MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 28, 2025
- Heavy snowfall hits New York City: The region experienced its heaviest snowfall in nearly four years, with over four inches in Central Park, disrupting flights and holiday travel.
- Trump's branding of federal institutions: President Trump continues efforts to attach his name to buildings, programs, and venues like the Kennedy Center and Institute of Peace, drawing criticism as reminiscent of autocratic practices.
- Immigration policy impacts: Strict enforcement leads to labor shortages in sectors like construction, healthcare, and youth sports, highlighting effects of reduced foreign-born population.
- Winter storm affects post-holiday travel: A storm brought heavy snow and ice, causing widespread disruptions nationwide.
Winter Storms Snarl Travel: A massive winter storm system is moving across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, causing significant delays and cancellations for post-Christmas travelers.
Southern California Mudslide Risks: A new storm hitting waterlogged Southern California has triggered warnings for potential mudslides and high surf in areas already impacted by Christmas-week debris.
Times Square Preparations: New York City is prepping for New Year’s Eve, featuring a patriotic crystal ball to kick off the United States’ 250th anniversary year in 2026.
Powerball Jackpot: Tension builds as the Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot remains unclaimed, reaching an estimated $1.8 billion.
- Zelenskyy-Trump meeting on Ukraine peace: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets President Trump in Florida to discuss a revised peace plan amid ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv.
- Trump pushes to eliminate Senate filibuster: Aims to ease passage of Republican priorities and avoid government shutdowns.
- California drops high-speed rail lawsuit: State abandons challenge to Trump's cancellation of over $4 billion in federal grants.
- Epstein files and internal GOP tensions: Disputes arise over release of files, with Trump criticizing lawmakers.
National Security Strategy: Analysts are dissecting a newly updated U.S. National Security Strategy, which experts suggest signals a shift toward a more isolationist or "America First" posture.
Burt Jones Investigation: Reports indicate that "anonymous money" totaling over $5 million has been used to fuel attacks on Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, raising questions about campaign finance transparency.
Surveillance Oversight: A year-end report highlights a 2025 trend where U.S. cities shifted surveillance technology purchases from police procurement to political oversight by city councils.
- Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine: Major attacks on Kyiv kill at least two and injure dozens, just before Zelenskyy-Trump talks.
- Elections in multiple countries: Snap polls in Kosovo to resolve political deadlock; elections in Guinea (junta leader favored) and Central African Republic.
- Israel recognizes Somaliland: Triggers backlash; EU reaffirms support for Somalia's territorial integrity.
- Myanmar phased elections begin: Amid civil war, described as a "sham" by critics.
Zelenskyy-Trump Summit: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump today at Mar-a-Lago to discuss potential peace agreements to end the war with Russia.
Iran "Full-Scale War": Iran's president has issued a stark warning, claiming his country is in a "total war" with the West following recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Southeast Asia Ceasefire: Thailand and Cambodia have signed a new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting, a move solidified during a meeting of top diplomats in China.
- AI's impact on jobs and skills: Discussions highlight need for retraining, with microcredentials and AI-related skills in demand for 2026 hiring.
- Trump policies face lawsuits: Over 70 lawsuits challenge education-related executive actions in 2025.
- Student loan bankruptcy discharges rise: More borrowers successfully shed debts due to streamlined process.
- Local challenges: Budget cuts, leadership changes, and enrollment drops in various U.S. districts and universities.
- Strong U.S. GDP growth: Third-quarter growth at 4.3%, fueled by consumer spending and exports, despite tariffs.
- Corporate bankruptcies at 15-year high: Tariffs and inflation pressures hit vulnerable sectors.
- Stock markets near records: Resilient economy and expected Fed rate cuts support gains.
- AI-driven memory chip shortage: Demand pushes up device prices.
GDP Growth: The U.S. economy showed resilience in late 2025, with third-quarter GDP growth reaching 4.3%, though the year-end is marked by a hiring slowdown and rising unemployment (November reached its highest level since 2021).
"Trumponomics" Analysis: Year-end reviews of "Trumponomics 2.0" show a complicated picture: while the stock market hit record highs, inflation remains firm at around 3%, and tariff impacts continue to be a source of debate among economists.
Tech Billionaire Gains: AI hype has driven a massive wealth surge; top U.S. tech billionaires added over $550 billion to their combined net worth in 2025.
- Nvidia acquires Groq talent and tech: $20 billion deal to bolster AI inference capabilities.
- Trump policies favor Big Tech: Reduced restrictions on AI chips, data centers, and exports.
- AI memory demand surges: Shortages raise concerns over rising consumer device prices.
- Samsung's 2026 audio lineup: New soundbars and speakers with enhanced immersion.
DJI Drone Ban: The FCC has officially banned the sale of new DJI drone models in the U.S., citing national security concerns regarding Chinese-made technology.
Tesla Safety Scrutiny: Investigations are intensifying into Tesla’s electronic door locks after reports of occupants being trapped during emergencies, including vehicle fires.
Musk's $56B Payday: The Delaware Supreme Court has reinstated Elon Musk’s $56 billion Tesla pay package, reversing a previous lower-court decision.
- Midlife weight loss and brain inflammation: Study in mice shows potential hidden costs to brain health.
- Flu cases spike in Alaska: Notable increase, with cases more than doubling in recent weeks.
- Weight-loss pills gain approval: Expected to accelerate food industry changes as GLP-1 drugs become more accessible.
- Global health setbacks: Funding cuts lead to disease surges; climate impacts worsen.
Dementia & Diet: A new 25-year study from Sweden suggests that high-fat cheese and cream consumption may be linked to a lower risk of dementia, challenging previous assumptions about dairy fat.
At-Home Cancer Screening: The FDA has approved the first at-home cervical cancer screening device, allowing for self-collected samples to increase accessibility for women’s healthcare.
Vaccine Polarization: Medical researchers are warning that efforts to persuade the public on vaccinations may be inadvertently intensifying social polarization.
- NFL playoff races intensify: Ravens keep hopes alive with Derrick Henry's 4-TD performance; Texans clinch berth; Bears win NFC North.
- College football bowls ongoing: Key matchups and scores in the 2025-26 season.
- Key NFL games today: Bills vs. Eagles among Week 17 highlights.
- Lions' disappointing season: Fan frustration after missing playoffs.
Gator Bowl Results: No. 20 Virginia defeated No. 25 Missouri 13-7 in the Gator Bowl, securing an 11-win season—the first in the program's 122-year history.
Texas Bowl Victory: Houston rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat LSU 38-35. This was the final game for LSU before Lane Kiffin officially takes over as head coach.
CFP Viewership: Ratings for the first round of the College Football Playoff saw a 7% drop, which analysts attribute to games airing on secondary networks like TNT and TBS instead of main network channels.
