President Donald Trump awarded medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees at the White House, a change from the usual tradition. Honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone and singer Gloria Gaynor. Trump had a significant role in selecting the honorees and changed how the Kennedy Center is managed.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump gave medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees at a ceremony in the Oval Office.
The honorees are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, the rock band KISS, and Michael Crawford.
Trump made changes to the Kennedy Center's management by firing the president and chairman, replacing them with his supporters.
Traditionally, honorees were selected by a bipartisan committee, but Trump was "about 98% involved" in choosing this year's group.
The medal ceremony was moved from the State Department to the White House.
The new medals, designed by Tiffany & Co., have a different appearance, featuring a gold disc and navy blue ribbon.
The Kennedy Center Honors program will include speeches and performances and will be broadcast later on CBS and Paramount+.
Trump attending the honors program marks the first time a sitting president participates after such changes in leadership.
The U.S. National Park Service plans to change its free entry days to national parks, removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth. Instead, Flag Day, which is also President Trump's birthday, will be a new fee-free day. The focus is on making park access more affordable for American citizens while charging more for international visitors.
Key Facts
The National Park Service will remove Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its fee-free entry days starting in 2026.
Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump's birthday, will become a fee-free day.
U.S. citizens will get free park access on several holidays, including President's Day and Memorial Day.
The Trump administration's changes aim to benefit American citizens over foreign visitors regarding park fees.
U.S. residents continue to pay $80 for an annual park pass, while non-residents will pay $250.
The policy changes are part of President Trump's modernization efforts for the National Park Service.
The Department of the Interior estimates that increased charges on foreign visitors could bring in over $90 million annually.
President Donald Trump presented the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to several artists during a ceremony at the Oval Office. The honorees included actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, country artist George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. President Trump was highly involved in selecting this year's honorees and has made changes to the Kennedy Center's board since returning to office.
Key Facts
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recipients in the Oval Office.
The honorees for 2025 are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Kiss, and Michael Crawford.
The medals were designed and donated by Tiffany & Co., featuring a navy blue ribbon and an image of the Kennedy Center.
President Trump personally chose the honorees, marking his first selection since becoming chairman of the Kennedy Center's board.
The president made changes to the Kennedy Center board and criticized its programming and appearance.
President Trump described the honorees as iconic figures who have significantly influenced American arts and culture.
A National Guardsman named Andrew Wolfe is recovering from a head injury after being shot in Washington DC on November 26, 2023. A suspect has been charged in connection with the incident. Wolfe's colleague, Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries.
Key Facts
Andrew Wolfe, a National Guardsman, was injured in a shooting on November 26, 2023, in Washington DC.
Sarah Beckstrom, Wolfe's colleague, died as a result of the shooting.
Wolfe is currently in acute care and is showing signs of recovery.
The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.
Lakanwal is an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in 2021 and previously worked with American troops in Afghanistan.
President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard members to Washington DC as part of a crackdown on crime and immigration.
The Trump administration cancelled citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from certain countries, including Afghanistan, following the shooting.
A man named Oscar Solarzano was charged with attempted murder after a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail. The incident has sparked debate over his immigration status, with President Trump and others commenting on it. Solarzano is in the U.S. illegally and has been deported before.
Key Facts
Oscar Solarzano, 33, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other crimes after a stabbing in Charlotte.
The police arrested Solarzano, and he is in custody at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
The victim was found with a stab wound and is in a critical but stable condition.
Solarzano is not a legal U.S. resident and has been deported in the past.
President Trump commented on Solarzano’s immigration status, calling him an "illegal migrant."
The conversation about immigration follows a recent large-scale ICE operation in Charlotte.
Officials have requested Solarzano provide fingerprints and a DNA sample before any potential release.
Authorities in Louisiana are looking for Keith Eli, who escaped from St. Landry Parish Jail on December 3, along with two other inmates. While the two others have been found, Eli remains missing. This escape has raised concerns about jail security and public safety in Louisiana.
