In 2025, Lake Mead's water levels, part of the Colorado River Basin, showed a decline according to official data. This reservoir is important for supplying water and hydroelectric power to several western U.S. states, and its decreasing levels have sparked discussions about new management rules.
Key Facts
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the U.S., located in the Colorado River Basin.
It provides water and hydroelectric power to millions in Nevada, Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico.
Lake Mead's water level was 1,066.37 feet at the Hoover Dam in January 2025 and gradually decreased over the year.
By December 21, the reservoir was 33% full, holding about 53% of its typical storage for this time of year.
Discussions are ongoing to establish new guidelines for Lake Mead and Lake Powell as the current rules expire in 2026.
The existing 2007 Operating Guidelines determine water releases from Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Experts note that the current water storage situation is poor, and snow conditions in early 2026 are not promising.
The Colorado River system is under stress, affecting water deliveries and dam operations, including hydropower.
The article discusses a competition within the MAGA movement between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors to President Trump for the 2028 election. With President Trump unable to run for a third term, supporters and insiders are divided between Vance's and Rubio's leadership styles and political strategies. A significant endorsement for Vance came from Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, which may impact future political dynamics.
Key Facts
JD Vance and Marco Rubio are being seen as possible successors to President Trump for 2028.
President Trump cannot run for a third term due to constitutional limits.
Erika Kirk, leading Turning Point USA, endorsed JD Vance for the 2028 election.
Turning Point USA plans to mobilize support in all 99 Iowa counties.
At a recent event, Vance received 84% support in a straw poll.
Marco Rubio has stated he will support Vance if he decides to run.
A Gallup poll shows Vance has 39% national approval, while Marco Rubio is more popular with over 40% support, especially among independents.
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. government can share some Medicaid enrollment information of people in the country illegally with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This information sharing is allowed under current laws and helps with deportation cases starting January 6. The decision supports President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled that certain Medicaid details about undocumented immigrants can be shared with ICE.
The ruling allows for sharing basic information like immigration status, address, and Medicaid ID numbers.
The decision is part of President Donald Trump's efforts to use federal data for immigration enforcement.
The lawsuit challenging this policy was filed by California and 21 other states.
The judge's decision excludes sharing health records or sensitive medical information.
California argued this policy could deter people from seeking necessary medical care.
The ruling is active while the lawsuit continues, but the court may review if new policies arise.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for New York and Alaska. These areas could experience up to 22 inches of snow along with strong winds, leading to dangerous travel conditions from Tuesday to Saturday.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings affect New York and Alaska.
The storm could bring up to 22 inches of snow.
Strong winds up to 50 mph (miles per hour) are expected.
New York counties could see whiteout conditions, severely reducing visibility.
In Alaska, very cold wind chills could cause frostbite quickly.
Travel may be dangerous and life-threatening.
Conditions may worsen overnight and improve by the weekend.
It's advised to check local forecasts before traveling.
A U.S. Representative from Minnesota, Tom Emmer, is pushing for strict immigration penalties, including deportation, against Somali individuals in Minnesota accused of fraud. He argues that these individuals, some of whom are naturalized citizens, have engaged in scams involving programs like Feeding Our Future, leading to a significant scandal. The fraud has become a major issue because it involves many Somali Americans.
Key Facts
Tom Emmer is a Republican Representative from Minnesota.
Emmer wants deportation for Somalis in Minnesota accused of fraud.
The fraud in question involves programs meant for child nutrition and health services.
The fraud scandal is described as happening on a large scale.
Federal officials estimate the fraud could be worth billions of dollars.
Most defendants in this case are Somali Americans.
Emmer promises to push for legislative changes to address this issue.
The situation has caused cultural and political tensions in Minnesota.
Police in Texas released dashcam footage of a person who looks like Camila Mendoza Olmos, a 19-year-old who disappeared from her home on Christmas Eve morning. The video shows someone walking in a neighborhood around 7:00 a.m., the last sighting of Olmos reported by investigators. Authorities are asking for more dashcam or home surveillance footage from the area to help find her.
Key Facts
Camila Mendoza Olmos, aged 19, disappeared from her Texas home on December 24.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office released dashcam video from the same day.
The video shows a person who looks like Olmos walking around 7:00 a.m.
This sighting happened between Shetland Wind and Caspian Spring streets.
Olmos was last seen at 6:58 a.m. in the 11000 block of Caspian Spring, leaving her home on foot.
Security footage showed her near her car earlier, but she left it behind.
Her phone and other belongings remained at home, except for her car keys and possibly her driver’s license.
Police are seeking more surveillance footage from local residents to aid their investigation.
A powerful winter storm is affecting the eastern and midwestern United States with heavy snow, high winds, and blizzards. This has led to significant travel disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations, and hazardous driving conditions in many areas. The storm, called a bomb cyclone, is causing extreme weather across multiple states, from Massachusetts to Florida.
