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.
Lawmakers are warning Americans about an increase in travel scams during the busy holiday season. A report highlights that these scams cost consumers significant money each year, with new advice on how to spot and avoid them. Many Americans plan to travel soon, increasing the need for awareness about these fraudulent activities.
Key Facts
A report from the Joint Economic Committee warns about rising travel-related fraud in the U.S.
These scams often involve fake travel websites or impersonations of airlines and hotels.
The Federal Trade Commission reports $274 million in losses from travel scams in 2024.
Over half of Americans plan to travel this holiday season, raising scam risks.
Travel scams can result in nonexistent bookings, hidden fees, or poor-quality services.
Booking.com observed a significant increase in travel scams partly due to artificial intelligence.
The FTC advises avoiding "free" vacation offers and suspicious payment methods like gift cards.
Travelers should verify companies and properties online using reviews and confirm details before booking.
In December, a Florida animal rescue found a dog named Clio abandoned in a crate with a note asking them to find her a home. The Polk County Bully Project took Clio in and discovered she was pregnant, requiring immediate care. The shelter is now looking after Clio and ensuring she is safe and comfortable.
Key Facts
A dog named Clio was found abandoned in a crate near a Florida animal rescue on December 5.
The crate had a handwritten note asking the shelter to find Clio a home.
Clio was described as "terrified" and was shaking when discovered.
Polk County Bully Project took Clio in and later found out she is pregnant.
The shelter mentioned that Clio had been well cared for before she was left behind.
In the first half of 2025, 2.8 million animals entered U.S. shelters, highlighting a capacity issue.
The shelter is currently providing care for Clio and helping her adjust to her new environment.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed new rules to stop hospitals from providing gender-affirming care to minors. This would cut off federal funding for treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, potentially affecting access in many states. The rules are not yet final and may face legal challenges.
Key Facts
The proposal aims to stop gender-affirming care for minors by cutting federal funding to hospitals.
It specifically targets treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and some surgeries.
More than half of U.S. states already have bans or limits on this type of care.
The proposal could impact access to care in nearly two dozen states where it is still legal.
The rules need to go through a regulatory process before they can take effect.
Legal challenges are expected, which may delay or change the final implementation.
Providers might stop offering these treatments while awaiting enforcement.
President Donald Trump has added new plaques at the White House that recognize past U.S. Presidents. These plaques highlight achievements and criticisms but only mention the Nobel Peace Prize won by President Theodore Roosevelt, excluding those won by Democratic Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, and Woodrow Wilson.
Key Facts
President Trump has introduced new plaques at the White House's Presidential Walk of Fame.
The plaques acknowledge former Presidents and include descriptions written by Trump.
Only Theodore Roosevelt's Nobel Peace Prize is mentioned on the plaques.
Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for ending the Russo-Japanese War.
Democratic Nobel laureates Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama are not recognized for their prizes.
Wilson's plaque notes the League of Nations but does not mention his Nobel Prize.
Trump's additions to the plaques express political views, including criticisms of Democratic Presidents and praise for Republicans.
The White House responded to queries about the omission by stating the plaques provide descriptions of past Presidents.
A recent Fox News poll shows that most Americans are unhappy with the economy and President Donald Trump's job performance. Over half of those surveyed disapprove of how he is handling the economy. Many voters are concerned about inflation and high prices, and Republican members of Congress are also receiving low approval ratings.
Key Facts
A Fox News poll surveyed 1,001 registered voters between December 12 and 15, 2023.
56% of respondents disapprove of President Trump's job performance, while 44% approve.
72% rate the current economic conditions as fair or poor.
61% disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy, with only 39% approval.
90% of voters are extremely or very concerned about inflation and high prices.
51% approve of Trump's handling of border security, his highest-rated issue.
Republicans in Congress have a low approval rating, with only 38% approval.
An Associated Press-NORC poll found Trump's economic approval at 31%, the lowest of his terms.
The White House reacted to reports that President Trump discussed running for a third term with his former lawyer. The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment limits presidential terms to two, raising legal issues about such a possibility. Discussions around this topic have occurred, but there is no current active effort to change the term limit.
Key Facts
President Trump discussed the idea of a third term with lawyer Alan Dershowitz.
The U.S. Constitution, through the 22nd Amendment, prevents a president from being elected more than twice.
Alan Dershowitz wrote a book about the possibility but does not think Trump will pursue it.
President Trump has made comments suggesting he considers the idea both as a hypothetical and a joke.
The White House spokeswoman stated that more time with Trump as president would be beneficial.
To change the term limit, a constitutional amendment needs approval from two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states.
Legal and political discussions have occurred, but no official action has been taken to remove the term limit.
