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.
President Donald Trump shared a Christmas message on social media that was different in tone from those of former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Trump's message included strong criticism of his political opponents, while Obama and Biden offered messages of peace and joy. Trump also spent Christmas Eve at his Mar-a-Lago estate and participated in calls with children.
Key Facts
President Trump shared a Christmas message on Truth Social criticizing "Radical Left Scum."
He said the U.S. no longer has open borders and mentioned low crime and no inflation as successes.
Trump's message included calls for the U.S. to annex the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada.
Trump issued an order to close federal government agencies on Christmas Eve and the day after.
Trump spent Christmas Eve at his Mar-a-Lago estate, participating in calls with children.
Past presidents Obama and Biden shared messages that focused on peace and joy.
The White House also shared a Christmas message from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Podcaster Joe Rogan discussed President Donald Trump's decision to add partisan plaques to the Presidential Walk of Fame on his show. Rogan and guest Tom Segura expressed concern over this decision and questioned Trump's actions, including both his recent policies and physical condition.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan talked about President Trump's decision to add new plaques to the Presidential Walk of Fame.
Rogan's podcast is popular with young adults, largely aligned with Trump voters.
Rogan had previously supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Rogan has criticized Trump for his immigration policies and actions.
He also criticized Trump for affecting freedom of speech in universities and media.
Rogan remarked on the absence of a proper portrait for President Biden in the Presidential Walk of Fame.
President Donald Trump participated in a Christmas Eve call with a child during an event where NORAD tracks Santa Claus. His conversation had a playful tone and included comments about immigration, which drew comparisons to a comedy sketch from Saturday Night Live.
Key Facts
President Trump talked to a child during a NORAD event on Christmas Eve where children ask about Santa Claus's whereabouts.
NORAD has been tracking Santa for 70 years using the same radar technology used for missile defense.
During the call, Trump joked about ensuring "bad Santa" isn't infiltrating the country.
The conversation's tone was similar to a parody from Saturday Night Live.
Trump mentioned his election wins in states like Oklahoma and Pennsylvania during his calls.
The calls took place at Mar-a-Lago, with Trump sitting by a Christmas tree.
The interaction included remarks about coal, describing it as "clean and beautiful."
Mary Trump, President Donald Trump's niece, expressed concerns about his second term in office during a discussion. She criticized how the president has been using his power since returning to office and voiced her worries about the support he receives from the Supreme Court and many Republicans in Congress. Some Republicans are beginning to oppose Trump, though he remains popular within the party.
Key Facts
Mary Trump is the niece of President Donald Trump and often criticizes his presidency.
She shared her concerns in a discussion with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat.
Mary Trump believes President Trump is using taxpayer money to reshape the country.
She said the Supreme Court and Republican Congress mostly support President Trump.
Some Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have started to criticize Trump.
The Supreme Court has supported Trump on some issues, but has blocked others.
President Trump remains popular among Republicans, with 84% approval in a recent poll.
Mary Trump claims the president has "lost the ability to control the narrative."
An intense storm known as an atmospheric river has hit California, leading to widespread weather warnings and risks of flooding. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as heavy rainfall and strong winds caused evacuations. Forecasters predict the storm will continue, with high risks of rain and snow through the weekend.
Key Facts
California is experiencing an atmospheric river, causing heavy rain and flooding.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the weather.
Almost all of California faced weather warnings, including flood and wind advisories.
Los Angeles might receive up to 4-8 inches of rain, much more than normal for December.
Southern California had a "moderate risk" warning for flash flooding.
The National Weather Service warned of possible flooding in rivers and areas recently burned by wildfires.
Air travel in major California airports might see delays due to the storm.
The storm is expected to continue with risks of rain and snow until the weekend.
Murder rates in the United States are expected to see the biggest yearly drop ever recorded in 2025, according to data from hundreds of law enforcement agencies. This decline continues a trend that started in 2023. President Donald Trump’s administration attributes this decrease to their efforts against crime.
Key Facts
U.S. murder rates dropped by about 19.8% from January to October 2025 compared to 2024.
This represents the largest recorded one-year decline in murders.
The Real-Time Crime Index (RTCI) collects crime data from many law enforcement agencies across the country.
Murder rates declined significantly in cities like Birmingham, Baltimore, Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.
Some cities, like Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Kansas City, saw increases in murder rates.
The decline is part of a larger trend over the past few years.
The FBI will release official crime data for 2025 later next year.
President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on lowering crime rates, including deploying the National Guard in certain areas.
A 16-year-old student from Connecticut, Kevin Moreno, was released from ICE custody after six months. Moreno and his father were detained during an ICE appointment after fleeing gang violence in Ecuador. His release followed public support and legal action while his father was deported.
Key Facts
Kevin Moreno, aged 16, was in ICE custody for six months before being released.
Moreno was detained during a scheduled ICE appointment in Hartford, Connecticut.
He and his father crossed into the U.S. from Mexico in February 2024, fleeing gang violence in Ecuador.
Moreno's arrest generated public criticism and support from local officials and community members.
His father was deported, but Moreno remains in the U.S. under his aunt's guardianship.
Moreno missed his high school graduation, but his aunt accepted his diploma for him.
Moreno's immigration case is still open, and he's seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile status for possible permanent residency.
On Christmas Day 2025, some national restaurant chains and local eateries remain open for dining, while many others are closed. Food delivery services are expected to be busy, with options limited by the availability of open restaurants and stores. Popular chains such as Red Lobster, McDonald's, and Denny's are some of those operating on the holiday.
Key Facts
Many McDonald's, Starbucks, and Dunkin' locations will remain open on Christmas.
Notable chains like Olive Garden, Chipotle, and Taco Bell are closed on Christmas.
Food delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart will be operating, but options depend on what stores are open.
Chinese restaurants often stay open and are busy on Christmas.
Restaurants such as Denny's, Red Lobster, and IHOP have select locations open with limited hours or menus.
Some fast-food chains like Burger King and Wendy's have locations open, but hours may vary.
Many restaurants allow Christmas dinner reservations through services like OpenTable.
Restaurants in hotels and rest stops, as well as some local places, will be open.
