united states news

AAA has released holiday travel safety guidance aimed at preventing accidents during the celebratory season. The recommendations emphasize pre-planning transportation if alcohol consumption is expected, eliminating phone distractions while driving, and being aware of California's expanded Move Over law taking effect in the new year. The organization stresses the importance of sharing roadways safely with pedestrians and cyclists, particularly around crosswalks and intersections. These safety measures are presented as essential steps to ensure all travelers can reach their destinations and return home to their families without incident. # Key Takeaways

Evan Turnage, a 33-year-old antitrust attorney from Jackson, Mississippi, has announced his candidacy to challenge longtime Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson in the March 2026 primary election for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District. Turnage brings considerable federal policy experience, having previously worked as chief counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and senior counsel to Senator Elizabeth Warren, where he contributed to significant legislative initiatives. His campaign focuses on addressing the district's persistent economic struggles, as it remains among the nation's poorest regions, and he emphasizes the need for new leadership to create opportunities that would allow residents to build stable lives without leaving the state. Currently leading the Southern Justice Project at the Open Markets Institute, Turnage has combined his legal expertise with advocacy work aimed at empowering Black Belt communities and helping individuals overcome barriers to economic advancement. # Key Takeaways

Dr. Shalonda Crawford, a psychotherapist and entrepreneur, shares her experience using Covered California after losing employer-sponsored insurance when starting her private practice. She emphasizes how the marketplace allowed her to compare quality health plans online and with representative assistance, ultimately selecting coverage that met her family's needs including mental health services. As a self-employed professional and community leader, she stresses the importance of reliable health insurance for entrepreneurs who lack employer benefits, noting how her coverage provides stability for routine care and preventive services. She encourages hesitant individuals to explore Covered California's diverse plan options, highlighting that enrollment by December 31st ensures coverage starting January 1st.

Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural holiday from December 26 to January 1 that celebrates African heritage and values within the African American community. Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga established this non-religious observance in 1966 following the Watts Riots as a way to reconnect African Americans with their cultural roots and promote collective achievement over individualism. The celebration draws its name and inspiration from African harvest festivals, though it adapts these agricultural traditions to emphasize community-building principles relevant to modern life. Central to the holiday are seven guiding principles called Nguzo Saba, with families lighting one candle each night to honor values including unity, self-determination, collective work, and faith. # Key Takeaways

The City of San Diego has issued a holiday season reminder to residents about proper disposal of cooking fats, oils, and grease to prevent plumbing problems. When poured down drains, these substances can accumulate in pipes over time, potentially causing complete blockages that result in sewage spills. Such spills pose environmental and public health risks by contaminating local water bodies including bays, rivers, and beaches, which may force temporary closures of these areas. The city is encouraging residents to follow preventive measures during this time when home cooking increases, as proper grease disposal can help avoid expensive sewage system failures.

California Assemblymember Mike Gipson, a Democrat from Carson, is completing his final year in the state Legislature after reaching term limits and is currently campaigning for a seat on the State Board of Equalization. The Watts native, who previously served as the longest-tenured Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair in state history, highlights his successful 2024 legislation on ghost guns and his ongoing efforts to secure funding for Black-serving institutions across California. Despite frustrations with budget cuts and federal immigration enforcement tactics, Gipson was inspired by Governor Newsom's resistance to federal overreach and draws on his experience as chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee. He aims to conclude his legislative career with strength and purpose while pursuing his next role overseeing the state's property tax system. # Key Takeaways

A recent survey by Stanford's RAPID Survey Project reveals significant food insecurity among families with young children, finding that nearly one-quarter of households with children under six utilized food pantries in the past year. The research shows that 32% of these families struggled to afford basic necessities in December 2024, with 19% specifically facing food affordability challenges. While food pantries serve as crucial community resources, many caregivers express concerns about food quality, limited variety, lack of choice in selecting items, and accessibility barriers including inconvenient hours and locations. The findings also indicate that childcare providers frequently rely on food pantries, with 48% accessing them for children in their care, highlighting the widespread need for improved food assistance programs that better address the nutritional and practical needs of young families.