President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new program to cover CBD (cannabidiol) treatments under Medicare. This move might also involve changes in marijuana regulation in the United States. CBD is used by many for managing pain, anxiety, and sleep issues.
Key Facts
President Trump may announce a program that will allow Medicare to cover CBD treatments next year.
CBD is a compound used by millions in the U.S. for pain and anxiety management.
Trump might also change how marijuana is classified, which could affect taxes, businesses, and medical treatments.
The possible reclassification of marijuana could make it similar to Tylenol with codeine, a less strict category than drugs like heroin.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) could run this CBD coverage as a pilot program.
The program is reported to target cancer treatment, palliative care, and possibly chronic pain.
The program is expected to involve strict controls on who qualifies and how CBD is prescribed.
The intention is to evaluate whether CBD can become part of official medical coverage, potentially reducing costs for seniors.
President Donald Trump delivered a speech from the White House, claiming improvements in American life during his time in office. He announced that military personnel would receive a new payment called the "warrior dividend."
Key Facts
President Donald Trump gave a speech from the White House.
He claimed his time in office brought historic improvements to Americans.
Trump mentioned past issues of immigration and economic chaos.
He announced a "warrior dividend" for U.S. military personnel.
The payment amounts to $1,776 and targets 1.45 million military members.
Trump stated that the payments are already being sent out.
A new weather forecast by AccuWeather suggests that fewer U.S. states will have snow this Christmas compared to earlier predictions. The National Weather Service expects above-average temperatures in many parts of the country during the holiday season, especially affecting areas like the Plains, South, and Midwest.
Key Facts
AccuWeather released a new forecast for snow on Christmas, called a "white Christmas" forecast.
A "white Christmas" means at least an inch of snow on the ground on December 25.
Earlier predictions suggested more states would have snow, but now above-average temperatures are expected.
The National Weather Service predicts these warmer temperatures especially in the Plains, South, and Midwest.
AccuWeather lists several states likely to see snow, including California, New York, and Vermont.
Snow is guaranteed in areas like the Rockies and near the Great Lakes.
A possible storm from December 23-25 might affect snow chances in central and eastern U.S.
Rising temperatures may melt any recent snowfall before Christmas in some Northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
President Donald Trump gave a speech that interrupted the season finale of the reality show "Survivor." His speech, which lasted less than 20 minutes, summed up his time in office and mentioned future plans. The interruption led to viewers expressing their frustrations on social media.
Key Facts
President Trump’s speech interrupted the season finale of "Survivor" on CBS.
The speech took place at 9 P.M. Eastern Time and was broadcast live from the White House.
Networks often air presidential speeches at prime time to reach the largest audience.
The speech was not linked to a national emergency but focused on defending Trump's record.
The interruption sparked social media complaints from fans of the show.
The "Survivor" finale was completed after the speech for Eastern and Central Time viewers.
During the episode, five contestants were competing for a million-dollar prize.
President Donald Trump plans to change the classification of marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Over 20 Republican senators have expressed their opposition to this plan, arguing it could harm public health and safety. They sent a letter to President Trump urging him not to proceed with the reclassification.
Key Facts
President Trump intends to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
Schedule I drugs are considered highly addictive with no accepted medical use, like heroin.
Schedule III drugs include substances like Tylenol with codeine and testosterone.
Over 20 Republican senators oppose the reclassification plan.
The senators' letter warns that easing marijuana rules could pose risks to health and safety.
Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina led the group of senators.
The letter claims the reclassification could undermine Trump's policy agenda.
Republican senators signing the letter include John Barrasso and Jim Banks.
New plaques have been installed on President Donald Trump's Presidential Walk of Fame, highlighting his achievements and offering criticism of previous Democratic presidents. The plaques praise Trump for various accomplishments, include statements made by him, and are part of broader changes he has made to the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump has two portraits and four plaques, given he has been president twice.
The plaques claim Trump created "the Greatest Economy in the History of the World" during his first term.
Statements on the plaques were written in part by President Trump himself.
Trump's second-term plaque mentions his 2024 popular vote win and the challenges he faced, such as law enforcement issues and assassination attempts.
The plaques are located in a colonnade connecting the White House residence to the West Wing.
Plaques include mentions of Trump when describing other presidents, including Ronald Reagan, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the plaques are "eloquently written," and many were written directly by Trump.
The New York Milk Bank recalled some bottles of donor human milk over contamination concerns. The FDA classified this recall as Class II, meaning it might cause temporary health issues. So far, there are no reports of any illnesses related to this milk.
Key Facts
The New York Milk Bank recalled donor human milk bottles due to possible contamination with foreign objects.
