's star Cam Boozer to just two points and excellent playmaking from Jeremy Fears Jr., who recorded 13 assists, Michigan State struggled offensively throughout the contest. The game featured multiple lead changes and remained competitive until the Spartans went cold from three-point range over the final 12 minutes, failing to capitalize when Boozer sat with foul trouble. Duke ultimately prevailed 66-60, maintaining their undefeated record while handing Michigan State their first loss of the season.

The African Unity Ambassadors Ball, held at the Fairmont Hotel in Northwest Washington D.C. on December 3rd and hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe, celebrated prominent figures advancing African unity and development under the theme "Unity in Diversity, Strength in Unity." Among the honorees was fifteen-year-old Herman Bekele, an Ethiopian-American scientific researcher recognized by Time Magazine for his skin cancer research, who received a customized lab coat at the ceremony. The annual diplomatic gathering also recognized Ambassador Johnny Carson, Ambassador Andrew Young, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the late Kofi Annan for their diplomatic and leadership contributions. Additionally, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, was awarded the Nelson Mandela award for his pandemic leadership and dedication to global health equity. # Key Takeaways

A federal judge has approved the distribution of over $600 million in settlement payments to nearly 26,000 Flint, Michigan residents affected by the 2014 water crisis, marking the first concrete financial compensation a decade after the disaster began. The crisis originated when a state-appointed emergency manager switched the city's water source to the Flint River without proper treatment, causing lead contamination that government officials repeatedly dismissed despite mounting evidence. Payment amounts will range from approximately $1,000 for property claims to around $100,000 for young children who documented lead exposure and health impacts, with nearly 80% of funds reserved for those who were minors during the crisis. Many residents still distrust tap water despite official safety assurances, and the city faces ongoing infrastructure challenges due to declining population and revenue instability. While these payments represent significant movement toward restitution, they cannot reverse the developmental damage to children or restore public trust eroded by this environmental disaster. # Key Takeaways

Maryland Delegate Adrienne Jones stepped down from her historic position as the state's first African-American woman speaker of the House of Delegates on December 5, though she will continue serving as a delegate for District 10. During her six-year tenure as speaker, which began after the 2019 death of her predecessor Michael Busch, Jones championed significant legislation including police reform, abortion rights protections, recreational cannabis legalization, and secured hundreds of millions in funding for historically Black colleges and universities. The Maryland House Democratic caucus will hold an election on December 16 to select her successor, with Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk emerging as the leading candidate after other contenders withdrew and she received endorsements from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Jones expressed her intention to mentor the next generation of House leaders and assist in ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

The Washington Informer is organizing a celebration and fundraising event on December 21st at Busboys and Poets Anacostia to honor the Best of The DMV 2025 finalists and winners. The evening gathering will feature food, live musical performances, DJ sets, and the official announcement of award recipients across various categories recognizing exceptional regional businesses, creators, and organizations. The event will also introduce a new scholarship named after late Informer reporter James Wright. Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes emphasizes that this community-focused celebration helps sustain the publication's six-decade mission of serving and empowering the local community through free journalism, which faces increasing challenges in the current media landscape. # Key Takeaways

President Trump publicly criticized Texas Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar for remaining with the Democratic Party after receiving a presidential pardon for bribery and money laundering charges. Trump had pardoned Cuellar, claiming he was politically targeted by the Biden administration for his stance on border security, and Republicans had hoped he would switch parties to strengthen their House majority. Instead, Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat, prompting Trump to accuse him of disloyalty on social media. Despite Trump's criticism, Cuellar affirmed his commitment to the Democratic Party while expressing willingness to work with the president, and stated he prayed for Trump and his family. # Key Takeaways

The Trump administration's newly released National Security Strategy has drawn praise from Russia, with the Kremlin calling it "largely consistent" with Moscow's vision and a "positive step." The 33-page document takes a softer approach toward Russia while sharply criticizing the EU, claiming Europe faces "civilisational erasure" and blaming Brussels for obstructing efforts to end the Ukraine war. The strategy emphasizes combating foreign influence, ending mass migration, and supporting "patriotic European parties," which has alarmed EU officials who see parallels to Kremlin rhetoric. European leaders and US Democrats have expressed serious concerns, with some warning the document could damage longstanding transatlantic alliances and America's global standing. # Key Takeaways

Faith and community leaders across the United States are spearheading an economic boycott called "We Ain't Buying It," urging Black Americans and justice advocates to withhold spending from major retailers during the holiday season. The movement, which builds on an earlier Target boycott from spring that successfully pressured the company regarding its $2 billion commitment to Black businesses, asks participants to avoid corporations like Target, Walmart, and Amazon for at least seven days while redirecting their purchases to Black-owned and locally-owned small businesses. Organizers emphasize that Black consumers control approximately $1.7-2 trillion in spending power, and even a 5% reduction in corporate sales could force major retailers to reconsider their positions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Leaders frame this action as both an economic strategy and a broader statement against policies they view as harmful to marginalized communities, including cuts to social services and immigration enforcement practices.

