Headlines

December 2, 2025

Associated Press

WH Says Admiral Ordered Follow-Up Strike

The White House defended a Navy admiral’s authority to order a second strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, insisting the September operation was lawful as bipartisan scrutiny intensifies over reports survivors were targeted.
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USA Today

Wounded Guardsman Gives Thumbs Up

A critically wounded National Guard member, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, is showing hopeful signs of recovery after the D.C. shooting that killed Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, as officials praise the soldiers’ service and call the attack “unspeakable evil.”
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The Tennessean

Trump on TN: "Whole World Watching"

Trump doubled down on his support for Republican Matt Van Epps in Tennessee’s unexpectedly competitive 7th District special election, calling it a race “the whole world is watching” as both parties vie for momentum ahead of the midterms.
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Sports Illustrated

Assessing the Kiffin Coaching Wreckage

Lane Kiffin’s abrupt and messy jump from Ole Miss to Louisiana State University has ignited a blame-filled controversy that spotlights the egos, hypocrisies, and structural flaws driving college football’s increasingly chaotic coaching carousel.
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ABC News

White House Hopeful on Peace Talks

The White House signaled it is “very optimistic” as special envoy Steve Witkoff heads into a high-stakes Moscow meeting with Vladimir Putin, following intensive U.S.-Ukraine talks aimed at refining a peace plan to end Russia’s nearly four-year war against Ukraine.
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The Verge

Zillow Drops Climate Risk Info

Zillow has removed climate risk scores from its property listings after complaints that the ratings—based on First Street’s extreme-weather models—were hurting home desirability, instead directing users to the modeler’s website for detailed risk information.
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The Hill

Patel Under Fire at FBI

A leaked 115-page report paints the FBI under Kash Patel as a “rudderless ship,” criticizing his inexperience, focus on social media, and erratic conduct during high-profile incidents as lawmakers prepare to review the findings.
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NPR

Can AI Topple Two-Party Rule?

The Independent Center claims its AI-driven strategy can pinpoint competitive districts and recruit ideal candidates to elect independents in 2026, aiming to disrupt the long-entrenched two-party hold on Congress.
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Oxford University Press

Oxford's Word of 2025: Rage Bait

Oxford has named “rage bait” as its Word of the Year 2025, highlighting the surge in online content designed to provoke anger and drive engagement amid growing concerns about digital manipulation and social unrest.
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New York Post

Luigi's Eyebrows Sparked 911 Call

A Pennsylvania McDonald’s manager called 911 after patrons recognized Luigi Mangione by his distinctive bushy eyebrows as the suspect wanted in the New York City murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
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USA Today

Camping Sparks New Friendships

Campers say they often make four new friends per trip, as the unplugged, community-focused environment of campgrounds encourages easy conversation, genuine connection, and shared experiences among travelers.
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CNN

Coming: Australia's Social Media Ban

Starting December 10, Australian children under 16 will be blocked from creating social media accounts, sparking concern, debate, and creative workarounds as the country tests new rules aimed at protecting kids online.
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Axios

Here Are All of Hegseth's Strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been linked to at least 21 U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-transport vessels near Venezuela and the Eastern Pacific, resulting in a reported 82 deaths amid questions about legality and oversight.
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Mental Floss

America's Sinful Cities Ranked

Las Vegas, Nevada leads WalletHub’s 2025 ranking of America’s most sinful cities, while Columbia, Maryland, ranks as the least sinful, with nearly 200 cities evaluated on factors including greed, lust, laziness, anger, and other vices.
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The Washington Post

GLP-1 Drugs Transform Economy

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are reshaping the United States consumer economy, influencing everything from grocery choices and restaurant habits to fashion, fitness, and travel spending.
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Semafor

VF Expected To Cut Nuzzi Loose

Vanity Fair is expected to let Olivia Nuzzi’s contract lapse amid ongoing controversy and allegations from her former fiancé, reporter Ryan Lizza, that she engaged in unethical behavior while reporting.
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NBC News

Aaron Rodgers Experiment Failing

Aaron Rodgers’ struggles at quarterback have contributed to the Steelers’ recent slump, leaving Pittsburgh 6-6, fans questioning whether the NFL veteran can stabilize a team that has lost five of its last seven games, and raising skepticism about its playoff hopes.
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Fox News

Portland Tree Ceremony Criticized

Portland, Oregon, faced criticism after its annual tree lighting ceremony again omitted any mention of Christmas, instead featuring political messaging, a Palestinian flag, and indigenous songs while still displaying traditional holiday decorations and Santa Claus.
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The Hollywood Reporter

"Zootopia 2" Shatters Box Office

Disney’s “Zootopia 2” led a strong Thanksgiving box office with a record-smashing $158 million U.S. debut and $560 million globally, setting multiple milestones for animated films and marking one of the biggest worldwide openings of all time.
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National Catholic Reporter

Pope Urges Two-State Solution

Pope Leo XIV urged a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine in a surprise press conference aboard his flight from Turkey, noting that while Israel does not currently accept it, the Vatican will continue mediating for a just resolution.
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