An instructor at the University of Oklahoma, Mel Curth, was removed from teaching duties after a student claimed religious discrimination related to a failed essay. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, wrote a Bible-based essay on gender stereotypes that didn't meet the assignment requirements, according to the instructor. This incident relates to larger national discussions about gender identity and religious freedom in light of recent government policies.
Key Facts
Mel Curth, a University of Oklahoma instructor, was relieved of teaching duties due to a religious discrimination complaint.
Samantha Fulnecky, a student, wrote an essay using the Bible to discuss gender stereotypes, which the instructor failed for not meeting the assignment criteria.
The university announced that the student's failed essay wouldn't affect her final grade.
The situation connects to national issues on gender identity and religious freedoms in the U.S.
President Donald Trump has supported policies recognizing only two genders and aligning with Christian views.
The student's essay was shared widely online, garnering over 47 million views.
Faculty members at the university raised concerns about academic freedom and the reasons behind the instructor's removal.
There have been reports of harassment and death threats against the instructor, leading to demands for university action.
Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse from Nebraska announced on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. He shared this health news publicly.
Key Facts
Ben Sasse is a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska.
He revealed his diagnosis with stage-four pancreatic cancer.
The announcement was made on a Tuesday.
Stage-four signifies advanced cancer, indicating it has spread to other parts of the body.
Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
President Donald Trump commented on the Supreme Court's involvement with his tariff policies, after the U.S. economy grew more than expected in the third quarter. Trump claimed that tariffs contributed to this growth, while the Supreme Court considers whether he had the authority to impose these tariffs. The increase in the economy has sparked discussions about its impact on inflation and potential Federal Reserve actions.
Key Facts
President Trump made a statement about the Supreme Court related to his tariff policy.
U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter of the year.
This growth was higher than expected and follows a 3.8% increase in the previous quarter.
The Supreme Court is reviewing whether Trump had the authority to impose tariffs without Congress.
Trump attributed the economic growth to his tariff policy in his social media post.
Consumer and government spending, along with exports, contributed to the economic growth.
Though the economy grew, business investment slowed, and imports decreased at a reduced pace.
The reported theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the United States rose significantly from the end of 2024 to the start of 2025. The greatest number of theft cases occurred in states like New York, California, and Alabama. Concerns are growing about the security of SNAP cards, which are often vulnerable to fraud tactics.
Key Facts
Reported SNAP benefit thefts increased by 55% from the last quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025.
Nearly 2 million SNAP thefts have been reported from 2023 to 2025.
SNAP benefits are given through EBT cards that work like debit cards.
The top states for thefts in early 2025 were New York, California, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Ohio.
Alabama saw a 327% rise in thefts compared to the previous quarter, while Oklahoma had a 564% rise.
Most EBT cards currently lack theft-prevention tools like microchips, making them prone to fraud.
The USDA recommends using secure practices, like changing PINs and not sharing card details.
Some states are working to improve EBT card security by updating cards to meet credit card standards.
A disabled U.S. veteran named Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, originally from Pakistan, was released after being held for four months by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Washington state. A judge ordered his release and decided ICE cannot detain him again until his case is fully reviewed. Chaudhry faced detention over past allegations on his visa application, and legal proceedings regarding his immigration status are ongoing.
Key Facts
Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry is a green-card holder and a disabled U.S. veteran.
He was detained by ICE following a citizenship interview in August.
A judge ordered his release and stopped ICE from detaining him again until his case is heard in court.
Chaudhry's detention raised questions about ICE's practices and the treatment of immigrant U.S. veterans.
Chaudhry served in the U.S. Army and uses a wheelchair due to an injury.
He was detained over accusations related to past legal issues in Australia.
Chaudhry’s immigration status has been in dispute and he has been denied U.S. citizenship multiple times.
Legal discussions focused on whether he should have received notice prior to his detention.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that New York won a legal case against the Department of Homeland Security. The case was about DHS cutting FEMA funding, which New York used for security and emergency programs. Letitia James has been facing criticism from President Trump's administration due to a separate legal action she pursued against him.
Key Facts
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced victory in a legal case against the Department of Homeland Security.
The case involved DHS cutting FEMA funding that New York used for national security and emergency response.
Letitia James announced the victory via a post on the social media platform X.
The funding cut was attributed to New York's refusal to support the federal government's policies on immigration.
Letitia James has faced scrutiny from President Trump's administration.
Earlier this year, officials charged Letitia James with federal mortgage fraud.
James is involved in a separate civil fraud case against President Donald Trump.
Social Security offices will be closed on Christmas Day 2025. They will open on December 24th and 26th with limited hours. Online services will be available during the holiday period.
Key Facts
Social Security offices will be closed on December 25, 2025.
Offices will be open on December 24th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Staffing during these days will be voluntary and mostly remote.
Direct deposit payments will not be affected by holiday closures.
Paper checks may experience delays due to holiday mail volume.
