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.
A judge in Utah decided that a written record from a private court meeting must be made public. The meeting was about whether the person accused of killing Charlie Kirk should be restrained in court. The judge has asked for this information to be shared by the end of the day.
Key Facts
A Utah judge ordered the release of a transcript from a private hearing.
The hearing took place in October.
The case involves the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk.
The hearing discussed whether the accused should be shackled in court.
State District Judge Tony Graf issued the order.
The transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day.
Media outlets, including The Associated Press, requested the release of details.
The article discusses Senator JD Vance's potential path to the U.S. presidency in 2028. It suggests that Vance needs to distance himself from President Trump without alienating Trump's supporters. A strategic shift could help him appeal to moderate voters and position himself as a serious candidate.
Key Facts
JD Vance is considered a possible candidate for the U.S. presidency in 2028.
Vance needs to distance himself from President Trump while maintaining support from Trump's base.
The article suggests that Vance could win over moderates by acknowledging past mistakes related to his relationship with Trump.
Vance may need to demonstrate change through public statements and interviews.
Trump is seen as a powerful figure who does not easily support successors.
Vance received an endorsement from Erika Kirk at a TPUSA event, which may have been a strategic test.
Conservatives are starting to reassess their support for Trump as his influence wanes.
The article implies Vance's actions could indicate whether the conservative movement can move beyond Trump.
Some young right-wing influencers in the U.S. are not supporting Vice President JD Vance as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2028. They have shown support for California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, highlighting divisions in conservative circles. Discussions about the 2028 election are already happening, even though it is still years away.
Key Facts
Gen Z right-wing influencers suggest they may not back JD Vance for the 2028 Republican nomination.
These influencers have expressed support for Democrat Gavin Newsom.
Vance is considered the leading Republican candidate for 2028.
The Democratic primary might be competitive, with Newsom seen as a strong contender.
Influencers like Nick Fuentes, controversial for his views, have significant support among some conservatives.
Braden Peters, a streamer, criticized Vance and praised Newsom in an interview.
SNEAKO, another influencer, also expressed his unwillingness to support Vance, using racist attacks.
Discussions for the 2028 U.S. presidential election have started, though official candidacies are not announced yet.
President Donald Trump faced several crises in 2025 after starting his second term. He focused on issues like immigration, trade, and drug-related threats, using emergency powers to tackle these challenges. His actions raised debates about presidential power and emergency authority.
Key Facts
President Trump began his second term in January 2025 with urgent actions on national security issues.
He described immigration as an "invasion" and moved to limit both legal and illegal entries, affecting some U.S. citizens.
Trump revised trade deals, saying they posed a threat to U.S. national security.
He targeted drug organizations, claiming they used drugs as weapons against the U.S.
Trump invoked emergency powers to declare crises, which has stirred legal debates about presidential authority.
The U.S. does not have a broad emergency power law for presidents, but Congress allows limited emergency powers.
Trump's use of emergency powers in 2025 was unique as it did not follow specific triggering events.
He declared national emergencies to designate certain gangs as terrorist organizations and bypass environmental rules.
Minnesota Judge Sarah West overturned a jury's conviction in a Medicaid fraud case involving Abdifatah Abdulkadir Yusuf. The decision has sparked a public debate and increased scrutiny on fraud allegations in Minnesota. The case has become a national issue, with various political figures and social media influencers weighing in.
Key Facts
Judge Sarah West overturned a guilty verdict for Abdifatah Abdulkadir Yusuf in a Medicaid fraud case.
Yusuf was originally convicted on six counts related to fraudulent reimbursement claims.
West stated the conviction was based heavily on circumstantial evidence, suggesting Yusuf's brother may have been responsible.
The decision is currently under review by the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Somali Americans comprise 89% of those charged in such fraud cases in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump criticized Minnesota as a "hub of fraudulent activity."
Federal agencies like the Treasury Department and FBI are investigating the state's fraud schemes.
