In the U.S., home prices have been rising, making it tough for people to buy houses. Several programs will be available in 2026 to help homebuyers, including loans for low-income families, veterans, and those in rural areas. These programs aim to make it easier for people to afford homes by lowering down payments and offering better loan terms.
Key Facts
Home prices in the U.S. have increased, with the median monthly homeownership cost rising by 26% since 2019.
As of 2025, the U.S. homeownership rate dropped to 65%, the lowest since 2019.
FHA loans offer low down payments for those with low income or poor credit.
VA loans allow eligible veterans and active-duty service members to buy homes with no down payment.
USDA loans offer zero down payments for eligible buyers in rural areas.
HomeReady and Home Possible programs provide low down payments and flexible requirements for low- to moderate-income buyers.
State and local HFA programs can offer assistance through grants or special loans.
There have been many flight delays and cancellations in the United States as more people travel for the holidays. Several major airports like Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, and Chicago O'Hare are experiencing significant disruptions. Airlines such as SkyWest, United, and Delta have also faced many delays and cancellations.
Key Facts
Over 11,000 flight delays and 865 cancellations occurred in the U.S. on Friday.
On Saturday, there were 8,601 delays and 318 cancellations, and on Sunday, there were 7,041 delays and 288 cancellations.
More than 8 million Americans are expected to travel by air during this holiday period, according to AAA.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had 333 delays on Friday, 349 on Saturday, and 304 on Sunday.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport saw 416 delays on Friday, 350 on Saturday, and 341 on Sunday.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport had 469 delays on Friday, 305 on Saturday, and 270 on Sunday.
SkyWest Airlines had 944 delays and 70 cancellations on Friday alone.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also reported high numbers of delays throughout the weekend.
In December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued several food recalls and public health alerts. These recalls aim to prevent foodborne illnesses, contamination, and issues with undeclared allergens affecting various food products, especially during the holiday season. Key items involved include cheeses, cookie dough, holiday bark, and a coffee cake.
Key Facts
The FDA and FSIS issued multiple recalls and health alerts in December for food safety.
Charlevoix Cheese Company's Mild Cheddar Cheese is recalled due to potential Listeria contamination.
Aldi's Happy Farms Shredded Cheese varieties are recalled for possible metal fragment contamination.
Face Rock Creamery LLC's Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar faces a recall due to Listeria fears.
Doughy brand chocolate chip cookie dough is recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
Silvestri Sweets Inc. recalled holiday bark products for undeclared allergens, including wheat and pecans.
James Skinner LLC recalled a Publix Maple Walnut Coffee Cake due to incorrect labeling.
The recalled foods are distributed in various states across the U.S., including Michigan, Oregon, and many in the southern and eastern regions.
A recent poll shows that Vice President JD Vance's support among Republicans for a hypothetical 2028 presidential primary has decreased. Although Vance still leads against other GOP figures like Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis, his support has dropped from previous polling. The poll indicates possible shifts in Republican support as the party looks toward future elections.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance received 46.7% support in a recent poll for a hypothetical 2028 GOP primary.
This is a drop from 54.6% support in a similar poll conducted in September.
Other potential candidates, Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis, received 22.6% and 13.4% support, respectively.
Vance remains the leading candidate, with a 24-point lead over his closest competitor.
The 22nd Amendment prevents President Trump from running again in 2028, necessitating a new Republican candidate.
Erika Kirk, a Turning Point leader, endorsed Vance as a potential successor to Trump.
Senator Rand Paul stated he would not support Vance due to disagreements over tariffs policies.
A separate YouGov poll showed Vance with 42% support, with Donald Trump Jr. receiving 13%.
Vice President JD Vance criticized attacks on his wife, particularly from far-right figure Nick Fuentes who called him a "race traitor" for marrying someone of Indian descent, and from MSNBC host Jen Psaki, who made comments about his marriage. Vance firmly rejected these criticisms, stating that anyone attacking his wife “can eat s***.” His comments highlight tensions within the political right and respond to personal attacks on his family.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance expressed strong disapproval of attacks on his wife.
