Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP from Democrat-led states if they don't provide data

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced that she secured a provision in the annual defense bill mandating congressional notification of counterintelligence investigations into federal candidates following a conversation with President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson. This development highlights her influence within the party and her proactive approach to legislative matters.

Cracks have emerged in the Maga coalition as Donald Trump's influence appears to be waning, with his approval ratings dropping and signs of discontent among his supporters. This shift follows a series of scandals, including the Epstein affair, which have alienated key segments of his base. The Republican party is grappling with internal fractures as it heads into future elections.

The draw for the 2026 men's football World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and the Village People, with the latter expected to perform their iconic song YMCA. The event is co-hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Danny Ramirez, and is set for December 5, 2025.

Republican Matt Van Epps won the special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by a margin of 52% to 46%. This election, held on December 2, 2025, was marked by significant financial backing from both parties, reflecting its high stakes in a traditionally Republican stronghold.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are facing bipartisan scrutiny following a military strike in September that resulted in the deaths of survivors from an initial attack on a drug boat in Venezuela. Hegseth stated he was unaware of the second strike, which occurred after he left a meeting, leading to questions about the decision-making process within the administration.

The potential for a new doping crisis at the Olympics is emerging, with concerns that performance-enhancing drugs could be shipped directly to athletes' homes. This alarming trend raises questions about the effectiveness of current anti-doping measures and the accessibility of illicit substances through mail services.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a second military strike on an alleged drug boat, stating he did not see survivors from the initial attack, which has sparked controversy. President Trump supports the strikes, claiming they prevent drugs from reaching Americans. Hegseth's comments highlight the complexities of military operations in high-stakes environments.

The Trump administration, led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, has threatened to withhold Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from several Democratic-led states unless they provide requested immigration data. This comes after a judge ruled against the administration's ability to condition food assistance on such data.