The case received more attention after a viral video by a social media influencer alleged misuse of government funds in the state.
Joe Rogan faced criticism online for comments he made about measles on his podcast. He suggested measles wasn't serious and confused it with chickenpox, leading to accusations that he was spreading misinformation about vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in measles cases and outbreaks in 2025.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan made comments about measles on an episode of his podcast from February.
He suggested that measles was not a serious illness and that people became immune for life after getting it.
Critics online pointed out that Rogan confused measles with chickenpox.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health issues, but it is preventable with vaccines.
There were 50 measles outbreaks and 2,012 cases in the U.S. in 2025, an increase from the previous year.
Vaccine skepticism has grown in the U.S. due to various factors, including misinformation and political divisions.
Some social media users expressed concern that Rogan's comments could fuel anti-vaccine beliefs.
Joe Rogan's podcast is one of the most popular in the U.S., ranked No. 1 on Spotify's "Top Podcasts" chart.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her comments about the increase in Latino recruitment among U.S. Border Patrol agents. The criticism came after Bass expressed concern over these recruitment trends during a CNN interview. DHS argued that the comment was detached from reality and accused Bass of seeking media attention through race-related remarks.
Key Facts
Mayor Karen Bass commented on the rise in Latino recruitment in the U.S. Border Patrol during a CNN interview.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin criticized Bass, saying her comments were out of touch and "race-baiting."
CNN reported a rise in Latino recruits joining the Border Patrol training academy, with many coming from border communities.
About half of the U.S. Border Patrol agents along the southwest border identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Mayor Bass expressed concern about the financial motivation behind recruitment and its impact on the agents' roles.
The Trump administration increased recruitment for ICE officers and Border Patrol agents as part of its immigration policy.
Over 48% of U.S. Border Patrol agents were Hispanic males, according to a 2017 DHS workforce report.
California, being a border state, is significantly affected by heightened immigration enforcement activities.
A new law in California requires corn masa flour to have a certain amount of folic acid from January 1. This law aims to reduce birth defects in Latino communities by enhancing the nutritional quality of corn masa products.
Key Facts
California has passed a law requiring folic acid in corn masa flour.
The law affects products like tortillas and other packaged corn masa products.
Folic acid is a type of vitamin B9 that can improve nutrition and lower pregnancy complications.
The law was passed because Latino families in California have higher rates of severe birth defects.
Corn masa flour must contain 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound.
Wet corn masa must have 0.04 milligrams of folic acid per pound.
The bill passed unanimously and was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The change aims to save lives and reduce state healthcare costs.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, will become the mayor of New York City on January 1. He has promised significant changes in the city's government and faces scrutiny from both political opponents and allies.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is set to become the mayor of New York City.
He is 34 years old and identifies as a democratic socialist.
Mamdani has made promises to significantly change New York City's government.
He faces criticism from Republicans and some Democrats who think he is too liberal.
Progressives are watching to see if he changes his political positions.
Mamdani will officially start his role on January 1.
The public and critics are closely monitoring his actions and decisions.
President Donald Trump's administration announced that Americans could see significantly larger tax refunds in 2026 due to new tax legislation called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This law includes changes like a bigger standard deduction and increases in child tax credits, which could result in refunds increasing by an additional $1,000 per household.
Key Facts
President Trump's tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was passed in July.
The law could lead to tax refunds that are $1,000 to $2,000 higher per household in 2026.
Americans won't pay taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, according to the new law.
The average tax refund in 2026 might rise to about $3,800, up from $3,052 in 2025.
Expanded bonus depreciation benefits business owners under this law.
The increase in child tax credits is from $2,000 to $2,200.
The government might collect less tax revenue due to these changes.
President Donald Trump's name has been added to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, which is now called The Donald Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. A former South Park contributor, Toby Morton, bought domain names related to the center, creating parody websites. Kerry Kennedy, a niece of John F. Kennedy, expressed gratitude to Morton, while legislation is in motion to reverse the renaming decision.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center now includes President Donald Trump's name in its title.
