Days like this with 33 stories are why GovBrief exists. Only one other night has topped that total.
Jack Smith told Congress there was proof beyond reasonable doubt that Trump broke the law overturning the 2020 election. That’s not even the lead story. We escalated further in Venezuela, killed four more people in the Caribbean, passed a bill criminalizing healthcare for trans kids, and learned the FAA lost 500 controller trainees because they weren’t paid during the shutdown. All of it competing for your attention.
A reader on Imgur created the GovBrief challenge: pick one story that fascinates you and go read it. There are direct links to all of them. You don’t have to absorb everything. You just have to stay connected.
We’ve emailed 5,200+ stories over 321 straight nights. Stop hoping the algorithm shows them to you. govbrief.today
#GovBriefToday #Resist
🟠119|🚨178|🟡103|🚨156|🟢41
FBI waited four days to announce arrest of former Louisiana police officer allegedly planning attack on ICE agents in New Orleans.
Today’s GovBrief News
Trump demands Venezuela return oil assets nationalized decades ago, admitting blockade is motivated by disputes over seized U.S. investments.
Source: The Associated Press
December 17, 2025
HHS terminates seven grants to American Academy of Pediatrics, which is suing Kennedy over vaccine policy.
Source: NBC News
December 17, 2025
Measles cases reach 1,958 in 43 states, highest in 33 years, as CDC posts 78% fewer warnings on social media than previous years.
Source: News from the States
December 17, 2025
Oklahoma mental health agency seeks bids to privatize four state-run behavioral health clinics as provider warns model already underfunded.
Source: The Oklahoma Voice
December 17, 2025
House passes Greene bill criminalizing gender-affirming care for minors 216-211, but bill faces likely death in Senate.
Source: The Hill
December 17, 2025
Minneapolis police chief criticizes ICE after agents drag woman through street, deploy chemical irritants and Taser while yelling "Who wants more?"
Source: CBS News
December 17, 2025
Texas Attorney General launches tip line encouraging public to report suspected bathroom bill violations, though photographing restrooms is illegal.
Source: The Texas Tribune
December 17, 2025
Senate confirms Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, seven months after Trump pulled his nomination over Democratic donations.
Source: TechCrunch
December 17, 2025
As Venezuela standoff escalates, Hegseth announces overhaul of military chaplain corps, eliminating Army Spiritual Fitness Guide as first step.
Source: The Hill
December 17, 2025
As Venezuela standoff intensifies, Trump announces $1,776 "warrior dividend" checks for 1.4 million service members from tariff revenue.
Source: Scripps News
December 17, 2025
Pentagon escalates probe of Senator Mark Kelly to "official command investigation" over video urging troops to refuse illegal orders.
Source: Military Times
December 17, 2025
Trump administration announces $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, largest single package ever, as China warns of "dangerous and violent situation."
Source: BBC
December 17, 2025
Two senators freeze Coast Guard commandant nomination after new policy downgrades swastikas and nooses from hate symbols to "potentially divisive."
Source: The Washington Post
December 17, 2025
U.S. government admits Army pilots and air traffic controller failed in January collision that killed 67, as NTSB final report looms.
Source: CNN
December 17, 2025
U.S. military kills four in 26th boat strike since September, hours after House rejects resolutions limiting Trump's authority.
Source: Stars and Stripes
December 17, 2025
Venezuelan Navy begins escorting oil tankers in defiance of Trump blockade as Pentagon scrambles to determine military's role.
Source: The New York Times [gift link]
December 17, 2025
DOJ tells court targeting blue states for energy grant cuts is "constitutionally permissible" because partisanship "can serve as a proxy for legitimate policy considerations."
Source: The Washington Post [gift link]
December 17, 2025
DOJ's new Second Amendment section sues U.S. Virgin Islands over gun permit delays and requirements Supreme Court struck down years ago.
Source: UPI
December 17, 2025
Federal appeals court allows National Guard to remain in D.C. while judges review legality of Trump's crime emergency deployment.
Source: WTTG Washington
December 17, 2025
Federal judge blocks DHS policy requiring seven-day notice for congressional visits to ICE detention facilities, calling it "contrary to law."
Source: Roll Call
December 17, 2025
Judge signals White House ballroom construction will continue as Trump raises price tag to $400 million and thanks judge at Hanukkah event.
Source: The Independent
December 17, 2025
Sixth Circuit rules 2-1 along party lines that Michigan's conversion therapy ban violates Catholic charity's free speech rights.
Source: Courthouse News Service
December 17, 2025
FCC chair tells Senate his agency is "not independent," as FCC website removes the word from mission statement during hearing.
Source: Newsweek
December 17, 2025
Four House Republicans sign Democratic discharge petition to force vote on ACA subsidies, reaching 218 signatures in defiance of leadership.
Source: The Hill
December 17, 2025
House rejects two resolutions to limit Trump's military campaign against Venezuela, 216-210 and 213-211, with three Republicans breaking ranks.
Source: Reuters
December 17, 2025
Jack Smith tells House Judiciary he had proof beyond reasonable doubt Trump broke law overturning 2020 election, but Jordan blocked public testimony.
Source: Spectrum News
December 17, 2025
Judge rules shutdown-era layoffs at four agencies must be rolled back, saying spending law prohibited all reduction-in-force actions.
Source: Government Executive
December 17, 2025
Senate passes $900 billion defense bill 77-20 with 3.8% troop pay raise and threat to cut Hegseth travel budget over boat strike footage.
Source: USA Today
December 17, 2025
Dan Bongino announces departure as FBI deputy director after 11 months to return to podcasting, citing desire to influence 2026 midterms.
Source: News Nation
December 17, 2025
FAA lost up to 500 air traffic controller trainees during 43-day shutdown because they weren't paid, even as academy stayed open.
Source: Politico
December 17, 2025
Trump installs plaques under White House presidential portraits calling Biden "worst President" and accusing Obama of spying on his 2016 campaign.
Source: ABC News
December 17, 2025
Trump uses prime-time address to blame Biden for economy and defend tariffs amid slumping approval, offering no new policies.
Source: NBC News
December 17, 2025
Faith leaders and protesters chain themselves outside San Francisco immigration court, 12 arrested as federal agents cut through links.
Source: SFist
December 17, 2025