Key Facts
Keith Eli escaped from St. Landry Parish Jail in Louisiana on December 3.
Two other inmates also escaped with Eli, but they have been found.
The escape happened by removing mortar from a wall and using improvised tools to scale the jail.
Eli faces an attempted second-degree murder charge.
One of the recaptured escapees, Joseph Allen Harrington, died by suicide.
The other recaptured escapee, Johnathan Jevon Joseph, was found on December 5.
Local authorities have warned the public to stay alert and report any sightings of Eli.
The escape is part of a series of jailbreaks in Louisiana this year, raising questions about jail conditions.
President Donald Trump praised the approval of a new voting map in Indiana by the state House of Representatives, intended to help Republicans in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The map, which is expected to benefit Republican representation, now awaits consideration by the Indiana Senate. Trump urged the Senate to pass the map to enhance Republican electoral success.
Key Facts
The Indiana House of Representatives passed a new congressional voting map with a 57-41 vote.
The map aims to assist Republicans in winning all nine congressional seats in Indiana by dividing Indianapolis into four districts.
President Trump has encouraged the Indiana Senate to approve the map without changes.
The current Republican majorities in the U.S. Senate and House are small, with three seats and two seats, respectively.
There is opposition to mid-decade redistricting among some Republicans in the Indiana state Senate.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed Texas to proceed with its new congressional map.
Other states like California, Virginia, Florida, and Maryland are also in the process of redistricting.
President Trump addressed concerns about the increasing cost of a new White House ballroom, which is now estimated to be $300 million. He stated that the cost is higher because the ballroom will be larger and of higher quality, and it is fully funded by private donations, not taxpayer money. Critics, including some Democrats and preservationists, have expressed worry about the project's impact and transparency.
Key Facts
The planned White House ballroom will cost $300 million, up from an earlier estimate of $200 million.
President Trump explained the increase is due to a larger size and higher-quality finishes.
Funding for the ballroom comes entirely from private donations, not taxpayer money.
Critics have raised concerns about the project's effect on the White House’s historic heritage.
The American Institute of Architects emphasized the need for transparency in the design process.
The White House claims the project will enhance its capacity for hosting major events.
Construction is expected to be finished before the end of President Trump’s current term.
Shalom Baranes was chosen as the new chief architect for the ballroom project.
The city of San Diego is considering a $30 million settlement with the family of Konoa Wilson, a 16-year-old Black teenager shot by a police officer in January. The shooting occurred as Wilson was fleeing gunfire from another person when he encountered Officer Daniel Gold, who shot him. The city council will vote on the settlement soon.
Key Facts
San Diego is considering a $30 million settlement with Konoa Wilson's family.
Konoa Wilson, 16, was shot by a police officer in January while fleeing from gunfire.
Officer Daniel Gold fired at Wilson as he ran; body camera footage shows the encounter.
The city council is set to vote on the settlement on Tuesday.
Wilson's family claims he was not a threat when shot; they sued the city and Officer Gold.
The police department stated a gun was found near Wilson after the incident.
Officer Gold was at the location due to a separate call; he had been with the force for two years.
The $30 million would come from San Diego's Public Liability Fund.
President Donald Trump has been using harsh language about immigrants and race, and this has become more common in American politics. Previously, politicians often faced consequences for making such statements, but Trump continues to use this type of speech without much political backlash. This change has been reflected in actions and statements from his administration and some members of Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump called Somali immigrants "garbage" and claimed they do not contribute to the U.S.
There has been a historical shift, as past politicians often faced backlash or had to resign for bigoted comments.
The norms for acceptable political discourse have changed since President Trump entered politics in 2015.
Trump's statements have included claims about Mexican immigrants and comments on immigration from certain countries.
Trump's administration and some GOP members have openly criticized immigrants on social media.
White nationalist figures have gained more visibility, with Trump defending their participation in political dialogue.
