President Donald Trump is expected to sign an order to change the classification of cannabis in the United States. This change would move cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, making it similar to Tylenol with codeine. The reclassification could allow more research into cannabis and have tax implications for dispensaries.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to sign an order to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.
Schedule I drugs are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
As a Schedule III drug, cannabis would be on the same level as some medications that are less strictly controlled.
This change would allow more research into cannabis and might affect taxes for cannabis businesses.
Some Republican lawmakers are worried the change might increase cannabis use and impact public health.
Currently, 24 US states allow cannabis for recreational use, and a majority permit it for medical reasons.
The Drug Enforcement Agency says Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low chance of dependence.
Polls show most Americans support legalizing marijuana.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) decided not to release a report analyzing what went wrong in the 2024 elections. Some Democrats are upset about this decision, believing the report could help improve future election strategies. DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized the party's commitment to using the findings to guide future success without distracting from current goals.
Key Facts
The DNC decided not to publish a report about the 2024 elections.
President Donald Trump won the 2024 election, defeating Kamala Harris.
Democrats lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The report was based on interviews with numerous Democrats to understand the reasons for the losses.
DNC Chair Ken Martin stated that the party completed a review and is applying the lessons learned.
Some Democrats, including activists and strategists, criticized the decision.
Others in the party agree with focusing on future elections rather than revisiting 2024 mistakes.
A federal prosecutor reported that around $9 billion of Medicaid claims in Minnesota might be fraudulent. This is part of a larger investigation, as potentially more than half of the $18 billion paid to the state's programs are under scrutiny.
Key Facts
About $9 billion in Medicaid claims in Minnesota are suspected of being fraudulent.
A federal prosecutor highlighted that more than half of $18 billion paid out could be fraud.
This issue involves at least 14 different programs in the state.
The prosecutor described the fraud as "industrial-scale."
The news follows as Governor Tim Walz seeks a third term.
President Donald Trump and Republicans have criticized Governor Walz for his leadership during the alleged fraud.
Starting next month, Medicare will make several changes affecting costs and coverage for seniors. These changes include higher monthly premiums, deductible increases, and caps on prescription drug costs.
Key Facts
Medicare monthly premiums will rise to $202.90 per person in 2026.
The Part B deductible will increase to $283.
The out-of-pocket limit for Part D prescription drugs will increase to $2,100.
Some prescription drugs will cost less due to Medicare-negotiated prices, potentially saving $1.5 billion in 2026.
The limit for out-of-pocket expenses in prescription drug plans will rise from $2,000 to $2,100 starting January 1, 2026.
Medicare recipients in monthly prescription drug payment plans will be automatically reenrolled unless they opt out.
A pilot program using AI for prior authorization in six states will start on January 1st and is set to run until December 2031.
Marla Maples has denied claims made by Sandra Coleman that she warned Coleman to keep her daughter away from President Donald Trump during a party at Mar-a-Lago in 1994. The New York Times reported that Coleman and her daughter attended the party, where Coleman said Maples advised her to protect her daughter from Trump. The New York Times found no evidence linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities.
Key Facts
Marla Maples denies telling a woman to keep her daughter away from President Trump at a party in 1994.
Sandra Coleman claimed Maples warned her to protect her daughter from "these men" at Mar-a-Lago.
Maples was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999 and they have a daughter, Tiffany Trump.
The New York Times reported no evidence connecting Trump to Epstein's crimes.
Coleman reported that her daughter, a model, was asked to "dress sexy" for the party.
Jeffrey Epstein, a known sex offender, frequently attended Mar-a-Lago parties.
The New York Times stated Trump ended his relationship with Epstein years before Epstein's death.
The U.S. government reported that inflation slowed down in November, but warnings have been issued that the data may be unreliable due to delays from a federal shutdown. Despite this slowdown, Americans continue to face high living costs, and the impact of these costs was seen in recent elections. The shutdown and policies like tariffs are affecting economic measurements and decisions.
Key Facts
November inflation report shows prices rose 2.7% over the past year.
The report's release was delayed due to a 43-day federal government shutdown.
The shutdown likely distorted inflation data, making it hard to interpret accurately.
Consumer prices in September had risen by 3% from the previous year.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose by 2.6% in November.
President Trump's tariffs on imports are adding pressure on prices.
The Federal Reserve is considering interest rate policies amid economic uncertainty.
Americans continue to feel the pressure of high costs for essentials like food and housing.
President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton both knew Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, in the 1980s and 1990s. There is no evidence that either president was involved in Epstein's criminal activities. Their associations with Epstein ended before his legal troubles became public.
Key Facts
President Trump and former President Clinton were seen with Jeffrey Epstein in the 1980s and 1990s.
Both leaders deny knowing about Epstein's illegal actions and have not been accused of any wrongdoing related to him.
