MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 26, 2025
- U.S. Conducts Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Nigeria: President Trump announced that U.S. forces launched "powerful and deadly" strikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, targeting groups accused of killing Christians. The operation was coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
- Trump Declares December 26 a Federal Holiday: An executive order extended the Christmas break, closing federal offices on December 24 and 26, giving government employees a five-day weekend.
- Justice Department Discovers Additional Epstein Documents: Over a million more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein were found, delaying their public release for review.
- Higher-Than-Expected Holiday Spending: Reports indicate robust consumer spending during the 2025 holiday season, boosting economic indicators.
Massive Powerball Jackpot Won: A single winning ticket for the $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot—the second-largest in U.S. history—was sold in Arkansas on Christmas Eve.
California Storms & Mudslides: Severe weather continues to batter California.
While rain is expected to ease today, officials remain on high alert for mudslides and debris flows in saturated areas. Epstein Files Release: Newly released federal records have provided fresh details regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s death in custody.
While the files haven't challenged the suicide ruling, they have sparked renewed scrutiny of Ghislaine Maxwell. FEMA Buyout Backlog: Hundreds of residents affected by Hurricane Helene remain in limbo; reports today indicate that despite signing up for FEMA buyouts, not a single application has been approved yet.
- U.S. Airstrikes in Nigeria and Trump's Foreign Policy: The Christmas Day strikes highlight Trump's focus on protecting Christians abroad and direct military action against ISIS.
- Epstein Files Delay and Ongoing Investigations: The discovery of additional documents has sparked renewed political interest in transparency and past administrations' handling of the case.
- Ukraine Peace Talks and Putin Signals: Russian President Putin indicated openness to territory swaps in Ukraine but insists on retaining all of Donbas; upcoming Zelenskyy-Trump meeting discussed.
- Democrats Reposition as Disrupters: Amid Republican control, Democrats are rebranding to challenge the status quo ahead of midterms.
U.S. Strikes in Nigeria: President Trump confirmed Christmas Day military strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria, citing a need to protect the region’s Christian population from persecution.
Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he and President Trump have agreed to meet "in the near future" to discuss a path toward ending the war with Russia.
Immigration "Extreme Vetting": Trump administration officials are moving forward with plans to screen visa applicants’ social media posts for "anti-American" speech as part of a broader immigration overhaul.
Security Clearance Ruling: A federal judge has blocked an effort by the Trump administration to strip the security clearance of an attorney who represented several government whistleblowers.
- North Korea Unveils Nuclear Submarine Hull: State media released photos showing progress on a nuclear-powered submarine, escalating regional tensions.
- Russia-Ukraine Developments: Putin briefed businessmen on potential territory exchanges; Zelenskyy plans near-term talks with Trump.
- Myanmar Health Crisis Spills Over Borders: Civil war-driven spread of diseases like malaria and cholera threatens regional security.
- Malaysia Sentences Former PM Najib Razak: Additional 15-year jail term and massive fine in the 1MDB scandal.
China Sanctions U.S. Firms: Beijing imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense firms today in retaliation for the Trump administration’s record $11.1 billion arms sale package to Taiwan.
Israel Recognizes Somaliland:
In a significant diplomatic shift, Israel has formally recognized the state of Somaliland, a move expected to impact geopolitics in the Horn of Africa. Syria Mosque Explosion: At least six people were killed and dozens injured following an explosion at a Shiite mosque in Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers.
Japan’s Record Budget: The Japanese cabinet approved a record-high $785 billion initial budget for the upcoming fiscal year to bolster defense and economic growth.
- Rising FAFSA Submissions for 2026-27: Over 5 million forms submitted, indicating increased aid applications.
- Local Budget Cuts and Leadership Changes: Year-end reports highlight financial challenges in U.S. school districts and higher education.
- Digital Literacy Push in Schools: Ongoing efforts, particularly in California, to teach media and AI navigation.
Traditional Grading Returns: North Carolina’s seventh-largest school district has abandoned "standards-based" grading (1-4 scales) to return to traditional A-F letter grades following parent complaints about clarity.
