THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK
12-28-25 TO 1-3-26
GEMINI
U.S. News
Massive Los Angeles Wildfire: A historic and destructive wildfire fueled by Santa Ana winds burned through Sunset Boulevard, destroying thousands of structures and forcing 180,000 evacuations.
Severe Winter Storms: A relentless "bomb cyclone" battered the Midwest and Northeast with snow and ice, complicating post-holiday travel for millions.
119th Congress Convenes: The new Congress was sworn in on January 3, with Mike Johnson re-elected as Speaker of the House and Vice President Kamala Harris presiding over the Senate.
New Albany Warehouse Shooting: A mass shooting at a warehouse in Ohio left two dead and four injured, reigniting the national debate on workplace safety.
VA Housing Landmark Ruling: A major court ruling ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to immediately begin building housing for homeless veterans on its West LA campus.
Missing Flight in Alaska: Authorities launched a massive search for Bering Air Flight 445 after it went missing with 10 people on board between Unalakleet and Nome.
1776 Presidential Award Launched: The Department of Education officially opened applications for a new national competition celebrating knowledge of the American founding.
St. Paul Mayoral Inauguration: Kaohly Her was sworn in as the Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 2.
Billionaire Wealth Reports: Year-end data showed record-breaking wealth gaps as the federal minimum wage remained flat for its 16th consecutive year.
Surgeon General’s Alcohol Warning: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a formal call for cancer warning labels to be placed on all alcohol products.
Politics
Capture of Nicolás Maduro: In a stunning escalation on January 3, the U.S. launched airstrikes in northern Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
Trump’s Gaza "Riviera" Plan: Donald Trump announced a controversial plan for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip to turn it into a luxury "Riviera of the Middle East."
USAID Shutdown: The State Department ordered the closure of all overseas USAID missions and recalled thousands of staff as part of an agency-wide shutdown.
Pam Bondi Confirmed: The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General, making her the third woman to lead the Department of Justice.
Maximum Pressure on Iran: A new presidential memorandum was signed to reimpose the "maximum pressure" policy, including new sanctions on Iranian and Venezuelan firms.
ICC Sanctions: The U.S. imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court officials investigating U.S. or Israeli citizens, drawing a joint protest from 79 countries.
Zohran Mamdani Sworn In: Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the first Muslim Mayor of New York City.
Howard Lutnick Confirmed: Businessman Howard Lutnick was confirmed as the Secretary of Commerce in a narrow 51–45 Senate vote.
Cuba Removed from Terror List: President Biden announced Cuba’s removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange.
U.S.-Armenia Strategic Charter: Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a new Strategic Partnership Charter with Armenia to deepen security ties.
World Affairs
U.S.-Russia Peace Talks: Direct negotiations began in Saudi Arabia between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, notably excluding Ukrainian and European officials.
Bulgaria Adopts the Euro: On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria officially became the 21st member of the eurozone.
Cyprus EU Presidency: Cyprus took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on New Year’s Day.
Swiss Ski Resort Fire: A tragic fire at a bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed 47 people and injured over 100 on January 1.
Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire: A fragile ceasefire was upheld at the border following months of clashes over the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.
Gaza Aid Ban: Israel officially began its suspension of major international aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, from operating in Gaza on January 1.
Iran Central Bank Shakeup: Amid widespread protests over the falling rial, Iran appointed Abdolnaser Hemmati as the new leader of its Central Bank.
Saudi Strikes in Yemen: The Royal Saudi Air Force struck the port of Mukalla, leading Yemen to terminate its defense pact with the UAE.
Chinese Military Drills: China conducted significant military exercises near Taiwan to start the new year, citing "regional stability" concerns.
Global Health Agreement: The U.S. signed a landmark health agreement with Côte d'Ivoire focused on self-reliance and results-driven aid.
Education
FAFSA Milestone: The Department of Education reported a 150% increase in FAFSA completions compared to the previous year, surpassing 5 million submissions.
Education Innovation Grants: Over $256 million in "Education Innovation and Research" (EIR) grants were awarded to improve literacy programs nationwide.
English Learner Protections: A federal report highlighted the impact of the administration's decision to rescind guidance on the civil rights of the nation's 5 million English learners.