Nick Fuentes, a far-right figure, criticized Vance for marrying someone of Indian heritage.
Vance's wife, Usha, is the daughter of Indian immigrants and practices Hinduism.
Jen Psaki, a former press secretary, made non-racial comments about the Vances' marriage.
Vance condemned racist and antisemitic rhetoric from Fuentes and his followers.
There has been speculation about the Vances' marriage, partly due to religious differences and her appearance without a wedding ring.
Vance stated that criticism based on race or religion is "disgusting."
He mentioned that Fuentes' influence is exaggerated by some to sidestep foreign policy discussions regarding Israel.
A forecast from The Weather Company shows which U.S. states might see snow on Christmas in 2025. Areas in the northern Midwest, Great Lakes, and mountain regions have the highest chances. The weather may be warmer in many parts of the country by Christmas, which might reduce snow chances in some areas.
Key Facts
The Weather Company created a map showing where snow is likely on Christmas 2025.
Minneapolis–St. Paul has the best chance for snow among major eastern U.S. cities.
Duluth, Minnesota, and Marquette, Michigan, have high chances of a white Christmas.
In 2024, New York City had its first white Christmas in 15 years.
NOAA data shows the average Christmas snow cover since 2003 for the contiguous U.S. is 36%.
Warmer weather expected later in December could reduce snow in the Midwest and Northeast.
Areas most likely to have snow are the Northern Midwest, Great Lakes, and Mountain West.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac also forecasts snow in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and parts of Alaska closer to Christmas.
John Ramsey, father of JonBenét Ramsey, expresses renewed hope for solving her murder case after nearly 30 years. The Boulder Police Department has collected new evidence and is using advanced DNA technology to assist in the investigation. The case remains high-profile, with continued public interest and speculation.
Key Facts
JonBenét Ramsey was murdered in 1996 in Colorado.
Her murder case remains unsolved and very famous in the United States.
The Boulder Police Department has recently gathered new evidence.
Advanced DNA technology is being used to analyze the evidence.
Police Chief Stephen Redfearn stated the case is a priority.
John Ramsey believes modern testing could reveal important DNA profiles.
Police have conducted new interviews and retested previous evidence.
John Ramsey encourages the use of specific DNA testing methods to help solve the case.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing a financial incentive for illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily during the Christmas period. They are offering a $3,000 "exit bonus" to those who use the CBP Home app to self-deport. This measure is part of the strategy under President Donald Trump's administration to manage immigration.
Key Facts
DHS is offering a $3,000 incentive for illegal immigrants to self-deport by the end of December.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated this incentive is to encourage voluntary departure to avoid arrest and deportation.
Since January, 1.9 million people have reportedly self-deported under President Donald Trump's second term.
The CBP Home app is used to facilitate self-deportation and replaced a former app called CBP One.
The app allows users to declare their intent to leave the U.S. and track their departure status with the government.
DHS says this feature is for those in the U.S. illegally or whose legal protections have expired.
Tens of thousands of migrants have reportedly used the CBP Home app to leave, according to DHS.
Rangers at Lake Mead National Recreation Area want to stop a long-standing tradition of decorating trees with Christmas decorations. They say the decorations can harm the environment and wildlife, and they are asking people to keep the area natural by enjoying decorations at home.
Key Facts
Lake Mead rangers are asking people not to decorate trees with Christmas ornaments this year.
The tradition of decorating trees in the area has been around since after Lake Mead became a National Recreation Area in 1964.
Rangers are concerned that decorations like plastic and food items harm the environment and attract animals to dangerous areas like roads.
Rangers have recently had to spend 30 hours cleaning up decorations from the 17-mile Christmas Tree Pass.
The park's message is for people to "leave no trace" and keep the area natural.
Ranger William Foster mentioned that human food can make wild animals sick or draw them close to roads, creating hazards.
A man in Minnesota was arrested after he rammed his car into ICE agents and bit one officer. The man, identified as Juan Carlos Rodrigues Romero, was involved in a car chase and resisted arrest. Two ICE officers were injured during the incident.