Beneficiaries can manage their Social Security information online at ssa.gov.myaccount.
Only 1% of beneficiaries still receive paper checks, and switching to direct deposit can prevent delays.
The Christmas closure is the only complete shutdown; offices have normal schedules before and after this date.
A government watchdog report found that Medicaid mistakenly paid over $200 million to healthcare providers for services to deceased individuals between 2021 and 2022. The report was conducted by the independent watchdog of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Key Facts
The report was released by the Department of Health and Human Services' independent watchdog.
Medicaid paid more than $207 million in incorrect payments.
These payments were made between 2021 and 2022.
The funds went to healthcare providers for services to people who had died.
The issue involves improper management of Medicaid funds.
Medicaid is a government program that helps cover medical costs for people with limited income.
A recent Gallup poll shows that fewer voters believe President Donald Trump is a "strong and decisive leader" compared to earlier in his presidency. The percentage of people who view him as strong dropped from 59% in 2017 to 48% in 2025.
Key Facts
In 2017, 59% of voters said President Trump was "strong and decisive."
By December 2025, only 48% of voters thought Trump was "strong and decisive."
The Gallup poll involved 1,016 people and was conducted in December 2025, with a margin of error of ±4 percentage points.
President Trump's approval ratings have dropped, with a December AtlasIntel survey showing a disapproval rate of 59.6%.
Trump has faced criticism for policy decisions, including the deployment of National Guard troops and immigration crackdowns.
Some negative perceptions are linked to Trump's handling of issues related to Jeffrey Epstein and military actions concerning Venezuela.
President Trump claims many polls are inaccurate and biased against him.
There are slim Republican majorities in Congress, which could impact future legislation.
The Trump administration announced a change to the H-1B visa process. Starting in 2027, the visa will be given based on a weighted system that favors high-skilled workers, replacing the current lottery system.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa allows foreign workers to work in the U.S. in specialty jobs.
The current selection method for H-1B visas is a lottery.
In 2027, this lottery system will be replaced by a weighted system.
The new system will prioritize high-skilled workers.
The change comes after debates about employers abusing the visa.
There are concerns about the impact on American workers.
A study by Holafly examined flight delays in the U.S. during the holiday season. The study found that some flight routes, such as from Newark to Fort Lauderdale, had significant delays, while other routes, like from Honolulu to Las Vegas, often arrived early. The analysis used data from FlightRadar24, covering 100 flight routes from major U.S. airports.
Key Facts
U.S. airlines carried 83.3 million passengers globally in December 2024.
AAA predicts 8.03 million domestic travelers will fly during the holiday season, a record number.
Holafly studied flight delays using FlightRadar24 data from December 2024.
The flight from Newark to Fort Lauderdale had the longest average delay at 37 minutes.
Boston to Orlando flights experienced an average delay of 32 minutes.
Flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas arrived 42 minutes early on average.
Dallas to Los Angeles flights were 30 minutes early, and Denver to Phoenix flights were 23 minutes early.
The MAGA movement, once closely tied to President Donald Trump, is experiencing internal conflicts and divisions. Five key events over the past year highlight these struggles, including debates over foreign policy, immigration, and leadership within the movement. This has led to significant changes and disagreements about the movement's future.
Key Facts
The MAGA movement is facing internal disagreements and is evolving beyond President Trump's direct influence.
Disputes began with a debate over high-skilled H-1B visas, highlighting tensions between economic and cultural nationalism.
U.S. airstrikes on Iran caused divisions within MAGA, particularly between pro-Israel supporters and isolationists.
The release of the Epstein files led to backlash against Trump and resulted in Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation.
Charlie Kirk's assassination intensified conflicts with emerging conspiracy theories adding to the turmoil.
Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes created a major rift in the MAGA community.
These events have culminated in public clashes within MAGA, as seen at Turning Point's "AmericaFest."
The article provides information about liquor store hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025 in the United States. Due to state laws and company policies, many liquor stores may close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. It advises consumers to check local regulations and specific store hours.
Key Facts
Many liquor stores close early on Christmas Eve, typically between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Some states, like Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, completely ban liquor sales on Christmas Day.
Texas, New York, and Montana may allow grocery stores to sell alcohol on Christmas Day.
Chains like BevMo! and ABC Fine Wines & Spirits close their stores completely on Christmas Day.
Total Wine & More's store hours on Christmas Day vary by state due to differing laws.
State-run liquor stores, present in states like Alabama and North Carolina, will also close on Christmas Day.
Consumers should check local store hours and state laws for specific opening times.
Several fast-food and chain restaurants in the U.S. will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2025, although exact hours may vary by location. Customers are advised to check specific hours on the restaurant's website or app.
Key Facts
McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's will open many locations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but hours will vary.
IHOP and Red Lobster plan to open on both days, with hours depending on location.
Many Starbucks will be closed on Christmas Day, but some might have limited hours.
