The article discusses debates within American conservatism and the identity of the Right, highlighted during a recent conference. The event featured disagreements on issues like cancel culture and what views are considered part of the conservative movement.
Key Facts
A conference called AmericaFest took place in Phoenix, focusing on American conservatism.
Ben Shapiro gave a speech criticizing some conservatives for dishonesty and cowardice.
Vice President JD Vance spoke against the idea of canceling or excluding people within the movement.
There was debate over how to handle differing opinions without resorting to "cancel culture."
Charlie Kirk was mentioned as an influential figure whose ideas brought people together at the conference.
The discussions also touched on free speech issues related to social media and tech platforms.
The broader conversation explored which beliefs should be part of the American conservative movement.
A Florida man, Jason Kenney, shot and killed his wife and injured his stepdaughter after an argument about an NFL game. He then took his own life. The incident took place on December 22 in Lakeland, Florida.
Key Facts
Jason Kenney, 47, killed his wife, Crystal Kenney, and injured his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
The argument occurred during an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts.
Jason Kenney had been drinking, and the situation escalated when his wife expressed she did not want to watch football.
After the shooting, Jason Kenney called his sister to confess and was later found dead by suicide.
Two other children, aged 12 and 1, were present during the incident but were not harmed.
A note from Crystal Kenney was found, expressing concerns about Jason's drinking and drug use.
The surviving children are now under the care of their grandparents.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from detaining Imran Ahmed, a British anti-disinformation campaigner living in the U.S. Ahmed is fighting against an entry ban and possible deportation linked to his work on digital disinformation. The administration claims that Ahmed's activities amount to censorship and unfairly target U.S. tech companies.
Key Facts
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the detention or deportation of Imran Ahmed.
Ahmed is a U.S. permanent resident and the leader of the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
The Trump administration claims Ahmed's work unfairly targets American tech companies.
Visa restrictions were also imposed on Ahmed and four Europeans for allegedly undermining free expression.
The court will review the case on December 29.
Ahmed claims deportation would separate him from his U.S. citizen wife and child.
The Trump administration argues that such efforts from Europe attempt to censor American viewpoints.
The Trump administration is making changes to health care policies, moving away from the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). The Senate recently voted against extending subsidies that help lower insurance costs, leading to potential increases in health insurance premiums. Experts warn that without these subsidies, many Americans might struggle to afford coverage.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is seeking alternatives to the Affordable Care Act rather than extending it.
Senate voted on December 11 against extending ACA subsidies.
ACA subsidies help people with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
Without subsidies, health insurance premiums could rise by 20%.
Changes including shortened enrollment periods and reduced outreach could affect coverage.
Medicaid cuts also impact Obamacare users as many receive coverage through Medicaid.
Experts indicate that coverage losses could occur, though a complete ACA collapse is unlikely without full repeal by Congress.
The United States is planning a series of events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. This celebration will include various ceremonies and cultural programs across the nation, with main events occurring in significant cities. President Donald Trump and several organizations are involved in organizing these events.
Key Facts
The 250th anniversary will be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
President Donald Trump is leading a task force involved in planning the events.
Key cities hosting main events include Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Charleston.
The United States Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, is organizing the celebrations.
There will be nationwide programs like "America’s Invitation" and "America Innovates."
Events include a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore and a military parade in Washington, D.C.
A drone show in Colorado and a yearlong tribute at the Henry Ford Museum are planned.
Major events will also occur on other dates like National Flag Day and Veterans Day.
This year, the United States broke several long-standing weather records. These records include snowfall, cold temperatures, heat, and rainfall across different parts of the country. Notable records were broken in Alabama, Florida, California, Texas, Utah, and Death Valley.
Key Facts
A snowstorm hit the northern Gulf Coast on January 21, setting new snowfall records in Alabama and Florida.
Mobile, Alabama, recorded 7.5 inches of snow, breaking a 130-year-old record.
On August 7, Indio, California, reached 119 degrees, breaking a 96-year-old temperature record.
Miami tied a record low temperature from 1913, recording 48 degrees on November 11.
Lubbock, Texas, recorded 89 degrees on November 13, surpassing a record from 1973.
Salt Lake City, Utah, exceeded its October rainfall record from 1981 with over 4.16 inches of rain.
Death Valley, known for its dry climate, had its rainiest November ever, surpassing a record from 115 years ago.
New visa travel restrictions are now in place in the U.S., introduced by the Department of Homeland Security. These include stricter checks for green-card holders and advanced biometric systems to enhance national security.
Key Facts
The new rules took effect on December 26, 2025, under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Green-card holders will have their photographs taken at U.S. border crossings.
Biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans may also be collected.
Intense reviews are set for green-card holders from 19 specific countries due to security concerns.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says these steps aim to improve national security and prevent identity fraud.
The biometric entry-exit system rollout will expand over the next three to five years.
Affected green-card holders should keep their documents up to date.