Key Facts
Juan Carlos Rodrigues Romero was taken into federal custody after hitting ICE agents with his car.
The incident happened in Saint Paul, Minnesota, during an enforcement operation.
During the event, an ICE agent fired their gun defensively, but no bystanders were hurt.
Romero, a Cuban national, entered the U.S. in 2024 through the CBP One app.
Romero's car hit multiple parked cars and an ICE vehicle during a brief pursuit.
He tried to escape on foot and bit an officer before being subdued.
Two ICE officers had non-life-threatening injuries and were checked at a hospital.
Reports of vehicle attacks against federal law enforcement have more than doubled compared to last year.
A school bus driver named Diane Crawford was fired for posting a sign on her bus that said students could only speak English. She claimed her intention was to maintain a respectful environment, not to offend anyone. The incident has led to discussions about cultural sensitivity in schools.
Key Facts
Diane Crawford was a school bus driver for the Juniata County School District in Pennsylvania.
She put up a sign on her bus saying only English could be spoken.
Crawford said the sign was meant to address a bilingual student who bullied others.
Rohrer Bus, contracted by the school district, ended her contract over the sign.
Crawford said she did not face an investigation or suspension before her contract ended.
She is currently struggling financially and has started an online fundraiser.
The story has sparked debate about cultural sensitivity and safety in schools.
A contributor to Project 2025, Josh Blackman, resigned from the Heritage Foundation due to controversial comments made by its president, Kevin Roberts. Roberts defended an interview with a far-right commentator, which led to backlash and calls for his resignation. The resignation highlights internal conflicts at the Heritage Foundation, an influential think tank that has impacted President Trump's policies.
Key Facts
Josh Blackman resigned from the Heritage Foundation over comments made by the organization's president.
Kevin Roberts defended Tucker Carlson for interviewing Nick Fuentes, a far-right figure.
Fuentes is criticized for making antisemitic statements and praising Hitler.
Roberts apologized for his comments but continued to face criticism.
Project 2025 is a document with conservative policy proposals influencing President Trump's administration.
Blackman, a law professor, said the situation damaged the Heritage Foundation's reputation.
Another Heritage Foundation member, Robert P. George, also resigned over the controversy.
The White House has set up a new webpage that labels journalists and news outlets as "offenders." This move has caused concern among journalists who see it as a threat to press freedom in the United States.
Key Facts
The White House's new webpage lists journalists and news outlets as "Media Offenders."
The site categorizes reporting as "bias," "lies," or "lunacy."
The public can submit tips to flag journalists and outlets as offenders.
More than 50 journalists have already been labeled as offenders by the government.
This action is seen as a significant threat to investigative journalism and press freedom.
There has been a recent protest by White House reporters against restrictive media rules.
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faced political pressure which led to his show being temporarily pulled off air.
The practice of listing journalists may affect their credibility and discourage critical reporting.
The article discusses the Catholic Church's stance on immigration in the United States, highlighting its call for compassion and humane treatment of immigrants. The Church's leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, have criticized the government's aggressive immigration enforcement and the treatment of immigrants. The Trump administration, however, has defended its policies, leading to tension between church officials and government authorities.
Key Facts
Catholic leaders in the U.S. have criticized harsh immigration enforcement and called for humane treatment of immigrants.
Pope Leo XIV supports U.S. Catholic leaders, urging reflection on the treatment of immigrants at risk of deportation.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement against dehumanizing immigration practices.
The Trump administration has defended its immigration policies, with officials disagreeing with the Church's stance.
President Trump's administration has been described as conducting aggressive immigration enforcement compared to past administrations.
Research indicates that immigrants, including undocumented ones, are statistically less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.
The legal immigration process in the U.S. is complex and slow, making it difficult for many to immigrate legally.
Catholic clergy advocating for immigrant rights have faced obstacles such as being pepper sprayed at protests or arrested at federal buildings.
President Donald Trump's administration redefined degrees that are seen as "professional," affecting how nursing degrees are classified. This change limits federal loans for nursing students, which may impact their ability to fund education. Top nursing schools are watching these changes closely to understand the impact on students.
