US News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Trumps team celebrates a significant economic surge, with U.S. GDP growth skyrocketing from 2.4% to 4.3% in just a year. They attribute this to Trumps policies, including tax cuts, higher tariffs, deregulation, and efforts to lower energy and interest rates. Stocks are up, oil prices have dropped, and Federal Reserve rates have fallen. As the 2026 election approaches, these economic gains will be a major focus in the midterm debate.

Trumps team celebrates a 79% GDP growth since 2024, attributing it to policies like tax cuts, tariffs, deregulation, and energy independence. Critics warn of potential price hikes and retaliation, but the economy shows strength with falling oil prices, lower interest rates, and stock gains. As the 2026 election approaches, this economic narrative will shape debates and influence voters decisions.

President-elect Donald Trump kicked off Christmas with a social media storm, sharing over a hundred posts on Truth Social. He highlighted economic wins, election gripes, and rallied his base with clips of his 2016 inaugural speech. Critics called it nonstop politics, but Trumps message was clear: hes gearing up for the new year with a blend of holiday cheer and unwavering messaging.

Israeli forces eliminate key Iranian operative in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah amidst ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire.

Democrats face a tough challenge in the midterms, balancing the need to defend government institutions from Trumps attacks while also appealing to voters who distrust politics and democracy. Prominent Democrats are pushing for reform, but the partys image as the status quo defender persists. Some are advocating for a middle ground, promising reform not revolution. Meanwhile, anger over the DNCs handling of the 2024 losses has exacerbated the partys trust gap. Democrats must prove they can deliver change without losing their core ground.

Democrats grapple with rebranding as reformers, aiming to defend government institutions while appealing to voters disillusioned with politics. Senators like Van Hollen, Slotkin, and Murphy advocate for change, and voters agree, seeing Democrats as status quo defenders. Some Democrats propose targeted reforms, while others focus on anti-corruption themes. Despite recent wins, infighting persists, and the DNCs handling of their 2024 losses fuels criticism. Democrats face a delicate balance to rebuild trust and win over voters.

Senators Susan Collins and Jon Ossoff are focusing on constituent service for the 2026 midterms, building real connections with voters through hands-on work. Collins, a Republican in Maine, faces Democratic Governor Janet Mills, while Ossoff, a Democrat in Georgia, battles in a swing state. Both senators prioritize direct impact on constituents, with Ossoff even borrowing business tactics. Experts see this approach as crucial in close races, potentially making a significant difference in their diverse states.

Suze Lopez, a nurse from Bakersfield, California, gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Ryu, in an extremely rare ectopic pregnancy. Ryu developed in her abdomen instead of her uterus, a condition that occurs in less than one in thirty thousand pregnancies. Despite the odds, Ryu was born weighing eight pounds at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Lopez discovered her pregnancy by chance when she took a pregnancy test before a CT scan. She experienced severe pain and high blood pressure, leading to Ryus delivery under full anesthesia. Lopez lost nearly all her blood but recovered after transfusions. Ryu is now thriving at home, completing the family just in time for his first Christmas.

Pope Leo XIII delivered a Christmas Day message, urging global peace and unity. He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, forgiveness, and solidarity with the oppressed. The Pope also sent special greetings to Middle Eastern Christians and prayed for peace in conflict zones like Ukraine, Syria, and Sudan. He named various suffering groups, including Gaza residents, Yemenis, refugees, jobless youth, and prisoners. The Popes message concluded with a call to open hearts to the needy and to Christ, who heals every wound and turns us into true children of God.