Top Stories Today: Caribbean War‑Crime Investigation, SNAP Relief, Alaska Energy

From U.S. military scrutiny to food‑aid relief and Alaska’s energy push, today’s top stories highlight high-stakes decisions shaping the nation, the world, and the Last Frontier.

By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025

🇺🇸 United States 👉🏿 Major Headlines

• U.S. probes alleged war crimes in the Caribbean

U.S. Marines and sailors navigate a Caribbean strait aboard the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Stockdale, part of operations to combat drug trafficking and protect U.S. interests in the region. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps.

The U.S. government is investigating recent military strikes in the Caribbean for potential violations of international law. Officials have confirmed that federal authorities are reviewing the circumstances of the strikes, including targeting decisions and civilian impact, to determine whether war‑crime charges may apply. (SOFREP)

Congress has signaled heightened oversight, with hearings expected in the coming weeks to scrutinize the administration’s use of force abroad. The investigation comes amid broader debates over executive authority in military actions outside of declared war zones. (SOFREP)

• SNAP payments restored for December

A simple potato. A reminder of the basic foods SNAP benefits help millions of Americans afford each month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for December 2025 will follow the normal schedule. (USDA)

This comes after disruptions during the 2025 federal government shutdown. New requirements for adult recipients without dependent children include 80 hours per month of qualifying activities such as work, community service, or training programs. Maximum benefit amounts remain adjusted for cost-of-living: $298 for a single-person household, $994 for a four-person household, and $1,789 for an eight-person household. (m.economictimes.com)

• VA benefits increase with 2026 cost-of-living adjustment

Alaska Air National Guard personnel load supplies at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Nov. 12, 2025, for Typhoon Halong recovery flights to western Alaska — a reminder that the same veterans and active‑duty communities benefiting from the new 2.8 % VA cost‑of‑living raise also answer the call to support Alaska in times of crisis. Photo by Alejandro Peña, Army National Guard.

Starting December 1, 2025, veterans receiving disability compensation and related benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see a 2.8% increase under the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). (m.economictimes.com)

The adjustment applies to VA disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children, and certain VA pensions. The increase is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.

For example, a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating will see their monthly payment rise from $4,027 to approximately $4,138, while a surviving spouse receiving DIC will see a proportional increase to help offset the cost of living. The COLA is calculated annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), ensuring that benefits maintain their purchasing power.

This increase provides modest but meaningful financial relief for veterans, their families, and other beneficiaries, particularly as inflation and household expenses continue to impact household budgets.

🌍 World 👉🏿 Key Developments

The European Union is preparing a plan to reduce dependence on China for critical raw materials, funding 25 strategic projects with 3 billion euros. The move aims to strengthen supply-chain security amid rising global tensions. (Reuters)
Aviation safety remains in focus as Airbus issues software updates for A320 aircraft after a mid-air incident linked to solar-flare vulnerability. Airlines worldwide are complying with retrofits to maintain operational safety. (GMA Network)

🏔️ Alaska 👉🏿 New Development

• National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPRA) regulations rescinded

The Department of the Interior announced a final rule rescinding the 2024 regulations governing the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPRA). (BLM)

The move is intended to “unlock energy potential” across the roughly 23‑million-acre reserve, potentially paving the way for new oil and gas exploration and development on Alaska’s North Slope. (DOI)

Critics warn that easing regulations could have significant environmental, cultural, and Indigenous‑rights implications, echoing concerns raised with the recent reopening of the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

⚠️ Key Takeaways

Americans relying on SNAP can expect relief this month, but the program’s vulnerability to political disruption remains a concern.
Veterans will see a modest COLA increase to disability benefits, easing inflationary pressures.
The Caribbean war‑crime investigation highlights ongoing scrutiny of U.S. military operations abroad.
Alaska’s NPRA rule change and ongoing ANWR development signal potential long-term economic opportunities, but also raise environmental and cultural challenges.
Global supply chains and aviation safety remain under watch, reflecting broader economic and geopolitical pressures.