December 12, 2025 – US Headlines

Story gist: A grand jury declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges for a second time. The decision follows reported pushes by former President Trump or the DOJ to reindict her.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Guardian frame the story neutrally as the grand jury ‘declining’ to indict James, emphasizing the panel’s decision against charges. Center outlets like Politico stress the DOJ ‘failing—again—to re-indict,’ with tone implying incompetence or obstruction. Right-leaning outlets offer no coverage, absenting any perspective portraying the outcome as a win for Trump or criticism of James.

Story gist: The U.S. House passed a bill repealing a Trump executive order restricting federal workers’ union bargaining rights. Twenty Republicans joined Democrats in the vote.

Bias summary: Left-leaning WaPo frames it as repealing Trump’s order ‘ending union rights,’ emphasizing restoration of protections. Center Axios describes a ‘historic vote’ overturning the order neutrally. Right-leaning Fox stresses 20 Republicans voting with Democrats to reverse the Trump policy, highlighting cross-aisle defection over policy merits.

Story gist: The White House stated the US intends to keep oil from a seized Venezuelan tanker and imposed new sanctions on Maduro family members and shipping companies transporting Venezuelan oil. Venezuela accused the US of piracy following the tanker seizure off its coast.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like CNN emphasize US sanctions targeting Maduro’s nephews and oil-shipping firms, framing actions against the regime. Center sources such as Reuters focus neutrally on US preparations to seize additional tankers post-first capture, citing sources. Right-leaning Fox News highlights Venezuela’s ‘piracy’ accusation against the US, centering the regime’s counterclaim.

Story gist: Indiana Senate Republicans rejected a congressional redistricting map requested by Donald Trump. The vote aligned with Democrats in opposing the proposal.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN emphasizes ‘deeply personal reasons’ for Senate Republicans rejecting Trump, highlighting anti-Trump motivations and portraying it as a personal rebuke. Center BBC frames it neutrally as Republicans joining Democrats to reject Trump’s ‘requested voting map,’ stressing bipartisanship without drama. Right-leaning outlets absent, omitting any perspective that might downplay the rejection or criticize the map’s opponents.

Story gist: Competing health care plans failed in the U.S. Senate. Affordable Care Act premium hikes are approaching.

Bias summary: Left-leaning NPR emphasizes outright failure of plans alongside looming ACA premium hikes, highlighting cost risks. Center AP News frames it as dueling partisan votes likely to fail, focusing on bipartisan deadlock without mentioning premiums. Right-leaning outlets absent, omitting perspectives that might criticize Democrats, celebrate ACA vulnerabilities, or push repeal narratives.