President Donald Trump is set to announce new agreements aimed at reducing the cost of drugs. The announcement is part of ongoing efforts to lower medication prices through deals with drug companies like AstraZeneca and Pfizer.
Key Facts
President Trump will make an announcement about lowering drug prices.
The announcement is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.
Deals have been made with drug companies such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer.
The focus is on reducing prescription drug prices for Medicaid.
The White House press secretary shared information about the announcement on social media.
President Donald Trump's approval rating rose to 50% in a recent RMG Research poll. This increase provides a boost to his administration as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Different polls give varied results on his approval, with some showing more disapproval than approval.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating reached 50% in a recent poll by RMG Research.
The poll surveyed 3,000 registered voters from December 10 to 18, with a margin of error of ±1.8 percentage points.
A week earlier, the same poll showed a 47% approval rate for Trump.
More people strongly disapprove (38%) of Trump than strongly approve (27%).
Emerson College Polling reported a 41% approval and 50% disapproval for Trump.
Morning Consult found Trump's net approval positive in 22 states, up slightly from his first term.
A Fox News poll showed a 44% approval and 56% disapproval for Trump, focusing on economic management.
Public opinion may change before the 2026 midterm elections.
President Donald Trump responded to rising unemployment numbers by stating that the increase is due to reductions in government jobs. He mentioned that all new jobs are in the private sector and criticized news outlets for their reporting on unemployment figures.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that unemployment rose because of cuts in government jobs.
He claimed all new jobs are within the private sector.
Unemployment increased to 4.6% in November.
Trump criticized media reporting on the 4.5% unemployment figure.
He mentioned his administration's move to reduce the government workforce significantly.
In August, Trump fired the Commissioner of Labor Statistics over a jobs report error.
The article discusses how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Jose and Josue Trejo Lopez, two brothers from El Salvador, even though they had no criminal records and were following legal procedures. This deportation happened despite President Trump's statements that ICE would prioritize deporting individuals with criminal convictions. Many ICE detainees have no criminal convictions.
Key Facts
Jose and Josue Trejo Lopez were deported to El Salvador despite having no criminal records.
The brothers fled El Salvador nearly 10 years ago and regularly attended ICE check-ins.
President Trump promised to focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records.
As of November, 73% of over 65,000 immigrants in ICE detention had no criminal convictions.
Nearly half of those in ICE detention had neither criminal convictions nor pending charges.
Only 5% of detained immigrants with criminal convictions had been involved in violent crimes.
A Department of Homeland Security operation in El Salvador detained many without violent crime convictions.
A woman named Shannon O’Connor is on trial for allegedly hosting parties for teenagers where they were encouraged to drink alcohol and engage in sexual activities. She has been held without bail for four years since her arrest. Her trial began recently, and she faces multiple charges related to child abuse, sexual assault, and providing alcohol to minors.
Key Facts
Shannon O’Connor is accused of throwing parties for teens aged 14 or 15, where she allegedly encouraged sex acts and provided alcohol.
She has been in jail without bail since her arrest four years ago.
O’Connor faces 39 charges, including child abuse and sexual assault, from October 2021.
A grand jury indicted her on 67 counts in November 2023.
O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Her attorney expressed surprise at her being held without bail, saying it is usually for very serious offenders.
The trial is ongoing, with many witnesses expected to testify.
The Trump administration is considering ending certain green-card programs but faces legal challenges that require congressional approval. Recent developments include the suspension of the diversity visa lottery program after a violent incident involving an immigrant who entered through this program. The administration is known for tightening immigration rules and pursuing deportation policies.
Key Facts
The Trump administration aims to end some green-card programs, but it would need congressional approval to do so.
Homeland Security announced the suspension of the diversity visa lottery program after a shooting incident.
The diversity visa lottery gives up to 55,000 visas each year to people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.
Any changes to the visa program require approval because these programs are based on federal laws.
As of January 1, 2024, there were approximately 12.8 million green-card holders in the U.S.
Green cards and visas can be revoked if the holder breaks U.S. law.
The Trump administration has tightened legal immigration pathways and plans to continue these policies.
The administration has been enforcing strict deportation rules as a part of broader immigration control efforts.
President Donald Trump delivered a speech focused on defending his administration's work on the U.S. economy, particularly addressing the cost of living. The timing of the speech coincides with concerns over the Republican Party's support related to economic issues. The speech included a mention of a new "warrior dividend" for military service members.
Key Facts
President Trump delivered a televised address focused on the U.S. economy.
He emphasized his administration's efforts to reduce the cost of living.
Recent polls show the Republican Party losing support over economic concerns.
The speech aimed to reassure voters ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
Vice President JD Vance also addressed economic concerns in Pennsylvania.
President Trump introduced a "warrior dividend" for U.S. service members.
Discussions around the speech were featured on a BBC podcast called Americast.
