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Health-care subsidies have expired, leaving many families struggling with rising insurance costs. Flu season is particularly severe this year, with an influx of patients and new variants complicating vaccination efforts. Meanwhile, suspicious betting on a crypto platform has raised eyebrows after a significant wager on Nicolás Maduro's ousting paid off just before his capture. Additionally, discussions surround military options in Greenland and the implications of Trump's recent Venezuelan oil deal.

Nicolás Maduro's courtroom battle in Manhattan unfolds as he faces charges related to drug trafficking, asserting a not-guilty plea backed by claims of entrapment. New York's new Mayor Zohran Mamdani kicks off his term with bold executive orders aimed at housing and community rallies. Meanwhile, Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz announces he won't seek re-election amid scrutiny over welfare fraud scandals. Plus, federal health authorities shake up the childhood vaccine schedule, and Oklahoma emerges as the new lightning capital with a stunning increase in storms.

Jon Lee Anderson, a seasoned Staff writer at The New Yorker known for his expertise on Latin America, dives into the significant political upheaval in Venezuela. He discusses the implications of Trump’s intention to 'run' Venezuela and critiques the sidelining of opposition leader María Corina Machado in favor of interim president Delcy Rodríguez. Anderson also explores the historical governance failures under Maduro and the mixed reactions of the Venezuelan public to these rapid changes, questioning U.S. motives behind its intervention.

Martinus Evans, an inspiring author and running coach, shares his incredible journey from being over 300 pounds to becoming a marathon runner. He candidly discusses how a life-or-death doctor’s diagnosis ignited his passion for running. Martinus dives into overcoming setbacks, such as his first treadmill mishap and external doubts, while emphasizing the joy of running over numbers. He encourages beginners to embrace a mindset of persistence and self-belief, ultimately advocating for running as a celebration of movement, not just a means to lose weight.

Scott Payne, a retired FBI agent with a storied career uncovering extremist groups, shares gripping tales from his undercover operations. He delves into his experiences infiltrating notorious gangs like the Outlaws, revealing the emotional toll of betrayal and the complexities of creating a believable persona. Payne discusses the alarming rise of accelerationist ideologies and the chilling rituals of hate camps. He emphasizes the necessity for vigilance against domestic terrorism and reflects on the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement.

This holiday season brings surprises for shoppers due to new tariffs. A tale of unexpected fees highlights how the removal of the de minimis exemption affects online orders. Congress has been stuck in partisan gridlock, with calls for reform to restore productivity. Meanwhile, families face prolonged detentions due to expedited deportations, raising concerns for child welfare. Plus, the State Department recalls diplomats, and tricky weather complicates holiday travel plans. TSA tips help navigate security checks to ensure smoother journeys.

Documents released by the Department of Justice regarding Epstein left many feeling unsatisfied due to heavy redactions and victims' frustrations. The U.S. military took action against oil tankers near Venezuela, escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, discussions about a potential 2028 campaign for Vice President J.D. Vance are heating up. Flood-infrastructure grants have been stalled amid record rainfall in Washington state, and a power outage caused robotaxis to become stranded. Plus, excitement over Zootopia 2 and a fascination with the blue pit viper surge.

Culture critics Sam Sanders and Anne Helen Petersen dissect the artistic highlights of 2025. They explore the impact of nostalgia shaped by algorithms and the concerns of social regression in pop culture. Standout new music picks, including albums by Noah Cyrus and Lizzo, grab their attention, while they debate Taylor Swift’s prolific output. The duo discusses the genre-bending horror-musical 'Sinners' and reflects on the declining interest in mid-tier films. What do they hope to see in 2026? A future filled with risk-taking art and shared cultural experiences!

A deadly shooting at Brown University has led to the suspect's tragic demise, with links to a MIT professor's murder. Tensions rise as a Russian envoy heads to Miami for potential peace talks, while the EU backs substantial aid for Ukraine amidst looming threats. Meanwhile, Trump's ambitious use of executive orders sparks debate on governance and policy. Plus, discussions on renaming the Kennedy Center and notable cultural highlights from the past year add extra flair.

President Trump claims the economy has improved, but many Americans don't feel it. A push to free a convicted county clerk faces legal hurdles. A new statue of civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns replaces that of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in D.C. Four Republicans rebelled to push for a vote on ACA subsidies. NASA has finally confirmed a new administrator after a long wait, and the Oscars are set to stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029.