Toby Morton purchased domain names related to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Kerry Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s niece, thanked Morton for buying the domain names.
Morton plans to use the domain names for parody websites targeting the name change.
The renaming decision followed a vote by a board appointed by President Trump.
Bernie Sanders and April McClain introduced legislation to reverse the naming decision.
President Trump expressed honor over the inclusion of his name at the center.
Legislation aims to prevent naming federal buildings after sitting presidents.
A petition on Change.org is calling for Nicki Minaj to be deported to Trinidad and Tobago. Over 8,000 people signed the petition, citing her shift from liberal to conservative views as the reason. The petition raises questions about her immigration status in the U.S. since she is not a U.S. citizen.
Key Facts
A petition with over 8,000 signatures calls for Nicki Minaj to be deported from the U.S.
The petition claims Minaj has shifted from liberal to conservative views.
Minaj is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and is not a U.S. citizen.
The petition was started by Tristan Hamilton and suggests Minaj's public statements have been divisive.
Minaj has shown support for the MAGA movement and aligned with conservative figures.
She appeared with Erika Kirk at a Turning Point USA event recently.
Previously, Minaj criticized President Trump during his first term but is now working with the White House on various issues.
In a TikTok livestream, Minaj stated she is not a U.S. citizen despite living in the U.S. for many years.
American workers can enjoy more vacation time by planning their paid time off around federal holidays in 2026. The article suggests that combining vacation days with these holidays can create longer breaks, helping reduce stress and burnout.
Key Facts
U.S. employees typically get 11 to 18 vacation days each year.
Many American workers don't use all of their vacation days due to money concerns or heavy workloads.
Not using vacation leads to stress and burnout, according to studies.
There are 11 federal holidays in 2026, many of which create opportunities for long weekends.
Examples include taking a longer break by combining Memorial Day or Thanksgiving with additional PTO days.
Planning vacations early can avoid high travel costs as peak dates fill up.
Travel experts recommend booking short vacations throughout the year instead of saving PTO for one long trip.
Nick Shirley, a YouTuber, released a video alleging fraud in Minnesota's government-funded child care programs, which gained attention from the FBI and Vice President JD Vance. The video criticized a center for appearing abandoned and sparked discussions about fraud possibly involving Minnesota's Somali community. Federal prosecutor Joe Thompson noted that large amounts of federal funds might have been stolen in Minnesota since 2018.
Key Facts
Nick Shirley is a 23-year-old YouTuber with over 1 million subscribers.
He released a video alleging fraud in Minnesota's child care programs.
The video received attention from the FBI and Vice President JD Vance.
Federal prosecutor Joe Thompson stated that over $9 billion in federal funds could have been stolen in Minnesota.
Most defendants charged are Somali Americans.
Minnesota's Governor, Tim Walz, has worked to combat fraud, according to his office.
Shirley's videos are influencing Trump administration responses.
His video has over 1 million views on YouTube and over 100 million views on X (formerly Twitter).
Harmeet Dhillon, a Trump-appointed civil rights attorney, criticized some of the president’s supporters on social media for attacking Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice. These criticisms are linked to misunderstandings about the statute of limitations for prosecuting members of the January 6 House select committee. Dhillon defended Bondi, stating that the Department of Justice is actively pursuing justice related to the January 6 Capitol attack.
Key Facts
Harmeet Dhillon was appointed by President Trump to lead civil rights cases for the DOJ.
Dhillon criticized Trump supporters who attacked Attorney General Pam Bondi online.
Criticism focused on the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein files and comments about a crackdown on hate speech.
Some Trump supporters wrongly believed that the deadline to prosecute January 6 committee members was imminent.
Dhillon assured that the DOJ is actively pursuing cases related to the January 6 events.
Trump told NBC he believes January 6 committee members should be imprisoned; however, his administration has not acted on this.
Dhillon claimed that criticism against Bondi was fueled by misinformation spread online.