President Trump announced that a Chinese researcher in the U.S. on a J-1 visa was charged with attempting to smuggle E. coli into the country. The researcher, Youhuang Xiang, is accused of violating U.S. laws by trying to bring the bacteria from China. Authorities are warning universities to be cautious about possible visa abuses.
Key Facts
The FBI charged Youhuang Xiang, a Chinese post-doctoral researcher, with trying to smuggle E. coli into the U.S.
Youhuang Xiang was in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, which is typically used for research and educational purposes.
The charge relates to attempting to bring biological materials hidden in a package from China.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the charges on a platform called X.
Similar incidents were reported in Michigan where three Chinese nationals faced charges for smuggling biological materials.
Authorities are urging universities to monitor and prevent visa misuse.
The case is ongoing with updates expected as it develops.
Flags will fly at half-mast in five U.S. states this weekend due to recent tragic events. These include shootings at Brown University in Rhode Island and Bondi Beach in Australia, as well as the deaths of U.S. soldiers in Syria. The governors of these states have ordered the flag-lowering as a mark of respect and mourning.
Key Facts
Flags fly at half-mast in Alabama, Hawaii, Iowa, Rhode Island, and North Carolina.
Alabama and Hawaii honor victims of the Brown University shooting in Rhode Island.
Hawaii also remembers victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia.
Iowa remembers two Iowa Army National Guard members who died in Syria.
Rhode Island marks respect for those affected by the Brown University shooting.
North Carolina honors former Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., who recently passed away.
The flag-lowering orders come from the respective governors of these states.
California is set to use its lowest amount of water from Lake Mead in 75 years due to conservation efforts. This change comes as the state works to address the water challenges posed by the ongoing drought and increasing demand on the Colorado River. Officials hope these measures will help secure the water supply for millions of people and industries in the region.
Key Facts
California plans to use only 3.76 million acre-feet of water from Lake Mead in 2025, the lowest since 1949.
Lake Mead supplies drinking water to about 25 million people.
The decline in water levels is due to drought, climate change, and overuse of resources.
Current rules for managing water usage will expire in 2026, prompting calls for new regulations.
California has invested in water efficiency, recycling, and modern irrigation to reduce usage.
Lake Mead is expected to reach historically low levels by 2027.
Actions by California aim to maintain water security while supporting economic growth.
Regional cooperation is crucial to stabilize the Colorado River system in the future.
Two Republican candidates are currently leading the race to become the next governor of California according to recent polls. California, known for its Democratic majority, could see two Republicans advance to the general election due to its unique primary system where the top two candidates, regardless of party, move forward. Many Democratic candidates are in the race, leading to votes being split among them, which could benefit the Republicans.
Key Facts
California uses a "jungle primary" system where all candidates compete on the same ballot and the top two move to the general election.
Recent polls show two Republicans, Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, leading with the most support among voters.
Democrats might struggle because many candidates from their party could split the Democratic vote.
Current Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is retiring and cannot run again due to term limits.
Recent polls show uncertainty among voters, with around 31% undecided on whom to support.
Democratic candidates in the race include well-known politicians like Eric Swalwell and Katie Porter.
Analysts suggest that Democratic and undecided voters might unite around one or two candidates closer to the primary election.
Surveys have been conducted by different pollsters, indicating varying but similar results on candidate standings.
A Generation X worker in the U.S. went to a thrift store to buy a computer monitor and ended up buying back a monitor they had previously discarded. The worker realized it was their old monitor because of a distinct mark on the screen that they remembered.
Key Facts
A Generation X worker wanted to replace a computer monitor that was too bright.
The worker found a familiar HP monitor at a thrift store and bought it for $6.
After setting it up, the worker noticed a specific mark and realized it was their old monitor.
The worker had previously discarded the monitor due to a "pixely scribble" defect.
An elderly neighbor might have picked up the monitor and brought it to the thrift store.
The Reddit user shared their story on the r/ThriftStoreHauls forum, receiving over 2,800 upvotes.
The story sparked humorous and nostalgic reactions from other Reddit users.
In 2025, several U.S. landmarks and programs have been renamed or introduced with President Donald Trump's name. Examples include the renaming of the Kennedy Center to include Trump’s name and the introduction of the "Trump Gold Card" by the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center has been renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, approved by a Trump-appointed board.
The U.S. Institute of Peace is now called the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace.
The "Trump Gold Card" offers wealthy individuals a fast track to U.S. citizenship for significant financial contributions.
Democrat opposition includes concerns from the Kennedy family regarding the renaming of the Kennedy Center.
A new program called Trump Accounts was introduced for tax-advantaged savings for children born between specific years.
Ongoing legal and political debates are happening around these changes, especially concerning public places and government programs.
