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KC-135 Stratotanker Air Force refueling tanker in flight

A KC-135 Stratotanker, the type of Air Force refueling tanker that flew with its transponder off near Venezuela Friday and came within 2-3 miles of a JetBlue flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Seefeldt)

What Happened Today – December 14, 2025

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While the world was transfixed by mass shootings in Rhode Island and Australia, the authoritarian machine continued whirling.

An Air Force tanker flew with its transponder off near Venezuela and almost hit a JetBlue flight. The VA announced it’s cutting 35,000 more healthcare positions, bringing the six-month total to 65,000. North Carolina commissioners dissolved a library board for following their own procedures. And the president’s pick for Fed chair went on television to promise independence while calling Trump’s opinions “very strong and well-founded.”

The bosses may take holiday season Sundays off for golf and parties, but don’t look away because doing questionable things while we’re distracted is Politics 101.

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🟢 GovBrief Intensity Score 41
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Based on analysis of the past 7 days of headlines, these are the most frequently covered topics and categories.
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CourtsImmigrationMilitary
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Department of Homeland SecurityVenezuelaMassachusettsICEImmigration and Customs EnforcementPete Hegseth
Analysis covers Dec 8 - Dec 14, 2025 • Historical data
Today's Quote
Because once Texas is done and changed five seats to be Republican, California’s going to do the same thing, and it’s back and forth and back and forth. And how do you put the genie back in the box? I mean, how do you get back to détente? I mean, how do you do something better? But I think there is the potential that when people have no representation, that they feel disenfranchised, that it can lead and might lead to violence in our country.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) speaking about gerrymandering on NBC's Meet the Press on December 14, 2025
Yesterday's Most Read

Delaware acting U.S. attorney resigns after Democratic senators decline to support her nomination, days after Third Circuit ruled Trump unlawfully installed New Jersey counterpart.

Catch Up

Today’s GovBrief News

Health 1 of 5

Veterans Affairs plans to eliminate up to 35,000 healthcare positions this month, five months after cutting 30,000 jobs in July.

10% workforce reduction from last year

Source: CNBC

December 14, 2025

Censorship 2 of 5

North Carolina's Randolph Co. commissioners dissolve library board with no plan to fill vacancies after board voted to keep children's book about transgender boy.

Library Board voted 5-2 to keep book

Source: The Washington Post

December 14, 2025

Economy 3 of 5

Fed chair candidate Hassett says Trump's voice "would have no weight" in rate decisions, two days after Trump told Wall Street Journal his pick should seek his insight.

Chair term expires in May 2026

Source: The Hill

December 14, 2025

Military 4 of 5

JetBlue flight from Curaçao halts ascent to avoid collision with Air Force tanker flying with transponder off toward Venezuela.

2-3 miles from collision

Source: The Associated Press

December 14, 2025

Criminal Justice 5 of 5

Denver police drones arrive before officers 80% of time in pilot program, as department signs contract for license plate reader platform it says won't be activated yet.

215 calls since October launch

Source: CBS News

December 14, 2025