Key Facts
The winter storm is intensified by a bomb cyclone and an Arctic airmass.
Major cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. are affected.
There have been nearly 9,000 flight delays and over 1,500 flight cancellations in the U.S.
70 mph winds were recorded in Buffalo.
An intense band of snow is moving along Lake Erie, creating whiteout conditions.
Parts of New York and Michigan have winter storm warnings in effect.
Freeze warnings and cold weather advisories extend as far south as the Gulf Coast.
The storm's effects are expected to last through New Year's Day.
Thousands of people in parts of California have been told to stay indoors due to "unhealthy" air quality levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that pollution levels are high, which can be harmful, especially for vulnerable groups.
Key Facts
The EPA advised residents in Summerville, Lewiston, Hayfork, and Weaverville to stay indoors.
The air quality issue is due to high levels of fine particulate pollution known as PM2.5.
"Unhealthy" PM2.5 levels were recorded on Tuesday, December 30 at 6 a.m. ET.
People with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and children are particularly at risk.
PM2.5 can cause symptoms like coughing, irritation, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
The EPA suggests reducing outdoor activities for everyone during these conditions.
This is an ongoing situation with more updates expected.
An Oklahoma man named Cody Wayne Adams has been charged with first-degree manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed a woman with a stray bullet while practicing shooting in his backyard. The incident occurred on Christmas Day when a bullet struck Sandra Phelps, who was sitting on her porch holding a child. Adams was arrested but later released on bond and is expected to appear in court.
Key Facts
Cody Wayne Adams, 33, was charged with first-degree manslaughter.
The shooting happened in Oklahoma on Christmas Day.
Sandra Phelps was killed while sitting on her porch, holding a child.
Adams said he was shooting a gun in his backyard and bought it as a Christmas present.
The stray bullet traveled about half a mile before hitting Phelps.
Adams was released from jail on a $100,000 bond.
The law in Oklahoma defines first-degree manslaughter as a killing without intent to cause death, linked to the commission of a misdemeanor.
Adams is prohibited from contacting Phelps’ family and is due in court on February 25.
A real estate development in Gainesboro, Tennessee, is drawing attention because two of its initial customers are self-described Christian nationalists. This has caused concern among local residents due to the controversial views of these customers. The development is linked to broader political debates over conservative Christian ideals in the U.S.
Key Facts
Real estate developer Josh Abbotoy is building a new neighborhood in Gainesboro, Tennessee, which includes a church.
The development is designed for people interested in rural life and right-wing ideals like faith, family, and freedom.
Two early customers, Andrew Isker and C Jay Engel, identify as Christian nationalists.
Isker and Engel have made controversial statements against modern values and legal immigration.
Their presence has caused concern among some local residents.
The development has attracted national attention as it reflects larger political debates in the U.S.
Isker and Engel encourage others to join them in small communities to influence local politics.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigating claims of fraud in Minnesota's government programs, focusing on issues raised by President Trump and others about the state's Somali community. This investigation includes allegations of misuse of funds in child care and other federal programs. The probe has historical roots, with previous cases of fraud being reported in Minnesota.
Key Facts
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigating fraud claims in Minnesota.
There are allegations that fraud schemes involve the state's Somali community.
Concerns involve government-funded child care and other programs.
The "Feeding Our Future" case was a major fraud scandal related to pandemic aid in Minnesota.
Claims have been made about $9 billion in federal funds potentially stolen, with no specific evidence given.
Gov. Tim Walz defends his actions, stating efforts to combat fraud were hampered by legal and authority limitations.
Rep. Roger Williams announced a House Committee probe into fraud in Minnesota programs.
President Trump has criticized Minnesota’s leaders, including Rep. Ilhan Omar and Gov. Tim Walz.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican Congresswoman, criticized Scott Jennings, a former adviser to George W. Bush, for calling her a liberal. This incident highlights divisions within the Republican Party, especially around supporters and critics of President Trump. Greene's disagreements with Trump, including issues about releasing certain files, have strained their relationship.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Scott Jennings for labeling her as a liberal.
Greene recently resigned from Congress, effective January 5, 2026.
She maintains a 98% voting alignment with President Trump.
Greene and Trump have public disagreements over issues, including the release of the Epstein files.
Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene and called her a "traitor" publicly.
Scott Jennings posted on social media about Greene, referring to her shift as exaggerated by those against Trump.
Greene responded, asserting her continued support for America First policies.
A special election will be held in Georgia to fill Greene's congressional seat after her resignation.
A man named Brian Cole Jr. confessed to planting pipe bombs near political party headquarters in Washington, DC, the night before the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. He told agents he acted alone and denied any connection to the riot's motive. Cole has been charged but has not entered a plea.
Key Facts
Brian Cole Jr., 30, admitted to placing two pipe bombs in Washington, DC.
The bombs were found near the Republican and Democratic party headquarters.