President Donald Trump plans to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to include his name, calling it the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Maria Shriver, niece of former President John F. Kennedy, criticized this decision, voicing her opposition on social media.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The proposed new name is "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
Maria Shriver, JFK’s niece, publicly criticized the renaming decision.
Shriver shared her opposition on social media, and her comments gained wide attention.
Shriver argues the renaming is an inappropriate political move.
President Trump expressed surprise and honor about the board's decision.
The Kennedy family and others have reacted negatively to the renaming plan.
Tucker Carlson criticized some Republicans during a conference for speaking negatively about Muslims, describing these actions as harmful and divisive. This event highlighted ongoing disagreements within the Republican party, including factions associated with the MAGA movement.
Key Facts
Tucker Carlson spoke at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
Carlson condemned Republicans for making anti-Muslim statements, calling it "disgusting."
These remarks add to ongoing disagreements within the Republican party.
The MAGA movement, associated with President Donald Trump, has shown internal divisions recently.
Republican Representative Randy Fine had previously made anti-Muslim comments.
The conference included several speakers, such as Vice President JD Vance and Steve Bannon, and will run through December 21.
This year's AmericaFest is the first since the assassination of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced plans to limit access to gender-affirming care for minors. The Department of Health and Human Services proposed several actions to restrict this care, citing concerns about the costs and effects of procedures like phalloplasty. The measures are part of a broader effort by President Trump's administration to regulate transgender care for young people.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz criticized the high costs of gender-affirming procedures such as phalloplasty and scrotoplasty.
The Department of Health and Human Services plans to restrict access to transgender care for minors.
President Trump issued an executive order to stop federal funding for child gender transitions.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. labeled gender-affirming care for minors as malpractice.
CMS plans to prevent hospitals that perform these procedures on minors from accessing Medicare and Medicaid programs.
The FDA warned 12 companies about illegally marketing products aimed at treating gender dysphoria in children.
A report by HHS found that procedures for gender dysphoria could have negative health effects, including infertility and surgical complications.
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a suspect in the shootings at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor, received a green card in 2017 during President Donald Trump's administration. Neves Valente entered the U.S. through the diversity lottery program and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after these events. This incident has reignited debate about the diversity visa program, with calls to review or pause it.
Key Facts
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente is suspected of shooting two students and injuring nine others at Brown University.
He is also suspected of killing MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro.
Neves Valente was a Portuguese national and former Brown University student.
He obtained a green card through the diversity visa lottery program in 2017.
President Trump's administration emphasized immigration enforcement and had tried to end the diversity visa program.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has ordered a pause on the DV1 program following the incidents.
Neves Valente was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The DV1 program grants up to 50,000 green cards annually via a lottery system.
Democratic officials are upset with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for not releasing a report that analyzes why they lost the 2024 presidential election. The DNC says they are keeping the report private to focus on future elections. Some Democrats believe the report could help them learn from past mistakes.
Key Facts
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) promised to release a report on the 2024 presidential election loss but hasn't done so yet.
Some Democratic strategists believe not releasing the report benefits former Vice President Kamala Harris if she runs in 2028.
DNC officials say they want to keep the party focused on winning future elections, such as the 2026 midterms.
DNC Chair Ken Martin initiated the review of the 2024 election but has not provided an interview on the decision to keep it private.
Critics, including hosts of the "Pod Save America" podcast, argue withholding the report shows caution and prevents learning from mistakes.
The report was completed after interviewing people across all 50 states, but the DNC decided not to release it or even a simplified version for the public.
A source stated Kamala Harris had no involvement in the decision to withhold the report.
Some Democrats express concern that not sharing the report could prevent the party from understanding and fixing mistakes from the 2024 election.
President Donald Trump has put a hold on the green card lottery program. This program allowed Claudio Neves Valente, a suspect in recent shootings at Brown University and MIT, to enter the United States. The suspect, who was a Portuguese national, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump suspended the green card lottery program.
The program allowed Claudio Neves Valente to come to the U.S.
Neves Valente was a suspect in shootings at Brown University and MIT.
The shootings resulted in the deaths of two students and the wounding of nine others at Brown University.
An MIT professor was also killed in the same set of incidents.
Neves Valente, aged 48, died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the suspension.
President Donald Trump announced plans for an event called the "Patriot Games" as part of the United States' 250th birthday celebrations. It drew comparisons to the "Hunger Games" due to its format of featuring a boy and girl from each state in athletic competitions. This caused an old meme predicting the event's similarity to the "Hunger Games" to go viral again.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the "Patriot Games" for the U.S. 250th birthday celebrations in 2026.
The event will feature athletic competitions with top high school athletes, one boy and one girl from each state.
The announcement led to comparisons with the book and movie series "The Hunger Games."
A meme from 2016, predicting this comparison, went viral on social media after the announcement.
The meme was initially posted by Eric Smith on Twitter in 2016.
President Trump is the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
The Patriot Games will be part of a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
