Click Here for the Latest News Digest - December 20, 2025

 National News

Georgia Election Board Meeting Reveals Fulton County Failures to Follow the Law in the 2020 Election:  In 2020, Joe Biden allegedly won the state of Georgia by 11,779 votes.  A Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections attorney Ann Brumbaugh admitted during a meeting on December 9^th of the Georgia State Election Board that vote tabulator tapes representing 315,000 votes were not signed as required by the certification process. These tapes should have been signed in the morning to verify that the voting machines are starting at zero votes.  The U.S. Justice Department is currently suing Fulton County in federal court for failure to comply with a subpoena sent to the county in October. – From thegatewaypundit.com; CBS News; X post of AAGHarmeetDhillon

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Improve Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) Research: On December 18th, President Trump signed an Executive Order to expedite completion of the process of rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substance Act. Marijuana is currently controlled as a Schedule I substance, which is defined as having no currently accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Under Schedule III, it will be recognized as having accepted medical use such as for chronic pain and nausea, as well as allow for research studies to assess the health outcomes of medical marijana and legal CBD products while focusing on long-term health effects in vulnerable populations like adolescents and young adults. - From whitehouse.gov

Blockade Ordered on all Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tankers:  On December 16th, President Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, intensifying economic pressure on the Venezuelan government. This escalation aims to cripple the regime's revenue streams amid ongoing political turmoil in the country. The move has drawn international attention, with concerns about its impact on global oil markets and humanitarian conditions in Venezuela. Critics argue it could exacerbate the migration crisis at the U.S. southern border. Supporters see it as a necessary step to promote democracy in the region. - From NPR

President Trump Addressed the Nation:  In a prime-time televised nationwide address, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, President Trump highlighted improvements in the U.S. economy, touted his administration's achievements after nearly a year in office, blamed predecessor Joe Biden for ongoing issues like high prices, and announced a $1,776 "warrior dividend" for military service members. Trump emphasized policies like tax cuts and deregulation as drivers of recovery. Analysts note this as part of a broader strategy to shape the narrative ahead of midterm campaigns. – From NPR

Funerals Begin for Bondi Beach Terror Attack Victims:  Hundreds gathered in Sydney, Australia, for the funeral of a 10-year-old girl killed in an antisemitic massacre during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, reflecting global outrage over rising hate crimes. The attack has been linked to broader terrorist activities, including those by Islamic State. Mourners expressed grief and called for stronger measures against extremism. International leaders, including President Trump, condemned the violence in statements. The incident has sparked discussions on improving security at public events worldwide. – From NPR

Brown University Shooting A shooting at Brown University on December 13^th resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, with the suspect, a former student, found dead from a self-inflicted wound after authorities received an anonymous tip. The perpetrator, Claudio Neves Valente, had over 200 rounds of ammunition, raising fears of a potential hit list.  Authorities believe that after the Brown University shooting, where he was a graduate student during the 2000-01 school year, Neves Valente shot MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro at his Boston-area home on Monday night.  Law enforcement is investigating motives, possibly linked to antisemitism or personal grievances. The event has intensified debates on campus safety and gun control. President Trump responded by suspending the green card lottery program, citing the suspect's immigration status. – From ABC News; NPR.org

Regulatory Actions Prohibiting Gender Transitioning for Minors Announced:  The Trump administration, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced on December 18, 2025, a series of proposed regulatory actions aimed at prohibiting gender-affirming care—defined as pharmaceutical or surgical interventions to align a minor's physical appearance with a gender identity different from their biological sex—for individuals under 18. These measures include barring hospitals from performing such procedures as a condition for participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs, which could result in the loss of nearly 45% of hospital funding nationwide if violated, potentially forcing closures of non-compliant facilities. Additionally, the rules direct the FDA to halt marketing and distribution of products like breast binders by 12 manufacturers, with enforcement actions such as seizures possible, and prohibit any federal funding for these interventions. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. justified the policy by calling gender-affirming care "malpractice" based on "junk science," citing a 1,300-page report showing risks of irreversible physical and psychological harm to children, and emphasized protecting youth with statements like "Men are men. Men can never become women," framing it as ending ideological-driven harm rather than legitimate medicine. Supporters, including Republican senators like Rand Paul and Tommy Tuberville, praised the move as safeguarding children from abuse and mutilation, while detransitioners and conservative groups hailed it as a victory against radical gender ideology. – From hhs.gov; nytimes.com

Three Americans Killed In Syria; U.S. Launching Retaliatory Airstrikes:  Two U.S. soldiers and one civilian were killed in central Syria by an Islamic State-claimed ambush attack on a joint U.S.-Syrian convoy in Palmyra, on December 13, 2025.  The three Americans killed were:

• Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa

• Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (also reported as Edgar Brian Torres Tovar), 25, of Des Moines (or Grimes), Iowa

• civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat (or Ayad Sakat) of Michigan