Key Facts
The Trump administration changed the classification of nursing degrees, affecting their status as "professional."
Nursing students will face a cap on federal loans: $20,500 annually and $100,000 total.
Professional degree students can borrow more: $50,000 annually and $200,000 total.
Changes take effect in July 2026.
School officials from top nursing schools are observing how this will affect their programs.
The Department of Education says 95% of nursing students are already borrowing below the new limits.
The changes stem from budget cuts included in President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to work on creating a statue of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist, in the U.S. Capitol. The announcement was made at a Turning Point USA event, which Kirk co-founded, and was met with cheers from the audience.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke about creating a statue of Charlie Kirk.
The announcement was made at the America Fest conference held by Turning Point USA.
Turning Point USA is a group that Charlie Kirk helped start.
Arizona Republican Representative Andy Biggs initially proposed the statue idea.
Johnson confirmed the intention to work on the statue to the audience.
The crowd at the event responded with loud applause.
This story is still developing and may update as new information comes.
CBS News decided not to air a "60 Minutes" segment about Trump administration deportations of Venezuelan immigrants, leading to questions about whether the decision was based on politics. CBS claims the segment wasn't ready, while some suggest it was pulled due to political pressure. The segment may be shown later.
Key Facts
CBS News removed a segment about the Trump administration from "60 Minutes."
The segment focused on deportation of Venezuelan immigrants to an El Salvador prison.
President Trump recently criticized the show's treatment of him.
CBS's parent company, Paramount Skydance, is acquiring another media company.
Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi said CBS's new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss "spiked" the story.
Alfonsi argued the segment met all internal checks and was factually correct.
CBS said all stories must be complete and have enough context before airing.
CBS did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision.
The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burmese nationals in the U.S., affecting around 4,000 people. TPS holders like Nina, who fear returning to Myanmar due to political instability and personal safety concerns, are involved in a lawsuit to extend the protections. The administration argues that Myanmar has stabilized enough to no longer require TPS.
Key Facts
TPS allows people from certain countries to stay in the U.S. temporarily due to unsafe conditions at home.
The U.S. plans to end TPS for Burmese nationals by January 26, 2026.
About 4,000 Burmese in the U.S. are affected by this decision.
Participants in the lawsuit claim Myanmar remains unstable and dangerous.
The end of TPS could separate families who have built their lives in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes Myanmar is now stable enough, stating TPS was meant to be temporary.
TPS revocation leaves affected individuals without legal status or work permission in the U.S.
Myanmar is on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list, complicating visa processing.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's approval rating has dropped by 47 points over the past 10 months, according to a recent poll. This decline coincides with the release of redacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which has led to dissatisfaction among some. President Donald Trump's approval ratings have also decreased, according to the same polling data.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi's approval rating went from +6 points in February to -41 points in December.
In December, 67% disapproved of her, while 26% approved.
Her approval rating saw a brief improvement in September before dropping again.
The declining approval followed the release of redacted Jeffrey Epstein files.
Some Democrats have called for the impeachment of Bondi and other DOJ officials due to dissatisfaction with the redactions.
The AtlasIntel poll surveyed 2,315 people with a margin of error of +/- 2 points.
President Donald Trump's net approval rating decreased by 5 points from November to December.
Bondi has encouraged victims of Epstein to come forward with any information they have.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) removed and then reposted a photograph showing President Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein and others from an online collection of documents relating to Epstein. The DOJ stated the photo was temporarily removed to check if it showed any Epstein victims. After review, they found no such evidence and put the photo back without changes.
Key Facts
The DOJ took down a photo of President Trump from Epstein-related files as a precaution.
The photo was reviewed, found not to harm any Epstein victims, and then reposted.
President Trump was seen in the photo with Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
The DOJ recently released some files on Epstein after a law required more transparency.
The government plans to release more Epstein-related documents by the end of the year.
Critics, mainly Democrats, accuse the DOJ of hiding information by removing files.
Deputy Attorney General stated the removal wasn't linked to Trump and criticized the notion.
Trump, once friends with Epstein, has not been accused of wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