San Diego International Airport is preparing for its winter holiday travel season from December 19, 2025, through January 5, 2026, anticipating approximately 1.4 million passengers throughout the 18-day period. Daily passenger volumes are expected to average 75,000 travelers, with peak days reaching 85,000, representing a 4-5 percent increase compared to the previous year due to expanded airline service. The busiest travel days will be December 23, December 28, and January 4, with popular destinations including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle. To manage the increased traffic, airport officials are encouraging passengers to arrive early, make parking reservations in advance, utilize alternative transportation options like ride-sharing and the free San Diego Flyer shuttle, and follow new roadway signage for smoother airport access.

The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing a Venezuelan-linked oil tanker called Bella 1 in international waters, marking the third vessel targeted this month as part of escalating sanctions enforcement against Venezuela's government. American authorities have already seized two other tankers—the Skipper on December 10th and the Centuries on Saturday—accusing them of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil to fund what the US labels as narcoterrorism and illegal activities. The Trump administration has intensified pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's regime by doubling capture rewards, designating Venezuela a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and ordering blockades of sanctioned oil vessels. Venezuela has condemned these actions as piracy and requested an emergency UN Security Council session, with China expressing support for Venezuela's position against what it calls illegal unilateral sanctions.

Following the Friday deadline for releasing Department of Justice documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, lawmakers from both parties are threatening legal action against Attorney General Pam Bondi because only partial records were disclosed with many redactions. Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna are considering rarely-used inherent contempt proceedings that would fine Bondi daily until full disclosure occurs. The DOJ defends its approach, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stating they are processing approximately one million pages containing victim information and will continue releasing material in coming weeks. While some Democrats like Senator Tim Kaine consider contempt efforts premature, the bipartisan pressure reflects widespread frustration among lawmakers and abuse survivors over the incomplete document release mandated by law signed by President Trump in November. # Key Takeaways

The Department of Justice temporarily removed at least 13 files from the thousands of Epstein-related documents released on Friday, including a photograph showing Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein, citing concerns from victims and prosecutors. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the removals were made out of caution to protect potential victims whose images appeared unredacted, not to shield the president, and the Trump photo was subsequently restored after review confirmed no victims were depicted. Democrats questioned whether the administration was covering up information, while the DOJ maintained it was following a New York judge's order to address victim concerns. The Friday document release, mandated by Congress, has drawn criticism for being incomplete and heavily redacted, with some lawmakers threatening contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and has not been accused of crimes by Epstein's victims.

The town of Bristol, straddling the Virginia-Tennessee border, has become a battleground over abortion access after Tennessee banned the procedure following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling. Bristol Women's Health clinic relocated less than a mile from Tennessee to Virginia to continue operating legally, but now faces multiple challenges including an eviction notice from landlords opposed to abortion and various local ordinance campaigns. Anti-abortion activists are using local government regulations as a strategy to restrict abortion access in states where it remains legal, viewing Bristol's location as strategically important since it serves millions of southerners from nearby ban states. While earlier attempts to close the clinic through zoning regulations failed, landlords are pursuing eviction through the courts, and activists continue pushing for enforcement of the historical Comstock Act at the local level.

The article argues that Trump's executive order challenging birthright citizenship, currently before the Supreme Court, would reclassify millions of U.S.-born residents—predominantly Latino, African, Caribbean, and Asian Americans—as non-citizens eligible for deportation. The author contends this immigration pause targeting "Third World" countries is part of a calculated strategy to prevent America from becoming a majority-minority nation by 2040, despite demographic shifts already showing non-white youth as the majority in numerous states. The piece draws parallels between current anti-immigrant rhetoric and Nazi Germany's scapegoating tactics, highlighting discriminatory enforcement where Black and Brown migrants face militarized responses while European immigrants receive preferential treatment. Beyond immigration restrictions, the author argues that systemic policies affecting healthcare access, environmental quality, and economic opportunity in communities of color constitute a coordinated form of demographic control designed to maintain white political and economic dominance. # Key Takeaways

The US Department of Justice's release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents by a Friday deadline has disappointed survivors and lawmakers who pushed for transparency. While the DOJ was legally required to make all materials public, the released documents contain extensive redactions and some files mysteriously disappeared from the website after initial posting. The documents include photos of Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell at Downing Street, images of various celebrities and politicians, and claims about introductions made by Epstein, though being pictured doesn't indicate wrongdoing. Lawmakers who championed the Epstein Files Transparency Act have criticized the release as incomplete and potentially unlawful, threatening consequences including impeachment or contempt charges, while survivors express concern about a "slow roll-out of incomplete information" that may fuel conspiracy theories rather than provide full accountability. # Key Takeaways

