US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine could come soon, but two major sticking points remain: control of the Donbas region and the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. He made the remarks on the morning of December 7 at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California. Kellogg described the conflict as “in the last 10 metres.” If those two disputes are resolved, he said, the rest of the deal should fall into place. He didn’t offer a firm date — only that “we’re really, really close.” The potential accord could alter control over territory long contested since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue: US negotiators remain in contact with Kyiv and Moscow in hopes of ironing out the final details.

Ron DeSantis unveiled a sweeping statewide plan dubbed the “AI Bill of Rights” meant to regulate artificial-intelligence tools across Florida. He laid out new rules aimed at curbing deepfake technology, protecting personal data, and imposing limits on AI data-center development. Under the proposal, AI systems would face new restrictions — especially when it comes to using a person’s name, image or likeness without their consent, displaying deepfake content, or selling personal data. Parents would get rights to review their child’s chatbot interactions, and insurers or legal professionals could be required to disclose when AI tools helped generate claims or legal briefs. The plan also seeks to rein in large AI data centers. Utilities would be barred from passing added costs to ratepayers, and local governments could veto new projects. Some zones — like farmland or environmentally sensitive regions — would be off-limits. This proposal could significantly reshape how AI is used in Florida — especially in advertising, government services, health care, and data-heavy industries. Lawmakers will now debate which proposals become law. So far, supporters say it will protect privacy and prevent harm from deepfakes; critics raise concerns about possible overreach and limits on legitimate AI uses.

On Thursday evening in Washington, Senate Democrats introduced legislation to extend enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for three more years. The subsidies currently help roughly 24 million Americans afford marketplace health plans, but are set to expire at the end of December. Chuck Schumer announced the plan on the Senate floor and said all Democrats support it — meaning the bill needs at least 13 Republicans to break a filibuster and advance. The move comes just weeks after a deal ended a 43-day government shutdown, which included a pledge for lawmakers to take up this subsidy question. Failure to pass the extension — or a compromise version — could lead to large premium increases next year, threatening coverage for many. At this point, Republicans remain mostly opposed, arguing for income caps or other policy changes before renewing subsidies. That resistance makes the chance of passage uncertain. If the subsidies expire, millions could face significantly higher insurance costs — or lose coverage altogether. For now though, the Senate is gearing up for a decisive vote next week as time runs out before the year-end deadline.

The Pentagon has formally completed its review of the trilateral AUKUS nuclear-submarine agreement and confirmed plans to proceed with submarine sales to Australia. A U.S. official said Thursday the evaluation identified ways to strengthen the pact and aligned with the priorities of the current U.S. administration. The deal, involving exports of at least three Virginia-class submarine vessels to Australia beginning in 2032 — followed by future construction of next-generation subs — remains intact. The arrangement represents Canberra’s largest defense commitment ever, totaling nearly A$368 billion (about US$240 billion) over three decades. The review was led by U.S. Department of Defense under its defense-policy office, which earlier raised concerns about U.S. submarine production capacity. This concern remains relevant: U.S. yards must expand output significantly if they are to supply Australia without undermining their own fleet needs.

Ukrainian forces struck the Nevinnomyssk Azot chemical plant in the Stavropol region of southern Russia. The plant is located near the city of Nevinnomyssk, in Stavropol Krai. The assault hit one of the plant’s production workshops and sparked a fire inside the facility. Nevinnomyssk Azot is among Russia’s largest chemical enterprises. It produces over one million tons of ammonia and up to 1.4 million tons of ammonium nitrate yearly — essential base materials for explosives and ammunition. The strike is described by Ukrainian authorities as part of an effort to cut the enemy’s capacity for missile and bomb production. Russian officials have not responded publicly to the claim.

On Monday, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation that forbids anyone linked to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel from entering the United States. The bill — known as the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025 — would block admission or visa access to those who “carried out, participated in, financed or otherwise facilitated” the attack. It passed by voice vote in the House, a rare show of bipartisan agreement on an often divisive issue. Now the bill moves to the United States Senate for consideration.

In a public display at Kalma Airbase, Korean People’s Army Air Force unveiled two new unmanned aircraft — Saebyeol-4 and Saebyeol-9 — that mirror the shape and intent of U.S. surveillance and strike drones. The Saebyeol-4 resembles the surveillance-oriented RQ-4 Global Hawk, while the Saebyeol-9 follows the form of the strike-oriented MQ-9 Reaper. Both drones were shown with operational markings, suggesting they are no longer just prototypes but potentially frontline systems.