Both soldiers were members of the Iowa National Guard's 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, deployed in support of counter-ISIS operations. The lone gunman, described by U.S. officials as an ISIS operative (and by some Syrian sources as an infiltrated member of local security forces with extremist ties), was killed by return fire. Three additional U.S. service members were injured. Their remains were repatriated in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base on December 17, attended by President Trump. This marked the first U.S. fatalities in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad the previous year, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes dubbed "Operation Hawkeye" on December 19. – From apnews.com; CBSNews.com

Possible Gang-Related Shooting in Brooklyn, NY:  Six teenagers were injured in a shooting outside a birthday party in Brooklyn on December 14th, outside a party venue in Cypress Hills.  Authorities are investigating potential gang involvement or targeted motives. Community leaders called for increased policing and youth programs to curb violence. The event adds to national statistics on urban gun crimes. President Trump referenced such incidents in his address on public safety. – From NPR

President Trump Establishes Program For Eligible Children to Build Savings Accounts:  President Trump's "Trump Accounts" initiative establishes tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children to build long-term wealth, modeled loosely on individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The program, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provides a one-time $1,000 government seed deposit for U.S. citizen children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, with parents enrolling via a new IRS form during tax filing. On December 2, 2025, Trump announced the program alongside a historic $6.25 billion pledge from billionaires Michael and Susan Dell, which funds $250 deposits for approximately 25 million children aged 10 and under born before 2025 (targeting lower-income areas), described as the largest single philanthropic gift in recent U.S. history. Additional private donations, such as Ray Dalio's $75 million for Connecticut kids and corporate matches, are boosting participation, with Trump expecting more philanthropists to contribute. The accounts allow up to $5,000 annual contributions from family or others, grow tax-deferred, restrict withdrawals until age 18 (then converting to traditional IRA rules with penalties for early use except qualified expenses), and aim to promote financial literacy and a "stake in American prosperity" for the next generation. Visit TrumpAccounts.gov for more information about how to sign up. – Epoch Times; USA Today

Epstein Files: The Justice Department has initiated the release of photographs and documents known as the Epstein files, detailing the criminal charges against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the circumstances surrounding his suicide in federal custody. This move aims to provide transparency into one of the most controversial cases involving high-profile figures and allegations of sex trafficking. Critics argue that the release could implicate several influential individuals who were associated with Epstein. Supporters of the disclosure believe it will aid in understanding systemic failures in the justice system. The documents are being published in batches to manage public and legal scrutiny. - From NPR

California Stories

Public Health Warning About Consuming Foraged Mushrooms:  Following the death of one person from consuming a poisonous mushroom, the California Department of Public Health issued a warning against foraging for wild mushrooms. Between November and December, 21 individuals in the state fell ill after eating foraged fungi. Officials recommend purchasing mushrooms from verified sources to avoid risks. The incident highlights dangers in popular outdoor activities amid California's diverse ecosystems. Educational campaigns are being launched to inform the public on safe practices. - From Dictionary.com; cbsnews.com

Rob Reiner’s Son Nick Charged With First-Degree Murder: New developments are emerging following the horrific deaths of actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.  Their son, Nick Reiner, who has had a history of drug addiction, was taken into custody and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. According to recent reports, Nick was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was being treated at a rehab facility that specializes in mental health and substance abuse and was under the care of a psychiatrist. It was also reported that Nick’s medication had been changed weeks before his parents’ murder.  - foxnews.com; foxla.com

Improved Vegetation Management Recommended for Los Angeles After Review of Failures Leading Up to the Fires:  Recommendations for fire recovery in Los Angeles include enhanced infrastructure rebuilding and community support programs following devastating blazes. Experts suggest improved vegetation management and emergency response protocols. Funding from state and federal sources is being allocated for affected areas. Residents are encouraged to participate in rebuilding initiatives. Long-term strategies focus on climate resilience to prevent future disasters. – From Los Angeles Times

Another Candidate for Governor Enters the Race:  Tech entrepreneur Jon Slavet announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race as a Republican, after switching from the Democrat Party. Having lived in California for 30 years, he cites evolving political beliefs as the reason for the change. His platform emphasizes innovation in economy and technology. The announcement adds to a growing field of candidates. Analysts view his entry as a potential shift in state politics. - From FOX40 News

Pacific Palisades May Again be Without Water Due to Damaged Cover:  A critical water reservoir in Pacific Palisades may be taken offline next month, nearly a year after the Palisades Fire exposed inadequate water pressure issues due to the reservoir being offline at that time. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power completed emergency repairs in June; however, just months after the repair, the cover has again shown damage, prompting plans to drain the reservoir and take it offline for an estimated nine months.  Local residents express worries over repeated disruptions. Officials promise alternative supply measures during the outage. The move underscores ongoing recovery challenges from the fire. - FOX LA

Powerball Ticket Worth Nearly $2 Million Was Sold in California:  A Powerball ticket worth nearly $2 million for the December 13^th drawing was sold in California at Lichine’s Liquor and Deli in Sacramento, sparking excitement among lottery players. The winning numbers matched all but the Powerball, securing the substantial prize. Officials remind winners to sign tickets and claim promptly. The sale boosts state funding for education. This win follows a series of large jackpots in recent draws. - From FOX LA