The Trump administration's release of Jeffrey Epstein files has drawn bipartisan criticism for failing to meet legal requirements established by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Lawmakers assert that over 3,500 released documents contain excessive redactions, missing pages, and an unsearchable database, contrary to the law's mandates. Contrary to Trump's previous suggestions that political opponents would be implicated, the files revealed no connections between Epstein and Barack Obama or incriminating evidence against Hillary Clinton, though they did include a photo linking Trump more closely to Epstein than previously acknowledged. This controversy unfolds amid other contentious moves by Trump's administration, including plans for youth athletic competitions called "Patriot Games," marijuana reclassification that has created public confusion, and the controversial addition of Trump's name to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The United States has conducted its second seizure this month of an oil tanker near Venezuela, with the Coast Guard boarding the Panamanian-flagged vessel Centuries in international waters. This action follows President Trump's announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil vessels traveling to and from Venezuela, which he claims finances terrorism and criminal activities. Venezuela has strongly condemned these seizures as theft and kidnapping, threatening to file complaints with the UN Security Council and international bodies. The Trump administration justifies these operations as efforts to combat what it alleges is a drug-trafficking cartel led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, though critics note the lack of public evidence supporting some military actions in the region.

The United States military conducted a large-scale retaliatory strike called Operation Hawkeye Strike against Islamic State targets throughout central Syria, deploying fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery that hit over 70 targets with more than 100 precision weapons. The operation was a direct response to a December 13th ambush in Palmyra where IS militants killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter, with three additional soldiers wounded. Jordanian aircraft participated in the coordinated strikes, which reportedly killed at least five IS members including a drone cell leader in Deir ez Zor province. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the mission as "a declaration of vengeance" rather than the start of a new war, while President Trump announced Syria's government supported the retaliation against the terrorist organization that maintains thousands of fighters in the region despite losing territorial control in 2019.

The US Department of Justice has begun releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, though lawmakers from both parties criticize the agency for missing the congressionally mandated Friday deadline and heavily redacting materials. The initial release includes photographs and investigative records showing various public figures including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and several celebrities, though being named or pictured does not indicate wrongdoing. One document alleges Epstein introduced a 14-year-old girl to Trump at Mar-a-Lago in the 1990s, though no accusations are made against Trump in the filing. Officials state that hundreds of thousands of additional pages are still under review and will be released in coming weeks, with redactions meant to protect victim identities and ongoing investigations, though critics argue the DOJ violated legal requirements by not explaining these redactions.

Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has withdrawn from New York's 2026 gubernatorial race and will not pursue congressional re-election, citing her desire to prioritize family time with her young son. Her exit follows Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's recent entry into the race, which would have created a competitive Republican primary between two Trump allies. Stefanik, who has represented a northern New York district since 2014 and became a prominent Trump defender during his first impeachment, stated she believes a primary fight would not be an effective use of time or resources. Governor Kathy Hochul's campaign responded confidently to Stefanik's departure, welcoming any Republican challenger. President Trump praised Stefanik while maintaining neutrality between the Republican candidates. # Key Takeaways

The Obama Presidential Center, opening this spring on Chicago's South Side, will feature major artworks by prominent contemporary American artists across its nearly 20-acre campus. Artist Theaster Gates is creating a monumental two-part frieze using historic photographs from Ebony and Jet magazine archives, celebrating Black life and particularly honoring Black women. The center has commissioned works from multiple acclaimed artists including Nick Cave, Julie Mehretu, Jenny Holzer, and others, who will create installations throughout various spaces that explore themes of American history, civil rights, and cultural identity. These artistic commissions reflect the Obamas' commitment to using art as a tool for engagement and connection, while also supporting artists of color during a challenging political climate. The center aims to position itself as a unique presidential institution that activates public space through art and encourages visitors to see themselves as agents of democratic change.