Trump stated on Truth Social that many of the U.S.'s foreign-born residents are from troubled backgrounds.
Trump has been criticized for using derogatory language about political figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Former President Joe Biden stumbled over the word "America" while speaking at an LGBTQ+ forum in Washington, D.C. The speech was part of an event where he accepted an award for his efforts to advance LGBTQ+ rights. Biden criticized President Donald Trump's actions regarding equality during his speech.
Key Facts
Joe Biden spoke at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
He stumbled over the word "America" during his keynote speech.
Biden accepted an award for his work on LGBTQ+ rights.
During the speech, Biden spoke about the need for continuing the fight for equality and protecting the Constitution.
He criticized President Donald Trump and his supporters, saying they have weaponized identity and opposed LGBTQ+ rights.
The event was hosted by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, focusing on supporting elected officials from the LGBTQ+ community.
Approximately 15% of Biden’s administration appointees identified as LGBTQ+.
The speech has reignited discussions about Biden’s health and leadership due to his verbal slip.
President Donald Trump praised Italian singer Andrea Bocelli during an event at the White House. The event occurred before a private concert featuring Bocelli, attended by government officials and members of Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump praised the singing talent of Andrea Bocelli.
Bocelli performed at a ceremony for the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center.
The private concert took place at the White House, attended by Republican Congress members and Cabinet members.
President Trump described Bocelli as a friend.
The event happened about four weeks after Trump invited Bocelli to sing.
Trump made these comments in the White House East Room.
Many U.S. city leaders are resisting President Trump's immigration enforcement actions, especially in sanctuary cities. They are finding legal ways to limit the presence of federal immigration authorities and conduct their operations. This has created tension between local officials and the federal government.
Key Facts
President Trump is focusing on immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities, targeting places that limit cooperation with federal agents.
Some cities are restricting federal agents from using city properties for immigration raids.
New Orleans officials blocked ICE from using local jails due to a legal agreement.
Cities like Minneapolis have banned using city-owned spaces for immigration operations.
City leaders are worried about racial profiling in federal immigration actions.
Chicago and Newark have taken steps similar to other cities to protect their communities from immigration enforcement.
President Trump’s administration aims to increase deportations, reaching up to a million each year.
The Department of Homeland Security has agreements with local law enforcement to assist with immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration will charge a $5,000 fee to migrants without legal status who are caught crossing the U.S. border illegally. This fee applies to individuals aged 14 and older and is part of a new immigration law passed by Congress. Some lawmakers are trying to change parts of the law, especially those that affect children.
Key Facts
A $5,000 fee will be charged to migrants caught crossing the U.S. border illegally.
This fee is part of a new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
The fee applies to people aged 14 and older.
The law allows the fee to be adjusted for inflation over time.
Democratic lawmakers are working to change the law to protect children from these fees.
The proposed changes aim to exempt minors from the new fees related to illegal entry and asylum applications.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented other fee increases related to immigration.
Illegal border crossings have decreased under President Donald Trump's policies.
President Donald Trump's administration announced a new policy to reduce the cost of Christmas tree and firewood permits for American families, as part of a holiday affordability effort. The initiative lowers permit fees to $1 per tree or cord of wood, potentially saving families around $400 during the holiday season. The policy also aims to support wildfire prevention and improve forest health on public lands.
Key Facts
The Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reducing Christmas tree and firewood permit fees to $1 through January 31, 2026.
This change could save American families roughly $400, as the average retail cost of a Christmas tree is about $90.
The program allows people to cut trees from national forests, which helps with forest management and reduces wildfire risks.
Families can now collect up to 10 cords of firewood and three Christmas trees under this program, with possible higher limits in resource-abundant areas.
Most Americans live within two hours of a National Forest, enabling many to benefit from the reduced costs.
The initiative supports forest health by thinning out smaller trees that compete for resources and could fuel wildfires if left uncut.