The FDA gave this recall a Class II risk classification, which indicates a moderate level of health risk.
Class II risk means the product may cause temporary or reversible health problems, and the chance of serious harm is low.
The affected product is pasteurized donor human milk in 4 oz/120 ml bottles with batch number 14559-01 and expiry date 5/12/26.
These bottles have a foil seal, green lid, and were only distributed in New York.
A total of 66 bottles are included in the recall.
As of December 15, no illnesses have been reported related to this recall.
The FDA advises consumers not to use the affected product until further notice.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is dealing with tensions within the Republican Party. Some centrist Republicans have pushed for a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act's tax credits, which conservatives oppose. This disagreement has led to internal conflicts and challenges in the House.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House and a Republican from Louisiana.
Some Republicans are upset with Johnson for not allowing a vote on extending ACA tax credits.
Four Republican representatives signed a petition to force a vote on this issue.
Conservatives in the party do not want to support the ACA.
Rep. Eric Burlison expressed frustration with fellow Republicans supporting the petition.
Johnson claims he hasn't lost control of the House, despite the disagreements.
Rep. Greg Steube mentioned the challenges Johnson faces with a narrow majority.
The Senate plans to use the petition to create a bipartisan bill, needing Democrat support to pass in the House.
President Trump gave a holiday speech from the White House claiming that the U.S. economy is doing well and attributing any problems to the Democrats. He talked about plans for future economic growth while dismissing current concerns about issues like inflation and wage growth. The speech was focused and delivered according to the prepared script.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed that the U.S. economy is stronger than people think.
He attributed current issues like inflation and wage growth to the Democrats.
Trump announced a "warrior dividend" of $1,776 for service members.
He promised future economic growth through tax cuts and a new bill.
The November jobs report showed a decrease in average hourly earnings growth.
Trump said grocery and electricity costs will decrease, but current data shows prices are rising.
His advisers felt the speech was notable for sticking to the script and being short.
Trump's economic team plans to highlight his policies as beneficial by next year.
President Trump's administration plans to increase denaturalization cases, which means taking away citizenship from people who became U.S. citizens after immigrating. The plan aims for 100-200 cases per month but is seen as very difficult to achieve due to legal and resource challenges. Experts say the process is complex and could strain government resources.
Key Facts
Denaturalization targets those who became U.S. citizens after immigrating, not those born in the country.
The plan expects USCIS to provide 100-200 denaturalization cases monthly for review.
Only about 120 denaturalization cases were filed between 2017 and 2025.
Denaturalization requires a federal court ruling, not just administrative action.
The law allows denaturalization for fraud during naturalization or certain crimes.
Each case needs a trial, making the process resource-intensive.
Experts warn that the plan could put a strain on USCIS and lead to potential legal issues.
There are approximately 26 million naturalized citizens in the U.S.
The Trump Administration is encouraging white men who believe they faced discrimination at work to seek assistance under federal civil rights laws. Andrea Lucas, head of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has supported this initiative, emphasizing the dismantling of diversity and inclusion programs. President Trump has signed orders to end such programs across federal bodies, aiming for a "merit-based opportunity."
Key Facts
The Trump Administration is encouraging white men to file claims of discrimination if they believe they have experienced it at work.
Andrea Lucas, chair of the EEOC, has communicated that white males believing they faced discrimination should reach out to the EEOC.
President Trump signed executive orders to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prevents discrimination in employment based on race, gender, and other characteristics.
The EEOC investigates complaints and can sue employers if they break civil rights laws.
Lucas was appointed in 2020 and confirmed for a five-year term to the EEOC.
Democratic lawmakers opposed Lucas' confirmation, fearing her impact on civil rights, while Republicans supported her actions against prior workplace protections.
Vice President JD Vance and Lucas have publicly spoken about the administration's stance on discrimination claims.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is at 41%, with 50% disapproving, according to a new poll by Emerson College Polling. This gives him a net approval rating of -9 percentage points as 2025 ends. The poll surveyed 1,000 voters and had a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.
Key Facts
Emerson College Polling found 41% approve and 50% disapprove of President Trump's job performance.
President Trump ends 2025 with a net approval rating of -9 percentage points.
The poll was conducted between December 14-15, 2025, with a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.
Another poll by I&I/TIPP showed a net approval rating of -3 percentage points for Trump.
Morning Consult found Trump has a net approval rating above water in 22 states.
Trump's approval rating has increased from a low of -15 percentage points in November to -11, according to pollster Nate Silver.
Critics cite economic issues and handling of various policies for the low approval rating.
The Republican Party holds a slim majority in the U.S. House and Senate, which could be affected by the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
