December 2025

Luigi Mangione appeared in New York state court at 9 a.m., charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare’s CEO outside a Manhattan hotel. The hearing focused on evidence and procedural steps in a case that includes second-degree murder, weapons, and forgery charges.

Your weather app isn’t confused — winter technically begins today. Meteorologists mark the season from Dec 1 through Feb 28 to track year-to-year trends, like warming temps and storm patterns. It’s not the solstice, but it is the start of what’s usually the coldest stretch of the year.

The U.S. steps into the G20 driver’s seat for the next year, with plans to host the 2026 summit and steer the agenda. Expect Washington to focus on inflation, global debt relief, and climate finance — and try to keep all 19 other members on the same page.

Congress is officially back in session after its Thanksgiving break — though don’t expect much movement today. While the House won’t hold votes, work behind the scenes ramps back up ahead of a busy month on the legislative calendar.

Oxford’s 2025 Word of the Year is “rage bait” — aka content designed to make you mad (and keep you scrolling). It reflects a year when outrage was a growth strategy, not a side effect. If you’ve ever hate-shared a hot take, you’ve been baited.

Republican Matt Van Epps won the special election with 54% of the vote, holding a seat Trump carried by 22 points in 2024. Democrat Aftyn Behn came within single digits, turning a deep-red district into a 2026 alarm bell for the GOP.

The Rockefeller Center tree lit up with 50,000 lights and a live performance lineup that delivered holiday magic. Reba McEntire hosted and performed, alongside stars like Michael Bublé, Halle Bailey, Gwen Stefani, New Edition, and the Rockettes — who kicked it up for their 100th anniversary. Midtown was packed, the vibes were maximal, and NBC aired it all.