Additional guidance from DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is expected.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among working-class Americans has reached low levels, with only 31% showing approval in a recent poll. The survey highlighted affordability issues, which could affect future elections and the second half of Trump's presidency. Economic challenges, such as rising prices and a slowing labor market, are noted as key concerns for this group.
Key Facts
President Trump has a 31% approval rating among working-class Americans earning $50,000 or less.
The YouGov/Economist poll indicates 65% of working-class voters disapprove of Trump's presidency.
Only 29% of low-income respondents think the U.S. is headed in the right direction.
In contrast, 40% of those earning over $100,000 feel optimistic about the country's direction.
58% of working-class people disapprove of Trump's handling of jobs and the economy.
Economic pessimism has increased, with broader consumer confidence declining for the fifth straight month.
The Conference Board's Expectations Index has been below the recession signal level for 11 months.
On Christmas Eve, two men attempted to steal an ATM from a 7-Eleven store in Texas, causing significant damage. The suspects used a stolen SUV to pull the ATM out but abandoned both the ATM and SUV nearby. Police are searching for the suspects, who are connected to other similar incidents in the area.
Key Facts
The incident occurred early on Christmas Eve at a 7-Eleven in Fort Worth, Texas.
Two men tried to steal an ATM using a stolen SUV.
The suspects caused extensive damage to the store's front by dragging the ATM out.
Police found the ATM and the abandoned SUV shortly after the heist.
The suspects escaped and remain at large.
Surveillance footage of the crime was captured and shared online.
This incident is linked to similar recent crimes at other convenience stores.
Police are asking the public for tips, offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
A Michigan family decided to change their 6-year-old daughter's legal name from Margaret Olivia to Maisie Margaret-Olivia. The parents made this change because their daughter strongly disliked her given name and preferred to be called Maisie. The legal name change aims to prevent future confusion and ensure the child's comfort.
Key Facts
A Michigan couple is changing their daughter’s name from Margaret Olivia to Maisie Margaret-Olivia.
The child, from a young age, consistently preferred the name Maisie over Margaret.
Maisie was initially chosen as a nickname by her parents.
The name change process involves legal steps and could take up to 45 days for approval.
Friends and family largely supported the decision, with many not knowing her legal name was Margaret.
The story gained attention, receiving significant engagement on social media.
The new name keeps Margaret as part of a hyphenated middle name, respecting family tradition.
Jimmy Kimmel delivered a Christmas message in the U.K., discussing free speech and President Donald Trump's disapproval of his talk show. Kimmel's show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", faced temporary removal after criticism from Trump and others, but it returned due to public support.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel spoke to U.K. viewers as part of a Christmas message.
His message was an alternative broadcast to the British monarch's annual address.
Kimmel criticized President Trump for trying to cancel his show.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was briefly pulled from the air after controversy.
Kimmel claimed public support helped his show return.
He used British slang to refer to rebuking Trump.
Kimmel asked the U.K. audience to remain hopeful about America's future, especially before the 2028 election.
Kimmel recently extended his deal with ABC for another year.
President Donald Trump used an online Christmas message to criticize Democrats, the media, and people he said were connected to Jeffrey Epstein. He denied any personal association with Epstein and accused political opponents and media outlets of dishonesty.
Key Facts
President Trump shared his Christmas message on the social media platform Truth Social.
In his message, he criticized Democrats and news media, including The New York Times.
He mentioned Jeffrey Epstein and claimed others were connected to Epstein while denying his own ties.
Trump accused certain politicians and media of running a "Radical Left Witch Hunt."
He referenced past controversies, such as the "Russia Hoax," and asserted these were false accusations against him.
Trump suggested that political opponents would face scrutiny for their alleged connections to Epstein.
The president implied that this might be the last Christmas for those involved in what he called "Corrupt Democrat Politics."
Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., are suing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop a plan by the Trump administration to block payments for gender-affirming care for minors. The states argue that stopping these payments is beyond the health department's authority and violates laws related to Medicare and Medicaid. Major medical groups support gender-affirming care as necessary and possibly lifesaving for transgender youth.
Key Facts
Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The lawsuit aims to stop a plan to block Medicare and Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care to minors.
The states argue that the plan exceeds the health secretary's authority and violates existing laws.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is leading the lawsuit effort.
The Trump administration announced a proposed ban on federal funds for youth gender-affirming care.
Major medical organizations see gender-affirming care as crucial and potentially lifesaving for transgender youth.
States participating in the lawsuit include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, among others.
The issue aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order to stop federal support for such care.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Irin Carmon for the "Settle In" podcast. They discussed Carmon's new book, "Unbearable," which tells the stories of five women dealing with pregnancy issues in the United States after changes in the law.
Key Facts
Amna Nawaz is the host of the "Settle In" podcast.
Irin Carmon is a journalist known for writing "The Notorious RBG."
Carmon has a new book called "Unbearable."
The book focuses on pregnancy stories from five women.
