Low-income taxpayers lose key tool after Trump administration ends free direct filing; Watchdog says "political insider" behavior a factor in health coverage premium spikes; and Braver Angels renews calls for civil chats over Thanksgiving.

Political leaders sharpen housing and auto affordability arguments as midterms approach. Democrats work to engage minority voters who have been staying on the sidelines and California watchdogs have their eyes on plans for a new city backed by tech billionaires.

Vance and Rubio to hold meeting on Greenland as Trump faces Venezuela war powers vote; Pro-democracy groups question plans to build new CA city; Experts: EPA's delay of wastewater standards a setback for Ohio River; Nurses say OR hospital is violating safe staffing laws.

Arson suspect targeted Mississippi synagogue for its 'Jewish Ties,' F.B.I. Says; ICE in Minnesota: Rural town waits with worry; Advocates for trans student athletes rally outside SCOTUS; Postal union: Rural OR impacted most by mail slowdown.

Anti-ICE protests sweep the nation, as the Trump administration defends the actions of the agent who shot a Minnesota woman. The SCOTUS is set to debate transgender student athletes rights and Dems wrestle with a 'diploma divide.'

Nearly 15,000 nurses go on strike at major New York City hospitals; Indiana lawmakers push protections during surgery; Kentucky's pension system has improved but funding gaps persist; VA advocates say, 'renovictions' displace residents, harm affordability.

Epstein files: Reps ask judge to appoint monitor to ensure all documents released; US Border agents shoot, wound two people in Portland, city officials say; Under ICE tensions, MN faith leaders lean into community mission; IN death penalty bill stirs controversy, contradictions; Report: Political debates causing more stress, ending friendships.

Debt collectors may soon be knocking on doors in Kentucky over unpaid utility bills, a new Colorado law could help homeowners facing high property insurance due to wildfire risk, and after deadly flooding, Texas plans a new warning system.

Fatal shooting in MN fuels calls for ICE to scale back its presence; New US dietary guidelines urge less sugar, more protein and make a nod to beef tallow; FL dives into national redistricting fight, prompting partisan and legal clash; NYS bill requiring K-12 education of Jan. 6th attack is reintroduced; New USPS postmark rule could affect MT Native voters.

Five years after the January 6th riot, watchdogs warn that disputes over voter data, mail-in ballot rules, could hamper smooth and fair midterms. They say misinformation is still undermining confidence in American elections.

Trump administration freezes billions in social services funding to five Democratic states; House GOP faces internal divisions, challenges on agenda and questions from Trump; Eastern Kentuckians say proposed rate hikes will further hurt region; SD expert helps make sense of U.S. military action in Venezuela; Free or low-cost ways Oregonians can save on heating bills.

Hegseth starts proceedings against Sen. Mark Kelly over his remarks; AR public school enrollment falls as vouchers are available to all; IN coal plants benefit from EPA pause; Vigils outside MA ICE facility attract growing number of activists; Postal changes threaten rural mail-in voters in FL, advocates say.

Americans are reacting to military operations in oil-rich Venezuela, and wondering what comes next. Maryland prepares for a political battle over redistricting and the now former NYC mayor vetoes a bill designed to lower rents.

After Maduro, who's next? Trump spurs speculation about his plans for Greenland, Cuba and Colombia; Michiganders brace for higher health insurance premiums this new year; Report: Second chance hiring has lasting community benefits; Lower drug costs for OR seniors are here.

Minnesota families are rattled by threat to cut federal aid for child care; WI families watch coverage costs spike as ACA tax credits expire; IN businesses face new data rules in 2026; EPA delays coal wastewater standards for power plants in MO; Cost-of-living concerns could influence Ohio's 2026 elections.

From electric oyster farming in Maine, to Jewish descendants reviving a historic farming settlement in New Jersey and the resurgence of the Cherokee language in North Carolina, the Daily Yonder looks back at 2025.

Voting rights fluctuated this year amid demands from President Trump. The future of clean energy looks uncertain as federal funding cuts take hold and student loan borrowers prepare for wage garnishment.

HHS says it's freezing child care payments to Minnesota after fraud allegations; Ohio civic group encourages engagement as New Year's resolution; AARP CT gets head start on 2026 legislative priorities; Study: 15% of pregnancies linked to cardiovascular complications.

Winter storm could become "bomb cyclone" over Great Lakes and Northeast; What Indiana shows the nation about Trump-era voting; New report offers roadmap for Michigan's Great Lakes in 2026; FL employers assist families with adoption policies, funding.

Trump meets with Ukraine's Zelensky in pursuit of a peace deal, while faith leaders hold vigils for detained immigrants. Iowans face losing health insurance and college education has become a major indicator of party support.

WV community protests closure of homeless encampment; a new report calls for greater investment in MA's public colleges and universities; video games are being used to teach Indigenous language; Trump Administration forces last WA coal-fired power plant to remain open; NM residents encouraged to comment on clean water rule change; and GA advocates work to end the death penalty nationwide.

Another storm slams California on Christmas Day with flooding rain, high winds and mountain snow; Ohio wastewater data signals early flu surge; NM's LGBTQ+ community champions expanded data privacy laws; NYC immigration judges fired in justice system purge; MI researchers create lab-grown human hearts for breakthrough study.

Farmworkers' advocates say Trump administration cuts to ag workers' wages will deepen poverty, another effort is underway to sell off national parks and a Colorado artist is practicing civil disobedience to protest their perceived politicization.

Flash flood, thunderstorm alerts in effect for California with heavy rain expected to last days; Reuters Exclusive: US Coast Guard lacks forces to seize Venezuela-linked tanker for now, sources say; MN state workers applaud push to restore federal bargaining rights; Plymouth PTA works to ease students' holiday hunger gap.