AI in Schools: Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick is partnering with Maryland school districts to launch an initiative encouraging students to use generative AI for academic and creative development.
Campus Free Speech Survey: A new year-end report from FIRE indicates that conservative college students are reporting higher levels of self-censorship and less tolerance for controversial speakers compared to 2024.
- Strong Q3 GDP Growth: U.S. economy expanded at 4.3% annualized rate, driven by consumer spending and exports.
- Holiday Spending Surge: Higher-than-expected retail activity supports positive economic outlook.
- Jobless Claims and Labor Market: Weekly claims fell, but continuing claims rose, signaling a "no hire, no fire" environment.
- China Revises Down 2024 GDP: Final figure lowered slightly amid ongoing adjustments.
Farmer Bailouts: President Trump has authorized a new farmer bailout package to support red-state agricultural hubs struggling with high inflation and the fallout from ongoing trade tariffs with China.
Unemployment Claims Fall: The U.S. Labor Department reported a drop in weekly jobless claims, suggesting the labor market remains resilient despite broader economic uncertainty.
Silver Market Rally: Silver prices saw a "runaway rally" this week, fueled by a surge in interest from amateur investors and tightening global supplies.
- Massive AI Investments in India: Amazon ($35B), Microsoft ($17.5B), and Google pledged billions for data centers and AI infrastructure.
- Nvidia Licenses Groq Technology: Deal integrates advanced AI chip designs; executives join Nvidia.
- China Launches 'Hard Tech' VC Funds: New funds target quantum, biomedicine, and aerospace innovations.
- End of Remote Work Trend: Recruitment leaders note return-to-office mandates dominating, with flexibility reserved for top talent.
NVIDIA-Groq Deal: NVIDIA has entered a strategic licensing and talent agreement with AI chip startup Groq.
Groq’s top leadership will join NVIDIA to bolster its real-time AI "inference" capabilities. FCC Drone Ban: The FCC has officially moved to ban new DJI drones in the U.S., citing national security concerns regarding Chinese-made technology in American airspace.
Palantir’s Market Surge: Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is ending the year as a $460+ billion mega-cap, with today's trading focused on its new "ShipOS" contract with the U.S. Navy.
- Rising Insurance Costs for 2026: ACA premiums expected to increase; some families face tough coverage decisions.
- Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Begin: Lower costs for certain medications take effect.
- Myanmar Conflict Fuels Disease Spread: Infectious outbreaks like cholera crossing borders.
- Vaccine Policy Shifts: Trump administration reviews childhood vaccination schedules.
Autism Subtypes Identified: A groundbreaking study published this week suggests there are four distinct types of autism, a discovery that could lead to more personalized treatment and therapy options.
Kaiser Permanente Settlement: Kaiser Permanente has agreed to pay $46 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it shared sensitive patient data with tech giants like Google and Microsoft via tracking pixels.
FDA Pill Approval: The FDA has granted approval for a new oral semaglutide pill, providing a non-injectable option for patients managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
- NBA Christmas Day Highlights: Spurs upset Thunder; Jokić triple-double leads Nuggets over Timberwolves in OT; Rockets dominate Lakers.
- World Juniors Hockey Begins: IIHF tournament kicks off with games on December 26.
- College Football Bowls Today: Games including GameAbove Sports Bowl (Central Michigan vs. Northwestern) and Rate Bowl.
- Year-in-Review Memorable Moments: Polls and recaps of 2025 highlights like Dodgers repeat World Series.
NFL Christmas Results: The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20-13, with rookie Bo Nix leading a late-game comeback to shake up the AFC playoff race.
College Basketball Upset: In a holiday tournament shocker, the West Virginia women’s basketball team defeated #15 Duke 57-49, despite playing with a depleted roster due to mid-game ejections.
Taylor Swift Docuseries: A new docuseries covering the conclusion of the "Eras Tour" premiered today, confirming the superstar’s plans for new projects in 2026.