Photos and videos show Trump and Epstein at social events in the early 1990s.
Clinton also had interactions with Epstein and accepted donations from him for his 1992 presidential campaign.
Epstein attended Trump’s wedding in 1993 and was seen with Clinton at a White House event the same year.
In 2000, Trump, Epstein, and others were photographed together at a charity event in Florida.
Clinton took several trips on Epstein's private jet in the early 2000s, which he said were related to his foundation's work.
Both presidents' associations with Epstein ended years before Epstein's arrest in 2019.
President Donald Trump signed an order to change how marijuana is classified under U.S. law. The change moves marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, meaning it's seen as less dangerous. This could impact how the drug is studied, regulated, and taxed but does not make it legal nationwide for recreational use.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.
Schedule I drugs are seen as very dangerous with no medical use, like heroin and LSD.
Schedule III drugs are considered less dangerous, similar to ketamine and some steroids.
The reclassification does not legalize marijuana for recreational use nationwide.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must still review and implement this order.
The decision could affect research, regulations, and taxes on marijuana.
Many states have already legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use.
Some Republicans, including over 20 senators, oppose the reclassification.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the classification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. This change aims to make research on marijuana easier while the drug remains illegal under federal law.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to reclassify marijuana to a Schedule III substance.
The reclassification acknowledges potential medical uses of marijuana.
Under the new order, marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
Researchers can more easily conduct federally funded medical trials on marijuana.
40 U.S. states allow medical use of marijuana; nearly 24 allow recreational use.
The reclassification could affect the cannabis economy by altering tax treatment for dispensaries.
Over two dozen Republican lawmakers opposed the reclassification.
The order does not legalize marijuana but eases some restrictions on its research.
A group of Democratic lawmakers proposed a bill to stop local police from working with federal immigration authorities, aiming to end the 287(g) program. This program currently allows state and local law enforcement to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration issues. The legislation seeks to clarify that only federal officials should enforce immigration laws.
Key Facts
The proposed bill is called the PROTECT Immigration Act.
The bill aims to end the federal 287(g) program.
Representative Mike Quigley from Illinois is leading the bill.
The number of 287(g) agreements increased significantly since President Trump's second term began.
By September 2025, over 1,000 partnerships existed under the 287(g) program.
The bill states only federal agents should handle immigration enforcement, not local police.
Starting October 2025, local agencies involved in 287(g) can get reimbursement for officer salaries.
Agencies may also get monetary awards from ICE based on performance in locating individuals without legal status.
President Donald Trump's chosen board voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington as the Trump-Kennedy Center. The change is due to Trump's efforts in the building's reconstruction, financial stability, and reputation.
Key Facts
The board voted to rename the Kennedy Center as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
President Trump selected the board members who made this decision.
The announcement was made by the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
The reason given for the name change is Trump's work on the building's reconstruction and financial health.
The Kennedy Center was originally named after Democratic President John F. Kennedy.
President Trump mentioned the possibility of renaming during the Kennedy Center Honors program.
The Kennedy Center's board voted to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center. This decision highlights President Donald Trump's contributions to improving the center's finances and overseeing its reconstruction.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center will now be called the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The board of the Kennedy Center voted unanimously for this name change.
President Donald Trump helped stabilize the center financially.
Trump played a role in the reconstruction of the venue.
The renaming recognizes both President Trump and President Kennedy.
This announcement was shared by the White House press secretary.
President Donald Trump is addressing concerns about the economy, similar to what former President Joe Biden faced. Trump defends his economic record, claiming improvements, while polls show many Americans still feel the economy is not doing well. Experts note that both presidents have struggled to change voters' negative perceptions of the economy.
Key Facts
President Trump claims he fixed economic issues he inherited from former President Biden.
Trump states that the U.S. is now strong and set for economic growth.
Polls show most Americans believe the economy is worsening, with inflation as a top concern.
A poll found that only 20% of Americans think the economy is improving.
Experts say both Trump and Biden struggled with voters' negative views of the economy.
Economic issues remain important for upcoming elections, like the 2026 midterms.
The Economist/YouGov poll included 1,632 adults and had a margin of error of ±3.2 percentage points.
Quinnipiac University poll surveyed 1,035 voters, with a margin of error of ±3.9 percentage points.
A recent poll conducted by Emerson College gave President Donald Trump an "F" grade for his handling of the economy. The poll shows that many voters are unhappy with the current economic situation, which could affect the Republican Party in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
A poll by Emerson College found that 36% of respondents gave President Trump an "F" on his economic performance.
The survey included 1,000 voters and was conducted between December 14-15, 2025, with a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.
Only 31% of Americans approved of Trump’s handling of the economy, based on an Associated Press-NORC poll conducted earlier in December 2025.