Cole stated his actions were not connected to Congress certifying the 2020 election results.
He was arrested on December 4 after a five-year investigation.
Cole reportedly got the idea from historical events, specifically The Troubles in Ireland.
He learned bomb-making from YouTube and video games but did not test the devices before planting them.
Prosecutors found evidence, including bomb materials bought with Cole's credit card and items found in his home.
Cole allegedly erased data from his cellphone many times since the planned attack.
The Trump administration has started giving out money from a $50 billion rural health fund, part of a major Republican bill. Alaska received one of the largest awards due to its unique healthcare challenges and political support for the bill.
Key Facts
The rural health fund totals $50 billion and is part of a Republican budget bill.
The first awards to states will average $200 million each in 2026.
Alaska received $272 million, the second highest amount after Texas.
Half of the fund is distributed equally among states, which benefits less populated states.
The other half is based on factors like state health policies.
Alaska's funding follows negotiations involving Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who supported the bill.
Concerns exist that the fund will not offset Medicaid cuts also in the bill.
Officials claim the fund aims to improve rural healthcare access and services.
The Trump administration announced a $10 billion rural health care program to help rural hospitals. The funding will be spread over five years, with states proposing how to use the funds. However, distribution depends on states' alignment with government policies.
Key Facts
The U.S. is launching a $10 billion program for rural health care in 2026.
The Rural Health Transformation Program aims to help rural hospitals.
States can propose how they plan to use the money they receive.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will help oversee the projects.
Each state won't get the same amount; average awards are about $200 million.
Distribution depends on whether state policies match national government policies.
President Trump pardoned about 1,500 people related to activities aimed at reversing the 2020 presidential election results. Tina Peters, a former county clerk from Colorado involved in election denial, remains in prison and cannot be pardoned due to constitutional limits.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned about 1,500 people this year.
These pardons were for those tied to efforts to change the 2020 election outcome.
The fifth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol attack is approaching.
Tina Peters is a notable figure still in prison linked to election denial.
Constitutionally, President Trump cannot pardon Tina Peters.
NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed how President Trump is increasing presidential power in new ways. They also talked about recent Republican legislative successes and the political word of the year.
Key Facts
President Trump is expanding presidential power in ways not seen before.
The discussion covers recent successes by the Republican Party in legislation.
"Political word of the year" is a topic of conversation.
Lisa Desjardins moderated the discussion on NPR.
Tamara Keith is from NPR, and Amy Walter is from the Cook Political Report.
President Donald Trump gave an update on the renovations of the White House ballroom. He stated that the project is ahead of schedule and under budget, with a current projected cost of $400 million, allegedly funded by private donations. The new ballroom will be larger and more secure than initially planned.
Key Facts
President Trump updated the media about the White House ballroom renovations.
The ballroom is being built in the East Wing of the White House.
The cost of the project has increased from $200 million to $400 million.
The administration claims private funding, including donations from Trump, will cover the costs.
The ballroom's capacity will be 900 people, up from the initial 650-person estimate.
It will have bulletproof glass and a drone-free roof for added security.
Some lawmakers and preservationists have raised concerns about the project's impact on the historic site.
President Trump described the ballroom as something the country has wanted for 150 years.
Gale Brophy, a socialite from Palm Beach, was reportedly almost removed from Mar-a-Lago by security after approaching President Donald Trump during a party. Brophy, known for her connections with the Trump family, claimed she and Trump once competed to own Mar-a-Lago. Another participant on a reality show, Taja Abitbol, doubted Brophy's claims about her close connections to the Trumps.
Key Facts
Gale Brophy is a socialite featured in the Netflix reality show "Members Only: Palm Beach."
The incident with President Trump happened at Mar-a-Lago during a party.
Brophy claimed she and Trump both bid to own Mar-a-Lago in the past.
Taja Abitbol, a cast member from the show, doubted Brophy's story about her Trump connections.
Brophy has known the Trump family for decades, as seen in photos with Donald Trump and family members.
The Secret Service reportedly had to escort Brophy away from Trump during the event.
A 19-year-old woman named Camila Mendoza Olmos went missing on Christmas Eve in Bexar County, Texas. Authorities say she might be in "imminent danger," considering possibilities like kidnapping or human trafficking. Local law enforcement and the FBI are working together to find her.
Key Facts
Camila Mendoza Olmos, age 19, disappeared on December 24th in Bexar County, Texas.
She was last seen leaving her home for a morning walk.
Her disappearance has led authorities to believe she could be in "imminent danger."
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is considering kidnapping or trafficking as potential scenarios.
Her car was found with her belongings inside, except for car keys and possibly her driver's license.
Camila did not have her phone with her, which is unusual for her.
There is surveillance footage of her searching in the back of her car on the day she disappeared.
Various resources, including deputies, drones, cadaver dogs, and the FBI, are involved in the search.