A regional jet operated by Endeavor Air under the Delta Air Lines “Delta Connection” brand slid off an icy runway at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Iowa. The plane — a Bombardier CRJ-900 carrying roughly 54 passengers and 4 crew — veered off the paved taxiway after landing. All aboard were evacuated safely and escorted by bus back to the terminal. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Because of the slip, the airport shut down operations for several hours; flights were delayed or cancelled while crews worked to secure the aircraft and clear the runway. The airport reopened by Sunday mid-morning, though some flights remained disrupted. The slick conditions from a major midwestern winter storm appear to have caused the slide. A preliminary review from transit officials confirms ice on the runway was the primary factor. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now looking into the incident.

Winter weather is building toward the New York–New Jersey region as a coastal storm sweeps in Tuesday morning. Forecasters expect a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. In higher-elevation areas of northern New Jersey and the Lower Hudson Valley, 3 to 5 inches of damp, heavy snow may pile up. Meanwhile, closer to the coast — including New York City — the forecast leans toward rain or possibly a brief coating of snow. The uncertainty now revolves around the exact track of the storm. A slightly more inland path could push the snow zone farther south; a more offshore track would keep heavy snow north. Either way, roads may turn slick during the Tuesday morning commute, and travel could be tricky if sleet or slush develops.

A former senior FBI official says a five-year cyber campaign from a Chinese state-linked group known as Salt Typhoon probably reached nearly every American. The breach targeted major U.S. telecommunications networks — including phone call and internet systems — exposing data that flows through core infrastructure. Officials estimate the attack spanned multiple years and entangled carriers serving tens of millions of customers nationwide. Because telecom networks route so much of Americans’ daily communications, experts argue that few, if any, escaped unscathed. At this point, the identity of all impacted individuals remains unknown. Investigators have not released a public list of affected users — and it appears nobody has yet confirmed exactly who was compromised. Meanwhile, telecom providers and federal agencies are scrambling to trace the breach, identify exposed data, and strengthen network security. As of now, there are no verified reports of data destruction or mass outages. But the implications run deep — sensitive metadata, call logs, text records, and other communications metadata might have been exposed, raising long-term privacy concerns. Authorities have urged U.S. telecom firms to tighten protections and said customers should assume their data may have been accessed.

An Israeli drone company, Heven AeroTech, has reached a reported valuation exceeding one billion dollars after raising about $100 million. The funding round was led by IonQ, a quantum-computing firm that also joined forces with Heven to embed quantum sensing and navigation tech into its drones. Heven — originally founded in Israel in 2019 — builds hydrogen-powered drones capable of long-range flights and heavy payloads. With IonQ’s backing, Heven plans to integrate quantum communications, navigation, and security systems. The companies say this could make the drones much more reliable in contested environments, especially where GPS or traditional navigation may be jammed. The investment makes Heven one of Israel’s first “defense-tech unicorns,” a sign of growing global investor appetite for military-grade drone technology. Industry experts see this as a broader shift: drones and autonomous aircraft are now central in global defense strategies, and private firms like Heven are racing to deliver advanced capabilities.

A new study out of University of California, Riverside (UCR) finds that diets high in Soybean Oil may contribute to obesity—not by calories alone, but through how the body processes its omega-6 fats. On November 30, 2025, researchers reported that feeding mice a soybean-oil–rich diet led most of them to gain significant weight. The culprit appears to be a group of molecules called “oxylipins,” produced when the body metabolizes linoleic acid, a common omega-6 in soybean oil. These oxylipins seem to trigger inflammation, alter liver behavior, and shift gene activity linked to fat storage. Importantly, in a group of genetically modified mice—with a different version of a liver-regulating protein—those weight and liver-fat changes did not occur, even on the same soybean-oil diet. That suggests individual biology plays a big role, and the results might vary in humans. While the study doesn’t claim soybean oil “causes” obesity in people, it raises a warning: heavy use of linoleic-acid–rich oils might silently contribute to metabolic stress.

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A 39-year-old man from Lakewood was arrested Sunday after authorities say he set three fires late Saturday night. Around 10:30 p.m. on November 29, fire crews responded to a blaze burning in the basement window-well of a house on East Eighth Street. Moments later, firefighters found two more small blazes along nearby railroad tracks. All three fires were extinguished quickly and — thankfully — no one was hurt. Investigators from county and local agencies concluded the fires were deliberately started. The first was fueled by an open flame applied to combustible materials in the window well. The brush fires along the tracks were triggered with a flammable fuel source. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old resident Israel Salgado-Miron, was taken into custody on Sunday and charged with aggravated arson and two additional counts of arson. He remains in custody at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. Authorities say the swift, coordinated response from fire, police and county-level investigators prevented more serious damage. Nearby homes and infrastructure avoided harm. The incident rattled neighbors, but with the suspect behind bars and the fires contained, officials say the area is now safe.

