The U.S. experienced its worst job growth since 2020 in 2025, with only 584,000 jobs added and a slowdown in hiring across sectors, reflecting a cautious labor market amid economic uncertainties and policy impacts, despite some positive signs like wage increases and lower unemployment benefits claims.
Washington state is on track to record its warmest December ever, surpassing the previous record set in 2023, despite a La Niña winter forecast. The region experienced above-average rainfall due to atmospheric rivers, which helped alleviate drought conditions in some areas like the Yakima Basin, although overall the state remains drought-stricken and on track for its fifth driest year.
The Ursid meteor shower peaks overnight on December 21-22, 2025, coinciding with the winter solstice, offering a great opportunity for stargazing under dark skies, especially before dawn on December 22 when the radiant point is highest in the northern sky. The shower, caused by debris from Comet 8P/Tuttle, usually produces 5-10 meteors per hour but can have outbursts exceeding 25, with historical peaks of 100 meteors per hour.
Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) encourages tourists to visit Ghana during December, despite reports of robbery and rising HIV/AIDS cases, emphasizing that these issues should be addressed through education and that crime is not unique to Ghana.
The December Ursid meteor shower, peaking around December 21-22, is often overlooked compared to the Geminids but can produce up to 10 meteors per hour under dark skies, radiating from the constellation Ursa Minor near Kochab, with potential for unexpected activity due to past outbursts and the proximity of comet 8P/Tuttle.
December's full supermoon, also called the cold moon, is the last supermoon of the year, occurring around 6:14 p.m. ET Thursday, and is notable for its proximity to the winter solstice and historic Apollo missions, with upcoming lunar exploration planned for Artemis II.
Historically, December has been a mixed month for Bitcoin, with average gains around 4.8% but a median decline of 3.2%, and recent patterns suggest that if November and October are negative, December likely will be too. Despite this, long-term investors are advised to view seasonal dips as opportunities to accumulate Bitcoin, given its finite supply and growing institutional adoption, rather than relying on seasonal rallies. Caution is recommended if macroeconomic conditions worsen, but a disciplined, dollar-cost averaging approach can help manage risks and capitalize on future gains.
Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive their December payments on specific dates based on their birth dates, with SSI recipients getting two payments this month on Dec. 1 and Dec. 31. The SSA provides a schedule and advises contacting your bank if payments are delayed.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated that a rate cut in December is uncertain due to divided opinions among Fed officials and unclear economic data, leading markets to reduce expectations of a cut. The Fed recently cut rates by a quarter point, but future moves depend on upcoming economic data, with some officials advocating for caution amid mixed signals from the economy.
US home prices reached a new peak in December, with a 0.2% increase from the previous month, marking seven consecutive record highs in 2023. Compared to the previous year, national home prices rose by 5.5%, surpassing the 5% annual gain in November. Half of the 20 metro markets, including Las Vegas, saw prices exceeding previous records, indicating a strong housing market.
December migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border are on track to "shatter" previous records, according to reports. The surge in arrivals has overwhelmed border patrol agents and strained resources, with thousands of migrants attempting to cross into the United States. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Biden administration in managing immigration and border security.
Minnesota is experiencing its warmest December on record, with temperatures running 9.3 degrees warmer than normal in the Twin Cities. The anomalous warmth extends to other parts of the state, with Duluth and International Falls also experiencing significantly higher temperatures. There is a possibility of setting new record highs on Christmas Eve, with temperatures likely to reach the 50s in southern Minnesota. Additionally, rain is expected across Minnesota on Christmas Day, while some snow may fall in the Dakotas and far northern Minnesota.
This article highlights four dividend-paying companies across different industries that investors may consider adding to their portfolios in December. Dividend stocks can offer stability during uncertain times, and these companies have the potential for significant long-term upside.
The new moon in December will provide dark skies for observing the Geminid meteor shower, one of the most abundant meteor showers of the year. The shower peaks on December 14, just two days after the new moon, making it easier to see the meteors without the moon's light washing them out. Additionally, the moon will make a close pass to Mercury on the same day, making the elusive innermost planet easier to spot. Skywatchers in different parts of the world will have varying opportunities to observe the celestial events.