Waffle House remains open every day, including Christmas Day.
Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Taco Bell will close on Christmas Day; hours will vary on Christmas Eve.
Applebee’s and Arby’s will have some locations open on both holidays with varying hours.
Subway's hours will differ by location as each restaurant is independently operated.
Some immigrants trying to get green cards have been arrested by ICE during their interviews. These arrests happen as immigrants attempt to legalize their status in the U.S., often leaving family members upset and detainees in custody. The practice is causing fear and uncertainty among immigrants and the lawyers representing them.
Key Facts
ICE has been arresting some immigrants at green card interviews instead of them getting approval for legal status.
A San Diego case involved an immigrant who overstayed a tourist visa and was arrested after his green card petition was approved.
In Cleveland, a similar arrest happened to an immigrant who was in the U.S. for 25 years with a removal order, despite her petition being approved.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association has tracked several dozen cases of such arrests but there's no official count from ICE or USCIS.
USCIS offices sometimes notify ICE when a person of interest comes in for an interview.
The Trump administration states that overstaying a visa is a violation that can lead to deportation.
These actions have caused fear among undocumented immigrants, deterring them from applying for legal status.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for three types of pasta sauces made by First and Last Bakery, LLC due to possible botulism contamination. The recall affects sauces distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and the FDA classifies the risk as Class II, which is considered serious. No illnesses have been reported so far.
Key Facts
First and Last Bakery, LLC has issued a recall for three pasta sauces.
The sauces are at risk of botulism contamination, a serious foodborne illness.
The recall affects sauces distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The FDA classified this recall under Class II, indicating a serious risk.
The affected sauces are Original Traditional Pasta Sauce, Marinara Sauce, and Puttanesca Sauce.
These products were sold at Big Y supermarkets and possibly other retailers.
The FDA states the sauces were made without an approved process.
Consumers are advised to return the sauces for a full refund.
The Heritage Foundation, a well-known conservative think tank, is experiencing internal issues after its president, Kevin Roberts, defended a controversial interview involving extremist Nick Fuentes. This has led to resignations and calls for Roberts to step down. The organization's difficulties may impact the ability of the Republican Party to develop policies.
Key Facts
The Heritage Foundation is a prominent conservative think tank in the United States.
Kevin Roberts, its president, defended a controversial interview involving far-right extremist Nick Fuentes.
Fuentes is known for denying the Holocaust and expressing extremist views.
Roberts' defense led to backlash and resignations within the organization.
Project 2025, a major policy document from Heritage, has influenced President Donald Trump's second-term agenda.
More than a dozen staff members left to join a new group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence.
Critics, including Jewish leaders, have called for Roberts to resign.
The Heritage Foundation continues to face scrutiny over these events.
Weather forecasts predict significant travel disruptions in various U.S. states during the Christmas holiday. California is expected to experience the major impacts due to intense rainfall, while states in the Great Lakes and Northeast could also see travel delays due to snow and icy conditions.
Key Facts
AccuWeather's maps show major travel impacts in California, western Nevada, and parts of the Northwest U.S.
Moderate travel impacts are expected in states including Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and several others.
On Christmas Day, only California is expected to face major travel issues.
A storm is causing freezing rain and snow in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions.
Snow accumulation in higher elevations like the Adirondacks and Green Mountains could reach three to six inches.
A second storm will bring rain and possible snow from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast around Christmas.
An "atmospheric river" carrying heavy rain is expected to hit northern and central California through Christmas, possibly leading to two to twelve inches of rain in some areas.
President Donald Trump flew on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet more times than previously reported, according to new documents from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The documents were temporarily available online and later taken down, sparking criticism for incomplete transparency regarding Epstein's files. The information comes as part of the government's case against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, and follows the passing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Key Facts
President Trump flew on Epstein's private jet on at least eight occasions between 1993 and 1996.
The DOJ released documents showing Trump's flights on Epstein's jet, but later removed them from public access.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the government to release most Epstein-related files.
The partially released documents have led to criticism from Democrats about transparency issues.
A subpoena for records at Mar-a-Lago was issued in 2021 as part of the Maxwell investigation.
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law in November due to Republican pressure.
Trump has not been accused of any crime related to Epstein and claims there is no wrongdoing in the files.
The Department of Justice clarified that claims involving President Donald Trump in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files are "unfounded and false." The files, which include emails and court documents, had to be released under a law President Trump signed, which mandates transparency regarding Epstein-related information.
Key Facts
The DOJ released new documents about Jeffrey Epstein, which included mentions of President Trump.
The Department of Justice stated the claims about President Trump are "unfounded and false."
The documents consist of emails, court records, photos, and videos.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed by President Trump, required these files to be made public.
The law restricts releasing details that could harm victims or active investigations but allows information even if it might embarrass public figures.
President Trump stated he distanced himself from Epstein years ago.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019.