Workforce Pell Grants: Negotiations concluded for the implementation of the new Workforce Pell Grant program, aimed at short-term vocational training.
K-12 Funding Freezes: School districts reported growing uncertainty as federal funding streams (totaling nearly $6.8 billion) remained on hold or were diverted.
Science of Reading Shift: New data showed more states mandating "science of reading" curricula, though implementation remained uneven in K-12 classrooms.
Gender Disparity Research: A major year-end study highlighted the growing academic and social-emotional gap affecting boys in preschool through high school.
Digital Literacy in Schools: New federal guidelines were issued for the use of AI tools in primary education, focusing on student privacy.
Charter School Expansion: Several states announced plans to use diverted federal funds to expand charter school networks starting in the 2026 school year.
College Enrollment Trends: Early data for the 2026 spring semester showed a slight rebound in community college enrollment but a dip in liberal arts majors.
Economy
China Trade War: The U.S. implemented a 10% across-the-board tariff on Chinese products and eliminated the de minimis tax exemption for small exports.
China’s Retaliation: China responded by blacklisting U.S. firms (PVH Group and Illumina) and launching an anti-trust probe into Google.
U.S. Steel Merger Blocked: President Biden officially blocked the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security.
Inflation Outlook 2026: Economists projected that PCE inflation would peak above 3% in early 2026 due to the new tariff-induced costs.
Federal Rate Cuts: The Federal Reserve signaled further interest rate cuts through 2026 as it shifted from a restrictive to a "neutral" monetary stance.
Hiring Freezes: Major tech and manufacturing firms announced widespread hiring freezes and layoffs entering the new year.
Crypto Market Volatility: Bitcoin and Dogecoin saw significant swings following political shifts and Elon Musk’s increased involvement in federal spending oversight.
Medicaid/SNAP Cuts: New fiscal policies went into effect on January 1, reducing funding for Medicaid and SNAP programs to offset tax cuts.
Global Energy Prices: Crude oil prices fluctuated as Saudi-led strikes in Yemen and tensions in the Persian Gulf threatened supply lines.
Eurozone Growth: Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone was met with optimism for Eastern European economic integration despite global trade tensions.
Technology
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch: SpaceX successfully launched the UAE’s Thuraya 4-NGS communications satellite from Cape Canaveral on January 3.
DeepSeek AI Disruption: The Chinese AI model DeepSeek-R1 continued to pressure U.S. tech stocks by offering high-level reasoning at a fraction of the cost.
Stargate Project Kickoff: The U.S. government officially began the $500 billion "Stargate Project" to build massive AI data centers across the country.
Meta Superintelligence Reorg: Meta (Facebook) announced a massive reorganization of its AI labs, shifting focus from LLMs to "Artificial Superintelligence."
Australia Social Media Ban: Australia’s landmark ban on social media for minors went into full effect, with tech companies facing heavy fines for non-compliance.
SpaceX IPO Rumors: New reports suggested SpaceX is preparing for a 2026 IPO that could value the company at over $1 trillion.
ICE and Palantir Partnership: Leaked documents revealed an expanded relationship between ICE and Palantir for surveillance and tracking during the immigration crackdown.
AI-Generated Media Laws: New federal regulations took effect on January 1, requiring clear watermarking for all AI-generated video and audio content.
NVIDIA Market Dominance: NVIDIA ended the week as the world’s most valuable company, driven by the continued demand for AI infrastructure.
Quantum Computing Milestone: Researchers in the U.S. and UK announced a breakthrough in "error-corrected" quantum bits, bringing commercial quantum computing closer to reality.
Health
Obamacare Premium Spike: ACA Marketplace premiums were projected to more than double in 2026 following the expiration of federal subsidies on December 31.
GLP-1 Medicare Negotiation: CMS announced a new model to negotiate directly with manufacturers to lower the cost of weight-loss drugs (GLP-1s) for Medicare patients.
Vaccine Policy Shift: Debate intensified over the "outsourcing" of U.S. vaccine policy, with the administration moving toward a more decentralized, state-led model.
AI-Designed Psoriasis Drug: Takeda reported positive late-stage clinical trial results for a new drug designed entirely using AI-driven discovery.