On the afternoon of November 28, an intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Yasny launch site in Russia’s Orenburg region exploded just seconds after takeoff. The rocket climbed only about 200–400 meters before veering off course, tumbling, then detonating mid-air and crashing back to the ground. Witnesses and footage show a thick purple cloud of smoke rising from the blast zone — a sign the missile used highly toxic liquid propellants. Though no official confirmation named the rocket, analysts say the evidence strongly points to the RS-28 Sarmat, the super-heavy ICBM Russia has touted as central to its nuclear deterrent. If correct, this marks yet another failure in a missile program that has seen multiple mishaps since 2022. The malfunction deepens doubts over the reliability of Russia’s most advanced nuclear-capable missile. Its repeated failures call into question whether the Sarmat can fulfill its intended role as a credible long-range deterrent.

A 27-year-old man from Warren, Maine was arrested Thursday in Lakewood, New Jersey after a crash at the busy intersection of Clifton Avenue and Main Street. Police say he’s suspected of robbing a branch of Chase Bank in Scarborough, Maine earlier this week. The robbery reportedly happened Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses identified a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer with out-of-state plates leaving the scene. The same vehicle later collided with another car in Lakewood, flipping onto its side and striking the sidewalk in front of a storefront. First responders from EMS, police, and fire units arrived on the scene. Officials report no serious injuries. The driver — the robbery suspect — was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities have not announced whether any weapon was used in the bank robbery. The suspect remains in police custody as investigators coordinate between Maine and New Jersey jurisdictions.

The Pentagon has canceled several planned warships, setting off a new round of debate over the state of U.S. naval readiness. Officials confirmed the decision late Thursday, saying the cuts focus on vessels that were scheduled for future construction rather than ships already in the fleet. The announcement followed internal reviews that took place throughout the week at the Department of Defense headquarters. The cancellations sparked immediate concern in Congress and among defense analysts. Supporters of a bigger fleet argued that removing ships from the pipeline could strain the Navy’s ability to meet rising demands, especially as regional tensions continue in the South China Sea and the Red Sea. Others said the shift could steer money toward more modern systems, including unmanned vessels and missile defenses. The change centers on long-term cost, shifting priorities, and a push toward a different mix of ships. The Pentagon said it will brief Congress next week and provide updated timelines for remaining shipyards.

In a major security bust at Ben‑Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv overnight on November 28, customs officials intercepted three travelers carrying pistols concealed in suitcases with false bottoms. The luggage was flagged during routine screening, and authorities discovered the firearms packed beneath normal luggage items. The three individuals — now formally indicted — were arrested on the spot. Officials confirmed there was no need for evacuations or shelter orders. Airport operations continued with only brief delays.

Zohran Mamdani — not yet sworn in — has quietly begun conversations with major Wall Street firms about his sweeping socialist agenda. In recent meetings in Manhattan, executives and financial-industry insiders met with Mamdani and his team to understand what his plans might mean for business. Although his platform calls for policies like rent freezes, higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and expansion of public services, Wall Street leaders say they want clarity. The broader business community seems to be holding its breath, watching who Mamdani appoints to his administration — and what early actions he takes. For now, the tone is cautious cooperation, rather than confrontation — a fragile start to what could be a tense relationship.

A passenger on KLM Flight 622 opened an emergency exit door and deployed the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The incident occurred Tuesday night, as the Amsterdam-bound flight prepared for takeoff. The man, identified by police as Johannes Van Heertum, reportedly called 911 from his seat claiming he saw another passenger with a weapon. Believing there was a threat, he panicked, opened the exit door, and triggered the slide. No weapon was found onboard. Authorities say Van Heertum appeared to be experiencing a mental-health episode. He was evaluated by EMTs, then taken into custody and charged with reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. As a result of the incident, the flight was cancelled and all passengers were rebooked. There were no injuries.

The United States Department of Defense concluded that Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Baidu Inc. and BYD Co. should be added to its “Section 1260H” roster — a list of firms the U.S. believes aid China’s military. This action was announced in a letter sent to the U.S. Congress, dated October 7, 2025. The move casts a shadow over some of China’s largest tech firms — firms with global reach, substantial U.S. business ties, and millions of investors. Pentagon officials now believe these firms have provided support to the Chinese military. It remains unclear whether they have been formally added to the list as of now. Shares of Alibaba, Baidu and BYD slid after the report hit markets.

A Delta flight that departed JFK Airport in New York late last night discovered a stowaway only after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport early this morning. Ground crews found the man inside the jet’s wheel well while the aircraft was parked at a service stand near Concourse A. The discovery happened around 4:30 AM, shortly after the overnight flight arrived from JFK. Ramp workers halted activity around the aircraft and notified airport police. The man was alive but weak and severely cold. Medics treated him immediately on the tarmac before moving him to a secure medical facility for further evaluation. No passengers or crew were injured, and there were no safety issues reported during the flight. Officials say the man likely climbed into the landing gear housing at JFK before takeoff. Investigators are reviewing security footage from both airports to determine how he reached the restricted area and whether any access points were compromised.

