Top Stories • December 12, 2025

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order blocking state-level artificial intelligence regulations, arguing it will strengthen U.S. tech leadership. Governors say they are preparing legal challenges, warning of federal overreach. In Ukraine, officials in Kyiv say Washington is pushing for a peace framework by Christmas that could involve territorial concessions and a free economic zone in the east, as Trump signals he may skip upcoming European meetings. On Capitol Hill, House Democrats released new photographs from the Jeffrey Epstein estate, renewing calls for transparency and the full release of remaining investigative records. The images include Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, former Prince Andrew, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Indiana lawmakers rejected a Trump-backed congressional map, complicating Republican redistricting plans ahead of next year’s elections. In the Senate, lawmakers failed to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, a lapse that will raise premiums starting in January. And with the holidays approaching, airfare is surging, with domestic prices up six to eight percent and international fares rising nearly ten percent from last year.