The women live in New York and Alabama.
The book is about changes in pregnancy circumstances after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision that previously protected abortion rights in the U.S.
A cold front is set to bring snow to parts of Texas early next week after a warm Christmas weekend. Temperatures will drop significantly, increasing the chance of snow in the Panhandle and West Texas, but snow is unlikely for South Texas.
Key Facts
A cold front will move into Texas late Sunday, potentially bringing snow by early next week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts temperatures will drop sharply from 70s and 80s to lows in the 30s.
There is a 20% to 35% chance of snow in the Midland-Odessa area on Monday morning.
Snowfall is rare in Texas due to its southern location, which usually keeps it away from Arctic air.
Other parts of Texas, like El Paso, may see rain starting Sunday night, with a 30% chance of showers.
East and Southeast Texas cities, including Houston, might experience rain but not snow, as temperatures remain above freezing.
Winds are expected to increase in Laredo, but snow is not forecasted for South Texas.
The NWS will continue to monitor and update the weather forecast as new information comes in.
A person in Arkansas won a $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve. This is the second-largest lottery prize in history and the second Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas. The winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and red Powerball 19.
Key Facts
An Arkansas player won a $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve.
This jackpot is the second-largest lottery prize ever won.
The winner has the option to take a lump-sum cash payment of $834.9 million.
This is the second time a Powerball jackpot ticket was sold in Arkansas.
The largest Powerball prize was $2.04 billion, won in California in 2022.
To win, a ticket must match all five white balls and the red Powerball.
Powerball tickets cost $2 each, with jackpot odds at 1 in 292.2 million.
Winners can choose between a lump-sum payment or a 29-year annuity.
Federal taxes apply, ranging from 24% to 37%, plus state taxes in most cases.
Jimmy Kimmel, a late-night talk show host, criticized President Donald Trump during Channel 4's "Alternative Christmas Message" aimed at British viewers. Kimmel claimed Trump is acting like a monarch and highlighted concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions in the U.S. The White House has not yet responded to Kimmel's remarks.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel spoke on Channel 4's "Alternative Christmas Message" in the UK.
Kimmel criticized President Trump, saying he behaves like a king.
He expressed concern about the rise of fascism and tyranny in the U.S.
The White House has not responded to Kimmel's comments.
Channel 4 started the "Alternative Christmas Message" tradition in 1993 as a way for various figures to share their views.
Kimmel faced suspension from his show earlier due to controversy over comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death.
Kimmel's suspension sparked a debate on free speech and led to a public defense of his right to free expression.
Kimmel urged UK viewers to continue supporting the U.S. despite political challenges.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh made a clarification in a court opinion, emphasizing that federal officers should not make immigration stops based on race or ethnicity. This clarification came amid reactions to an earlier decision that was criticized for allowing broad immigration tactics which some said enabled discrimination. The Supreme Court case involved a decision against President Trump's administration's request to use the National Guard for immigration enforcement in Illinois.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh added a footnote clarifying that immigration stops should not be based on race or ethnicity.
The clarification responds to criticism from a past ruling involving immigration enforcement in California.
The Supreme Court case, Trump v. Illinois, was a rare loss for President Trump's administration on immigration.
The decision upheld a lower court's ruling blocking the National Guard deployment in Illinois.
Kavanaugh's clarification, although not legally binding, may influence how future courts handle immigration enforcement.
The Supreme Court ruled that the administration did not provide sufficient legal authority to justify military use in Illinois.
Kavanaugh joined the majority in denying the National Guard deployment but warned of future implications for executive power.
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna discussed a document about 10 co-conspirators linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Only Ghislaine Maxwell, sentenced in 2022, has been publicly charged as one. Congressional members are pushing for full disclosure of related files.
Key Facts
Ro Khanna is a congressman from California.
Khanna mentioned a document listing 10 co-conspirators connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Only Ghislaine Maxwell has been charged, serving a 20-year sentence.
Congress voted to release Epstein-related files, with batches already public.
Some names in the files might include wealthy and influential individuals.
Khanna believes releasing FBI files with survivor interviews could expose more names.
Khanna claims the Department of Justice is withholding information.
More Epstein files are expected to be released soon.
California Governor Gavin Newsom posted Christmas-themed memes on social media targeting President Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and Kash Patel. Newsom used these posts to mock the officials through humorous "Dear Santa" wish lists. The move is part of Newsom's broader strategy to increase his political prominence by using social media to take jabs at political figures.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom released Christmas memes aimed at President Trump, Kristi Noem, and Kash Patel.
The memes used humorous "Dear Santa" lists to mock their actions and headlines about them.
Newsom shared these posts on the platform X, enhancing his political visibility.
The meme intended for Trump referred to the president's reported digital asset ventures.
Noem's meme made reference to past controversies in her personal and official conduct.
Newsom's digital approach has attracted attention from political observers and boosted his political profile.
A poll found Newsom leading among potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