The US Justice Department has initiated civil proceedings to strip Kemal Mrndzic of his American citizenship after he concealed his role as a guard at Bosnia's Celebici prison camp during his immigration application. A jury convicted Mrndzic in October 2024 for fraud and misrepresentation related to his naturalization, and he received a five-year prison sentence in January 2025 for failing to disclose his military service and involvement in persecuting Bosnian-Serb prisoners. The Celebici camp, operated by Bosniak and Bosnian-Croat forces during the 1990s Bosnian war, was the site of killings, torture, sexual assault, and inhumane treatment as documented by a UN war crimes tribunal. Officials emphasized that the case demonstrates America's commitment to protecting the integrity of its naturalization process and preventing those who persecuted others from obtaining refuge in the United States.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump secured a $779.3 million wrongful death verdict for Kimberly Butler, whose husband Lewis was killed during a 2023 armed robbery while working as a security guard at a Florida internet café. The case revealed that café operators had concealed a prior robbery in which a firearm was stolen—the same weapon later used to murder Butler as he protected a cashier—allegedly because they were running illegal gambling operations. The massive verdict represents one of Florida's largest negligent-security awards and arrives amid a broader rollback of civil rights protections under the current administration. Crump, known for representing families in high-profile cases including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, emphasized both compensating the family and supporting Kimberly Butler's efforts to shut down internet gambling cafés that attract criminal activity.

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In response to an executive order signed earlier this year aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, Black parents and communities are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional public schools. Many families are dissatisfied with public education systems that fail to address their children's individual needs while simultaneously investing heavily in security measures like metal detectors and resource officers rather than comprehensive student support. The article argues that Black communities have historically created their own educational pathways and should proactively prepare for potential federal education changes by researching local school choice options, building community networks, and even creating new educational models like microschools. Rather than waiting for clarity from federal agencies about what dismantling the Department of Education would mean, parents are encouraged to take immediate action to secure quality education for their children.

The Bison ONE Newsroom represents a groundbreaking partnership between Howard University and NewsOne that trains student journalists amid widespread newsroom contractions and declining Black representation in media leadership. Led by journalism professor Dr. Stacey Patton and content executive Kirsten West Savali, the initiative emerged from successful student coverage of Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 election night event and has since expanded to publish community-focused stories on topics like SNAP benefits and immigrant experiences. The collaboration positions itself as part of the historic Black press tradition, providing students with professional editing and a platform while mainstream media institutions retreat from racial equity commitments. By centering Black journalistic voices and perspectives, the newsroom functions as both training ground and counterweight to an industry increasingly pushing out Black journalists from decision-making roles.

County Animal Services has issued holiday safety guidelines to help pet owners protect their animals during the festive season through New Year's. The recommendations address multiple hazards including dangerous holiday foods, toxic decorations and plants, stress from gatherings, and risks from fireworks. Pet owners are advised to provide only safe foods like plain poultry and vegetables, secure decorations like tinsel and ornaments, and create quiet retreat spaces for anxious animals. Additional precautions include preventing escapes during gatherings, protecting pets from indoor heating hazards, and ensuring proper identification through microchips and updated tags. # Key Takeaways

The Black Press of America, which has documented Black life and exposed injustices for nearly two centuries, is facing an existential financial crisis due to deliberate economic starvation. The article argues that policies under the Trump administration, particularly those dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, have caused corporate advertisers, foundations, and partners to withdraw support from Black media institutions. Simultaneously, the federal government has placed Black history under review, removing references to Black historical figures from websites and scrutinizing institutions like the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, representing over 235 Black-owned newspapers that reach more than 20 million readers, is calling for immediate financial support to prevent the collapse of Black journalism and the silencing of Black voices in America.

Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One, Inc., who was among the first faculty members at Howard University's School of Communications over 50 years ago, has partnered with the university to create opportunities for current students. The collaboration resulted in the Bison ONE Newsroom, launched this fall with NewsOne, which provides a platform for student journalists to publish their work nationally and build professional portfolios. Hughes emphasized the importance of developing multiple skillsets and expanding comfort zones rather than simply stepping outside them. The initiative aims to prepare student journalists at the historically Black university to face challenges in the current political climate while giving them real-world experience before graduation.

Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced at Turning Point USA's America Fest conference that the organization would work to elect Vice President JD Vance as president in 2028, even though Vance has not declared his candidacy. The conference's opening day exposed deep divisions within the conservative movement when podcaster Ben Shapiro attacked several media figures, calling them fraudsters, while Tucker Carlson later criticized Shapiro's remarks as contradicting principles of free speech. The gathering represents the organization's largest event since Charlie Kirk's murder in September by Tyler Robinson, who allegedly told his partner he killed Kirk due to his hateful messaging. These developments occur amid growing questions about Donald Trump's influence over the Republican party and internal conflicts among different MAGA movement factions.