Gender-Affirming Care Bans: New federal executive actions took effect on January 1, further restricting gender-affirming care for minors nationwide.
Liver Disease AI Approval: The FDA approved the first AI tool designed to evaluate the severity of liver disease during clinical trials.
WHO Withdrawal Update: The U.S. confirmed it would officially leave the World Health Organization on January 22, 2026.
State-Level AI Health Laws: Lawmakers in 47 states introduced or passed new bills to regulate the use of AI in patient diagnosis and insurance billing.
Opioid Settlement Funds: Several states announced the final distribution of the "second wave" of opioid settlement funds for addiction recovery centers.
Cancer-Alcohol Link: The medical community rallied behind the Surgeon General's new report linking moderate alcohol consumption to increased breast and colon cancer risks.
Sports
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Struggles: Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders struggled in his late-season starts, throwing 10 interceptions over seven games for the Raiders.
College Football Playoff Hype: The week was dominated by preparation for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff semifinals.
WCC Women’s Basketball: Gonzaga, Oregon State, Pacific, and Santa Clara all remained undefeated as they entered week two of the conference slate.
NHL Winter Classic: The annual Winter Classic saw record-breaking viewership as the NHL celebrated New Year’s Day with an outdoor game in a snow-covered stadium.
Sinner vs. Alcaraz Rivalry: Tennis analysts named the Jannik Sinner/Carlos Alcaraz 2025 rivalry the "Story of the Year" as the 2026 Australian Open approached.
Eagles Resting Starters: With the #2 seed secured, the Philadelphia Eagles announced they would rest Jalen Hurts and other key starters for the final regular-season game.
World Athletics 2026: Toruń, Poland, began final preparations after being named the host of the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
FIFA Youth World Cup Hosts: FIFA confirmed Chile and Poland as the respective hosts for the 2026 U-20 and U-17 World Cups.
Shohei Ohtani Record Year: MLB year-end reviews highlighted Ohtani’s unprecedented 2025 season as the benchmark for the upcoming 2026 spring training.
Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow officially announced the final list of 10 sports for the 2026 games, omitting several traditional events due to budget constraints.
GROK
- U.S. Military Operation Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — President Trump announced a large-scale airstrike on Venezuela, resulting in Maduro's capture and removal from power.
- Rain-Soaked Rose Parade and Winter Storms — Heavy rain disrupted the iconic Rose Parade for the first time in decades, while snow squalls and cold hit the Midwest and Northeast.
- New Year's Eve Celebrations Amid Security Concerns — Times Square ball drop proceeded with massive crowds despite cold weather and heightened security.
- Thwarted Potential Terror Plot — Authorities prevented an alleged ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve attack.
- Ongoing Discussions on Healthcare Subsidies — Senators pushed for extensions to Affordable Care Act subsidies.
- Clooneys Granted French Citizenship — George and Amal Clooney received citizenship for cultural contributions.
- Court Rules on Gun Laws — California open-carry ban deemed unconstitutional.
- Public Golf Course Changes — Trump administration terminated leases for Washington D.C. courses.
- Fire Incidents — Major fire engulfed a Denver apartment building under construction.
- New Year's Day Openings/Closings — Banks and post offices closed, but many stores operated with adjusted hours.
- Capture of Nicolás Maduro — Trump's administration executed a strike and capture operation in Venezuela, sparking debates on interventionism.
- Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting on Ukraine Peace — Leaders reported progress toward a deal, though thorny issues remain.
- Discussions on Government Funding and Shutdown Avoidance — Focus on preventing repeats of past shutdowns.
- Healthcare and ACA Subsidies — Bipartisan talks on extending subsidies.
- Judicial Rulings on Immigration Protections — Judge blocked ending protections for certain migrants.
- Predictions for 2026 Midterms — Analysts forecast challenges for Republicans.
- Vance Positioning for Future — GOP coalescing around JD Vance.
- Tariff Delays and Adjustments — Administration delayed increases on certain imports.
- Epstein Files and Transparency — Ongoing discussions around releases.
- New Mayor in NYC — Zohran Mamdani sworn in.
- U.S. Capture of Maduro in Venezuela — Explosions in Caracas; Maduro captured and indicted.
- Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Progress — Trump and Zelenskyy meeting advances potential deal.
- Russian Advances in Ukraine — Claims of capturing Pokrovsk.
- Sudanese Civil War — Rapid Support Forces capture key stronghold.
- Iran Protests and U.S. Warnings — Trump warns against killing protesters.
- Bondi Beach Terror Attack Aftermath — Continued mourning and responses.
- Bulgarian Protests — Against corruption and budget.
- Haiti Elections Announced — For 2026.
- New Year's Celebrations Worldwide — Fireworks in Sydney, London; some cancellations due to security.
- Various Trade and Diplomatic Moves — Including pork exports, arms deals.
- Rising Student Homelessness — Over 1 million affected, highlighting housing crisis impacts.
- Upcoming Financial Aid Changes — Major shifts in loans and grants for 2026.
- Higher Education Policy Turbulence — Funding cuts and lawsuits in 2025 set stage for 2026 uncertainties.
- AI in Education Mandates — Ongoing implementation from 2025 policies.
- Declining Student Scores — Calls for major reforms.
- Potential School Closures and Debates — Local issues like TIDE Academy.
- Teacher Awards and Programs — Announcements for 2026.
- International Student Concerns — Fears of reduced welcoming policies.
- EdTech Developments — Year-end reviews of AI and skills training.
- Enrollment Trends — Slowing declines with high-demand programs.
- Strong Q3 GDP Growth — 4.3% annualized, fueled by consumer spending.
- Positive 2026 Forecasts — Tax cuts, AI boom expected to drive growth.
- Tesla Sales Decline — Loses EV crown to BYD amid tax credit expiry.
- Stock Market Resilience — Gains in 2025; optimism for 2026 despite tariffs.
- Dollar Rebound — Starts 2026 stronger after annual drop.
- Tariff Impacts and Delays — Adjustments amid affordability concerns.
- Corporate Profits and Investments — AI infrastructure boosting outlook.
- Inflation and Rate Cut Expectations — Data watching for Fed moves.
- Global Debt and Borrowing Costs — Concerns but potential easing.
- Holiday Spending Strength — Robust consumer activity.
- AI Advancements Recap — Major impacts in 2025; expectations for 2026.
- Self-Driving Cars Expansion — Global rollouts planned for 2026.
- Neuralink Production Plans — High-volume brain implants by 2026.
- EV Shifts — BYD overtakes Tesla.
- Fusion Research — Potential for dark matter particle creation.
- CES 2026 Previews — Robots, AI hardware, new chips.
- Google AI Updates — Numerous 2025 announcements.
- Smart Glasses and Devices — Emerging trends.
- Data Center Buildouts — Global expansion.
- Policy Easing on AI Chips — Trump administration changes.
- Weight Loss Brain Effects — Midlife loss may worsen inflammation.
- Schizophrenia/Bipolar Signals — Mini-brains reveal distinct patterns.
- Autism Therapies Review — Most alternative treatments lack evidence.
- Public Health Concerns — Vaccine policy changes; measles risks.
- Gene Therapy Advances — Bespoke treatments progress.
- ADHD Medication Insights — Activates reward systems.
- Regulatory T Cell Therapies — Potential approvals in 2026.
- AI in Disease Prediction — Expanding uses.
- Chronic Pain Habits — Linked to younger brain age.
- Gut-Skin Health Links — Supplements benefits.
- NFL Week 18 Scenarios — Playoff and draft implications.
- NHL Winter Classic — Rangers victory.
- College Football Bowls — Various outcomes.
- World Junior Hockey — Upsets like Finland over US.
- Hall of Fame Finalists — Brees, Fitzgerald eligible.
- Olympic Hockey Rosters — 2026 preparations.
- NBA/NHL Roundups — Key performances.
- MLB Offseason Moves — Trades and rumors.
- World Cup 2026 Anticipation — Building excitement.
- New Year's Events — Outdoor games and celebrations.
THIS WEEK'S DAILY TOP NEWS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 28, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-28-2025.html
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 29, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-29-2025.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-30-2025.html
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 31, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-31-2025.html
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 1, 2026 HAPPY NEW YEAR https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-1-2026.html
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 2, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-2-2026.html
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026
