1. Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Case

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Trump v. Slaughter, a landmark case challenging birthright citizenship. The administration is seeking to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizens, a move that could reshape immigration law and constitutional interpretation.

2. FTC Independence Under Threat

Justices also weighed a case involving President Trump’s attempt to remove a member of the Federal Trade Commission. The ruling could redefine the balance of power between the executive branch and independent agencies, with wide-ranging implications for regulatory oversight. Legal scholars note that the decision may set a precedent affecting dozens of independent commissions across the federal government. The outcome is expected to influence how future presidents exercise authority over regulatory bodies that traditionally operate with political insulation.

3. National Defense Authorization Act Advances

Congress moved forward with the 2026 NDAA, exceeding the president’s request. The package includes a 4% pay raise for enlisted troops, $400 million in aid to Ukraine, expanded border security, and major military infrastructure investments. Lawmakers emphasized that the bill reflects bipartisan priorities to strengthen national defense and support allies abroad. Debate is expected to continue over funding allocations, but passage appears likely given broad congressional support.

4. Pentagon Defends Caribbean Strike

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a controversial September strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat that killed 11 people. Critics argue the Pentagon violated international law, while Hegseth insisted the decision was justified and necessary for national security.

5. Kennedy Center Honors Controversy

President Trump personally hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, breaking decades of tradition where presidents typically avoided direct involvement. The move sparked debate over politicization of cultural events and the role of the presidency in national arts recognition.

6. Economic Outlook and Stock Market Surge

Markets rallied as the S&P 500 surged ahead of the Federal Reserve’s final 2025 meeting. Analysts expect another modest interest rate cut, continuing a trend that has pushed mortgage rates to three-year lows.

7. Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $930M

No winner emerged in Monday’s $875 million Powerball drawing, though one Florida ticket matched five numbers for $1 million. The jackpot now rises to $930 million, one of the largest in U.S. lottery history.

8. Native American Health Study

Researchers revealed alarming rates of mental decline among Native American populations, highlighting systemic health disparities. The findings are prompting calls for increased federal funding and culturally tailored healthcare programs.

9. Ghislaine Maxwell Case Records Released

A federal judge granted the Justice Department’s motion to release grand jury materials from the Ghislaine Maxwell case. The decision could shed new light on her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s network and ongoing investigations into related crimes.

10. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Without Survivors

For the first time in 84 years, no survivors attended the annual Pearl Harbor memorial in Oahu. The absence marks the passing of a generation that bore witness to the 1941 attack, underscoring the importance of preserving historical memory.