State police began a “Goal Zero” traffic enforcement blitz across New Jersey, focusing on major highways including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 80. The effort rolled out just before the heavy Thanksgiving travel rush. Troopers are increasing patrols at interchanges, toll plazas, and rest areas. They are targeting speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving after recent data showed a rise in holiday-period crashes. The campaign runs through Sunday night. The operation is large in scale. Extra units from multiple stations joined the detail, and aviation and traffic safety teams were placed on standby. Officials said the goal is simple: reduce the number of fatal crashes during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Mamdani is now backing a proposal to restrict protests outside synagogues after a chaotic demonstration at the Park East Synagogue on East 67th Street in Manhattan. The bill would create a set distance—similar to existing rules around clinics and schools—where organized demonstrations cannot take place while services or events are underway. Supporters say the goal is to prevent disruptions like the one seen yesterday, when hundreds crowded the block and police had to form barriers to keep entrances clear. The impact is focused on houses of worship across the city. If passed, synagogues would receive defined buffer zones during prayer times, funerals, and community gatherings. The proposal does not ban protests outright but moves them farther from the building entrances.

New York hospitals are dealing with a sharp rise in RSV cases, leaving pediatric ICUs close to capacity. Facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens reported crowded emergency rooms and longer intake times. Hospitals say the current load is heavier than expected for this point in the season. Many ICUs are running at or above 90% capacity, and several hospitals added overflow beds in nearby wings. The cause is the fast spread of RSV among children under five. Doctors say the virus is moving earlier and faster than usual this year. Extra respiratory staff were called in, and some hospitals limited non-urgent pediatric procedures to free space. Ambulances were temporarily diverted from two locations late last night to ease pressure. Officials stressed that parents should watch for breathing trouble, fast breathing, or dehydration. They urged families to use urgent care for mild symptoms to keep ERs open for severe cases.

A new analysis released today finds that North Korea may now possess about 150 nuclear warheads, marking one of the highest public estimates to date. The assessment centers on activity around known weapons sites near Yongbyon and Punggye-ri, along with satellite images showing expanded storage areas and transport routes. This would place North Korea’s stockpile closer to mid-tier nuclear powers.

The White House is reviewing whether to extend part of the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that are set to phase out soon. The discussion centers on keeping certain boosts in place to prevent higher monthly costs for many marketplace customers. The talks involve senior officials in Washington, D.C., and began early Wednesday morning. They focus on how much of the 2021 subsidy expansion can be maintained without requiring a full, long-term renewal. The possible extension would apply to marketplace plans used by millions of Americans. If enacted, the move could soften expected premium increases in 2026. Many households currently receive larger credits that reduce monthly payments, and losing them would raise out-of-pocket costs. The scale of the impact depends on which parts of the enhancements are extended and for how long. Administration staff are preparing briefings for state marketplaces so they can plan for potential changes. For now, health agencies say consumers should keep using their current coverage as normal. Any policy shift would be announced before enrollment deadlines so households can pick plans with clear information about their expected monthly premiums.

Tesla shares climbed sharply this morning after Elon Musk promoted an aggressive robotaxi rollout set for 2026. The announcement was made from Tesla’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, during an internal update shared with investors earlier in the day. The surge began shortly after markets opened. Trading volume increased as investors reacted to Musk’s plan to push full-scale robotaxi production across multiple manufacturing sites. The move marks one of Tesla’s fastest strategic shifts in recent years.

National Guard troops were shot near the White House after they approached a suspiciously parked vehicle on 15th Street NW on Tuesday morning. The troops were part of a routine security patrol in the area when they moved in to inspect the car. The shooting took place shortly after 8:00 AM near the entrance to a restricted security perimeter. Several rounds struck the troops before they could reach the vehicle. At least two Guard members were hit. Both were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police officers and federal security teams responded within minutes. They closed 15th Street NW between Pennsylvania Avenue and E Street. Crews swept nearby sidewalks, checked nearby buildings, and searched the area for the shooter. The parked vehicle was secured and inspected. Officials have not released the cause of the shooting or identified the gunman. The investigation is still underway.

Israeli forces launched a large counter-terrorism operation in the city of Jenin early this morning. Troops entered several neighborhoods near the Jenin Refugee Camp and the main commercial strip on Haifa Street. The operation began before sunrise. Armored vehicles moved through the city center, and units searched buildings across multiple blocks. Security officials said the effort targets armed groups linked to recent attacks in the area. The military said the operation will continue through the day as units search for weapons and suspects. Roads around the camp remain blocked, and additional checkpoints were set up on the route leading to Qabatiya.

A fire broke out in downtown Lakewood earlier today and gutted several small businesses along a busy part of the commercial strip. Flames moved quickly through connected storefronts.