This article examines the deep-rooted medical mistrust among Black Americans that influences their decisions about organ donation, using personal stories to illustrate broader systemic issues. The piece focuses on Tamika Smith, a New Orleans woman who endured over a decade of medical dismissal before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis and lupus, leaving her unwilling to register as an organ donor despite maintaining regular preventative care. A Word In Black survey found that 57.6% of Black respondents believe Black transplant patients aren't treated with equal respect and dignity, reflecting concerns shaped not just by historical medical racism but by ongoing contemporary experiences of discrimination and neglect in healthcare settings. The article argues that this mistrust is a rational response to systemic oppression across multiple institutions, not simply a legacy issue, and it has significant consequences since Black Americans represent 30% of kidney transplant waiting lists despite being only 13% of the population. Researchers and physicians emphasize that addressing this mistrust requires comprehensive institutional reform, increased diversity in healthcare, and acknowledgment of present-day mistreatment rather than dismissing concerns as historical artifacts. # Key Takeaways

Jasveen Sangha, a dual British-American citizen from a wealthy family background, led a double life as a drug dealer to Hollywood celebrities while maintaining the appearance of a privileged socialite. Despite her business school education and family wealth from fashion retail, she operated what prosecutors call a "stash house" supplying ketamine, cocaine, and other drugs to elite clients. Her illegal operation ended after she supplied 50 vials of ketamine that were sold to actor Matthew Perry, leading to his fatal overdose in 2023. Even her closest friends, who partied with her regularly on the Los Angeles club circuit, claim they had no knowledge of her drug dealing activities. She now faces up to 65 years in federal prison after pleading guilty, marking her as the final defendant to be sentenced in February in a case that exposed an underground ketamine network serving Hollywood's wealthy.

The National Park Service is eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as fee-free entrance days while adding Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump's birthday, as part of what the administration calls a modernization effort. Starting in 2026, the new fee structure will significantly increase costs for international visitors, with annual passes rising from $80 to $250 for non-US residents, while American citizens maintain the same pricing. The changes align with Trump's earlier executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies, which previously led to restrictions on celebrating these civil rights-related holidays. The administration justifies these policies by claiming they prioritize American families and ensure foreign visitors pay their fair share, with projected revenue increases of over $90 million annually from international surcharges. # Key Takeaways

A 24-year-old West Virginia Air National Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, is recovering from critical injuries sustained during a shooting in Washington DC on November 26 that killed his colleague, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom. Wolfe's family reports his head wound is healing and he has shown positive signs like responding with a thumbs-up and moving his toes, though he faces two to three more weeks in acute care. Authorities have charged an Afghan national and former CIA-backed counterterrorism soldier, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. The incident has prompted the Trump administration to deploy 500 additional National Guard troops to DC and implement stricter immigration measures, including canceling citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries affected by a travel ban.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw was conducted in Washington DC on Friday, revealing the group stage matchups for the expanded 48-team tournament that will be co-hosted across North America. This historic World Cup marks the first time the competition has grown beyond 32 teams, with celebrity athletes including Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky assisting in the drawing process. The three host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—all received advantageous placements in pot one alongside top-ranked teams, though they face varying levels of difficulty in their respective groups. Mexico drew South Korea as their toughest opponent from pot two, Canada will face Switzerland and potentially Italy, while the United States received what appears to be the most favorable draw with Australia. All three host nations are expected to advance past the group stage, with their final group compositions still dependent on UEFA playoff results scheduled for March.

Russia conducted a massive aerial assault on Ukrainian infrastructure, launching over 650 drones and 51 missiles that primarily targeted civilian facilities including a railway hub near Kyiv and energy installations across eight regions. This escalation occurred as US-Ukraine negotiations in Florida extended into a third day, following an inconclusive meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Putin in Moscow. The talks have focused on establishing security arrangements and deterrence capabilities for lasting peace, though major disagreements persist over territorial control, NATO membership, and security guarantees for Ukraine. President Zelensky characterized the Russian strikes as militarily pointless while Moscow claimed they were retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets. # Key Takeaways

Frank Gehry, the revolutionary architect known for his deconstructivist style and sculptural buildings, has passed away at age 96. The Toronto-born designer gained worldwide recognition through groundbreaking projects like the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which transformed the Spanish city's economy and inspired the "Bilbao effect" phenomenon. Throughout his career, Gehry rejected traditional architectural principles by incorporating unconventional materials and curved geometric forms, using advanced 3D modeling technology to create distinctive structures that evoked emotional responses. His influential portfolio includes the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, and Chicago's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, earning him the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989 for his adventurous and jazz-like aesthetic approach to design.

The leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada gathered at Washington DC's Kennedy Centre for the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony, presenting a united front despite ongoing trade disagreements. This event provided President Trump his first opportunity to meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, while also allowing discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the future of their shared trade agreement. The USMCA free trade pact faces a mandatory review in summer 2026, with Trump suggesting the US might pursue separate bilateral deals instead of maintaining the trilateral arrangement. During the event, the leaders appeared cordial, posed for photos together, and held brief meetings where they agreed to continue working on trade matters through their respective teams. American businesses have expressed support for keeping the current trade agreement intact, citing its importance for accessing Canadian and Mexican markets.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, attended by the leaders of co-hosting nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, while fans from various countries gathered at a Philadelphia viewing party to watch the group assignments. American supporters expressed optimism about their draw with Australia and Paraguay, while Colombian fans were less enthusiastic about facing Portugal in their group. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, will face defending champions Argentina featuring Lionel Messi, which fans view as both challenging and beneficial for growing football culture in their country. Reactions varied widely, with some fans like Ecuador's supporters showing confidence despite drawing powerhouse Germany, while others adjusted their expectations based on their group assignments.

The Duchess of Sussex has made an effort to reach her father, Thomas Markle, following reports that he underwent leg amputation surgery while hospitalized in the Philippines. Their relationship deteriorated before her 2018 royal wedding after he staged paparazzi photos for payment and withdrew from attending the ceremony, leading King Charles (then Prince of Wales) to escort Meghan instead. Since the wedding, the two have remained estranged, with Thomas Markle never meeting his grandchildren and publicly criticizing the couple's departure from royal duties. While Meghan's spokesperson confirmed she attempted contact today, it remains uncertain whether father and daughter successfully connected.

Congress is developing Digital Assets Market Structure legislation through the Senate Agriculture and Banking committees to establish regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The authors argue that Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs)—which serve underserved rural and urban communities—risk being excluded from the digital asset ecosystem if lawmakers don't address their needs. They advocate for including a federal study in the legislation to examine how these smaller institutions can safely offer digital asset products and services to their communities. The proposed study would explore regulatory barriers, cost reduction opportunities, and necessary safeguards without mandating adoption or loosening standards. The authors contend this bipartisan measure is essential for financial inclusion and preventing a two-tiered system where only large, well-resourced institutions benefit from financial innovation. # Key Takeaways

Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old man from Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested and charged with planting two unexploded pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, the day before the Capitol riot. Neighbors and relatives characterized him as a quiet, naive person who worked for his father's bail bond company and regularly walked his chihuahua around their suburban community. The FBI conducted an exhaustive four-year investigation involving thousands of interviews, millions of data points, and detailed tracking of items like end caps and Nike shoes to identify Cole through cell phone records and license plate data. While authorities have not specified a motive, Cole allegedly told investigators he believed the 2020 election was stolen, reflecting claims made by Donald Trump. # Key Takeaways

The Supreme Court has decided to review President Trump's executive order attempting to eliminate birthright citizenship, a constitutional right that has existed for approximately 160 years under the 14th Amendment. Trump issued the order on his inauguration day to prevent children of undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders from automatically receiving citizenship at birth, but federal lower courts blocked its implementation after legal challenges. The 14th Amendment currently guarantees citizenship to virtually everyone born on American soil, with limited exceptions for diplomatic and foreign military personnel's children. The Court's forthcoming decision will determine whether this longstanding interpretation continues or whether the government can restrict citizenship based on parents' immigration status. # Key Takeaways

A Florida federal judge has approved the Department of Justice's request to unseal grand jury records from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein conducted in 2005 and 2007, following congressional passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act last month. The legislation mandates release of unclassified materials related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by December 19, overriding previous federal rules protecting grand jury secrecy that had blocked an earlier unsealing attempt in August. The original Florida investigation concluded without federal charges after Epstein reached a controversial 2008 non-prosecution deal and pleaded guilty only to state prostitution offenses. While the law requires document disclosure, authorities may still withhold materials related to ongoing investigations, victim identification, national security concerns, or abuse imagery.

The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC), Detroit's workforce development agency, has appointed Talitha Johnson to serve as its communications director, where she will oversee messaging and branding for major workforce programs including Detroit at Work and Grow Detroit's Young Talent. Johnson previously held the communications director position at Downtown Detroit Partnership and brings extensive experience from organizations including Detroit Regional Partnership, Michigan State University, and UAW-Ford. DESC operates as the centralized resource hub for workforce development in Detroit, managing career centers, training programs, and employer services while implementing the Mayor's Workforce Development Board vision. Johnson, a Detroit native and Wayne State University graduate, replaces the retiring Robin Johnston and started her new role in mid-November.

The World Food Program has warned that militant violence across northern Nigeria is creating an unprecedented hunger crisis, with 35 million people projected to face severe food insecurity by 2026—the highest number ever recorded on the African continent. Armed groups have prevented farmers from cultivating their land, while recent mass kidnappings of students demonstrate the worsening security situation. The crisis has been exacerbated by the elimination of USAID funding under President Trump, which has cut off the WFP's resources for emergency food assistance. Without new funding sources, the agency warns that millions will be left without support, potentially leading to famine-like conditions in Nigeria's most affected regions. # Key Takeaways