The U.S. Department of the Interior stated that the program aligns with President Trump's goal to lower costs for Americans.
Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee are asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release a video of U.S. military strikes on a Venezuelan boat. The lawmakers say President Trump has already agreed to make the video public, and they want transparency on the incident. The situation is tense, with calls for Hegseth's resignation and concerns about the strike.
Key Facts
Democrats are asking for a video of military strikes on a Venezuelan boat to be released.
President Trump reportedly said he has no problem releasing the video.
There is controversy over a second strike that allegedly targeted survivors.
Democrats are questioning Defense Secretary Hegseth's role in ordering the strike.
Some Democrats have called for Hegseth to resign and introduced impeachment articles.
Members of Congress viewed the video, with some finding it very troubling.
The request for video release was signed by 19 Democrats from the Armed Services Committee.
The Pentagon has not commented on the request for video release.
A federal judge ruled that President Trump's administration cannot legally detain migrants designated for deportation at the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. This decision challenges the administration's immigration policy, but the judge did not order the facility's closure.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration's use of Guantánamo Bay for holding deportable migrants.
The ruling came from Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a class-action lawsuit against the policy.
The ACLU argued that using the base denies detainees proper legal rights available in U.S. immigration processes.
The administration planned for Guantánamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 migrants.
Approximately 710 detainees have been held at the facility, supported by U.S. military personnel.
The judge's decision limits the administration's authority to use overseas military bases for immigration detention.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that over one million veterans will benefit from improved health care access. Women veterans can now directly schedule gynecology appointments without needing a referral from a primary care provider. The change aims to enhance women veterans' access to health services.
Key Facts
The VA has removed the need for a primary care provider's referral for women veterans to see gynecology specialists.
This change aims to improve health care access for women veterans, a rapidly growing group.
There are currently over 2.1 million women veterans in the U.S.
Women are expected to make up 18% of all veterans by 2040, up from 4% in 2000.
Recent VA reforms have decreased the benefits backlog by 57% since January 2025.
The Million Veteran Program is recruiting women veterans for medical research, with over 100,000 currently participating.
The VA has opened 20 new health care clinics since the start of 2025.
The VA is actively reaching out to ensure women veterans are aware of the expanded health care options available to them.
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona is involved in a dispute with President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over potential court-martial proceedings. Kelly, a retired Navy officer and current senator, faces allegations of misconduct after urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders, leading to claims of possible sedition. The Pentagon is investigating the allegations, which has raised concerns about the limits of executive power and the independence of lawmakers.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly is a former Navy combat pilot and a Democratic senator from Arizona.
He is accused of misconduct for encouraging the military to refuse illegal orders.
The Pentagon is investigating these allegations, with the possibility of recalling Kelly to active duty for a court-martial.
President Trump called Kelly's actions "seditious" and suggested severe penalties.
Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared in a video that led to these allegations.
The FBI is under pressure to investigate potential seditious conspiracy.
Kelly criticized the administration's actions as unconstitutional and a violation of his rights as a senator.
Court-martial for a retired officer, particularly for actions taken while serving in public office, is extremely rare.
Many nurses in the U.S. are taking on extra jobs to earn more money because of high education costs and living expenses. A study found that most nurses have side jobs, and a recent change by the Department of Education means they might get smaller student loans. Nurses are concerned about financial stability and have been involved in efforts to change this policy.
Key Facts
A study by St. Thomas University reveals four out of five nurses have side jobs.
Nearly half of these side jobs started in the last one to three years.
Side jobs make up about 17% of a nurse's total earnings.
Popular side jobs include selling products, travel nursing, rideshare, and content creation.
Inflation and high living costs led 71% of nurses to find side jobs.
28% of nurses feel their main job income is enough.
A petition to change a policy on student loans for nursing attracted over 200,000 signatures.
The study surveyed 182 nurses across the U.S. in August 2025.
