By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Today’s news is a whirlwind. From shocking FBI footage linked to the January 5 pipe-bomb investigation to high-stakes diplomacy, global disasters, and surprising corporate moves, the world is moving fast. Here’s a curated roundup of the most important updates you need to know, straight from the primary sources.Today’s news is a whirlwind. From shocking FBI footage tied to the January 5 pipe-bomb investigation to high-stakes diplomacy, global disasters, and surprising corporate moves, the world is moving fast. Here is a curated roundup of the most important updates, straight from the primary sources.
FBI Releases New Footage in January 5 Pipe-Bomb Investigation
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
The FBI needs your help identifying a suspect in the January 5, 2021 pipe-bomb cases near the Democratic and Republican National Committees. New footage and materials have just been released. Take a close look and see if you recognize this person. Your tip could be the key to solving this case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Pentagon Inspector General Concludes Review of Defense Secretary’s Messaging Conduct
Source: Department of War Official Biography
The Department of Defense Inspector General completed an evaluation into reported use of the commercial messaging app Signal by senior DoD officials, including Secretary Pete Hegseth. The IG concluded that using a personal device and an unclassified messaging app to share sensitive operational information, including details about military strikes, violated Department of Defense communications policy. The report noted that this method of communication could have put U.S. personnel and missions at risk if intercepted. While the full unclassified report has not yet been publicly released, media outlets cite the IG’s findings and indicate the evaluation also recommended improved training across the Department to prevent future misuse of non-secure communication channels. The IG’s project page remains the official public record of the inquiry.
Source: Department of Defense Inspector General
Kremlin Responds to U.S. Peace Proposals on Ukraine
Source: Kremlin Official Website
After a five‑hour meeting in Moscow with U.S. envoys, Ushakov described the talks as “useful, constructive and substantive” but acknowledged that no breakthrough had been reached. He said Russia reviewed four versions of the U.S. peace proposals for Ukraine and that “some of the American proposals look more or less acceptable,” while others were outright rejected. According to Ushakov, the issue of Ukrainian territory remains the core obstacle — he said the Kremlin sees “no resolution to the crisis” unless those territorial demands are met. Despite that, he added that channels of diplomacy remain open and that “there is still a lot of work to be done” in both Washington and Moscow.
Source: Kremlin
White House to Host DRC and Rwanda Peace Agreement Signing
Source: U.S. Department of State, Public Domain
Leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda will meet in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, December 4, 2025, for a White House‑hosted signing ceremony of the U.S.-brokered peace and economic cooperation agreement. Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Paul Kagame, leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front and President of Rwanda since March 24, 2000, will sign the deal. The ceremony will take place at the building now known as the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace (formerly USIP) and is expected to include delegations from both nations, additional African leaders, and U.S. officials.
Source: The White House
DOE Renames National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Source: Cold Climate Housing Research Center
The Department of Energy announced it has renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). The renaming becomes effective immediately, reflecting the administration’s broader applied‑energy mission. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov+1 This change could carry real consequences for Alaska because NLR lists a campus in Fairbanks, Alaska — meaning Alaskan energy‑research and cold‑climate work remain part of the lab’s footprint even after the rebrand. NREL+1 Historically, NREL (now NLR) has worked with Alaska communities on renewable‑energy projects, microgrids, and cold‑climate housing designs intended to improve energy resilience in remote villages. NREL+1 With the name change, critics warn that the lab’s shift away from a “renewable‑first” identity could reduce long‑term emphasis on renewable energy, potentially affecting future support for Alaska’s clean‑energy and remote‑grid initiatives.
Source: Energy.gov
Holland America Line Reports Record Black Friday Bookings
Holland America Line has announced record-breaking U.S. bookings over the recent Black Friday–Cyber Monday weekend, with a 19 % increase over its previous high. Much of that demand came from travellers booking Alaska sailings for summer 2026, including both traditional cruises and signature “Alaska Cruisetours,” which combine sea voyages with over‑land tours to Alaska’s wildlands such as Denali National Park. The surge underscores renewed interest in Alaska as travel rebounds and people seek immersive, nature-rich experiences.
Holland America’s Cyber Sale ends today, December 4, 2025, and includes discounts on Alaska cruises. Interested travellers can explore offers here: Holland America Line Cyber Sale.
Because Alaska cruises are a cornerstone of Holland America’s offerings, this surge could bring more visitors boosting local ports, tour operators, and businesses. It may also raise questions about infrastructure and environmental impacts.
Source: Holland America Line