Poll results showed 38% of people said the economy was the top issue facing the U.S.
Overall, 41% of people approved of Trump’s overall job performance, while 50% disapproved.
Concerns about the economy might impact the GOP in the 2026 midterm elections.
Previous Fox News polling showed that 76% of voters view the economy negatively.
Trump's current approval rating on the economy is lower than that of former President Joe Biden near the end of his term.
The US Senate approved a $901 billion defense budget, which now awaits President Trump's signature. The budget includes a pay raise for service members and sets conditions on military operations, troop levels, and support for Ukraine. Some lawmakers criticized certain provisions of the bill related to military aircraft safety.
Key Facts
The US Senate approved a $901 billion annual defense budget.
The bill includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel.
It requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide footage of military actions against suspected drug-running boats near Venezuela.
The bill maintains current US troop numbers in Europe and specifies military aid for Ukraine.
It was approved with a 77-20 vote by the Senate.
Criticisms of the bill include a provision that allows military aircraft to fly without sharing precise location data.
Some Democrats pushed for more oversight of military decisions related to Ukraine.
The bill does not fund changing the Department of Defense's name, despite President Trump’s interest in doing so.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new rules to stop federal funding for gender-affirming healthcare for minors. These rules aim to restrict treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender children. Many U.S. states already have similar bans, but these new rules could affect access in states where such care is still legal.
Key Facts
The Department of Health and Human Services announced new regulations.
The rules seek to ban gender-affirming care for minors in the U.S.
Treatments affected include puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries.
The plan involves cutting federal Medicaid and Medicare funding from hospitals that offer this care to minors.
Federal Medicaid dollars would not be used for these procedures.
The Health Secretary called these procedures "malpractice" for children.
Over half of the U.S. states already limit or ban gender-affirming care.
The new rules could impact nearly two dozen states where this care is still permitted and funded.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released 68 new photos related to Jeffrey Epstein's estate. This release happened just before the deadline for President Donald Trump's Justice Department to disclose the complete Epstein files.
Key Facts
68 new photos related to Jeffrey Epstein have been released.
The photos include images of Epstein, other individuals, and passports.
The release was made by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
This action occurred a day before the deadline set for the full release of Epstein files.
The deadline involves President Donald Trump's Justice Department.
The released images are connected to ongoing investigations related to Epstein.
A sudden tornado warning and severe thunderstorm alerts were announced for around 150,000 people in the St. Louis, Missouri area. The National Weather Service issued these warnings due to a severe thunderstorm that could produce a tornado. The alerts advised people to take immediate shelter as the storms moved quickly.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning and severe thunderstorm warnings for St. Louis, Missouri.
The warnings affected about 150,000 people, urging them to seek shelter immediately.
The tornado warning was triggered by a severe thunderstorm near Troy, moving east at 35 mph.
Areas in the storm's path included Fountain N' Lakes, Winfield, New Hope, and others.
The warning advised people to find shelter inside a sturdy building, away from windows.
Severe thunderstorm warnings covered more areas and could bring damaging winds.
NWS meteorologist Jayson Gosselin noted that such warnings are rare in December.
People were warned about the dangers of flying debris and damage to structures.
Nebraska will be the first U.S. state to enforce new Medicaid work rules, following a law signed by President Trump in July 2025. These rules require certain Medicaid recipients to provide proof of work or schooling to keep their benefits. The changes could lead to more states implementing similar rules in the future.
Key Facts
Nebraska's new Medicaid rules apply to able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 under Medicaid expansion.
Recipients must prove 80 hours of work or community service per month or be enrolled in school at least half-time.
About 72,000 out of 346,000 Medicaid recipients in Nebraska may be affected by this rule.
Exemptions exist for disabled veterans, pregnant women, primary caregivers, the homeless, and others.
No new state staff will be hired to implement these changes; existing resources will be used.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts that the new requirements could make 4.5 million Americans uninsured annually by 2027.
Nebraska plans to notify affected individuals by early January 2026.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Ernesto Fabian Cuevas Enciso, a 34-year-old Mexican national and green card applicant, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Cuevas Enciso entered the U.S. illegally in 1995 and was convicted of driving under the influence. He is being held as part of ongoing actions by authorities to deport individuals without legal status.
Key Facts
Ernesto Fabian Cuevas Enciso was arrested by ICE in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
He has lived in the U.S. since 1995, arriving at age three.
Cuevas Enciso has a pending green card application through his U.S. citizen wife.
He was previously protected under DACA, a program for young immigrants.
Cuevas Enciso was convicted of driving under the influence.
ICE detained him using unmarked vehicles near his work site.
He is currently held at the North Lake Process Center in Baldwin, Michigan.
Cuevas Enciso's immigration court hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2025.
