CaliToday (23/12/2025): More than 125 Congressional Democrats are calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that could lead to green card denials for immigrants who use public benefits such as Medicaid or SNAP (food stamps).
President Trump’s latest push regarding the so-called "public charge" rule seeks to dismantle a Biden-era version enacted in 2022. That version had returned the U.S. to long-standing criteria, only penalizing those "primarily dependent" on government subsistence, such as cash assistance or long-term institutionalization.
Critics argue that removing the current definitions without a clear alternative creates a "black box" system, allowing for widespread, arbitrary denials and discouraging legal immigrants from seeking aid they are entitled to.
"This proposal punishes families for taking care of their children. It will make parents hesitate to access healthcare and nutrition that American citizen children are entitled to," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The 127 lawmakers warned in formal comments that the rule creates "immediate and widespread instability," forcing immigration officers to make life-altering decisions with little to no formal guidance.
Political Briefs: 2028 Prospects and New Candidates
George Conway Files for Nadler’s Seat
Prominent anti-Trump critic George Conway III officially filed paperwork Monday to run as a Democrat for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.). Conway, a conservative lawyer and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, has been one of the most vocal critics of the President. The race for the Manhattan-based seat is expected to be crowded, featuring candidates like Jack Schlossberg (grandson of JFK) and state legislator Micah Lasher.
Newsom and Vance Lead Early 2028 Polls
A new CNN survey shows California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President JD Vance as the early frontrunners for their respective parties in the 2028 presidential race.
GOP: Vance holds a commanding lead among those with a preference, with 11% naming him specifically.
Democrats: Newsom leads with 6%, followed by former VP Kamala Harris (3%) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (2%).
The "Undecided" Majority: Notably, two-thirds of Americans do not yet have a specific candidate in mind for 2028.
Global Standoffs: Ukraine and Syria
Putin Advisor Rejects Miami Peace Talks as "Unconstructive"
A top aide to Vladimir Putin dismissed U.S. claims that three days of peace talks in Miami were productive. Yuri Ushakov stated that many proposals in the U.S.-led plan—negotiated by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—were essentially Ukrainian or European frameworks that Russia finds unacceptable.
While Witkoff described the meetings with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev as "constructive," Moscow maintains that any deal must address "root causes," including Russia's territorial claims over occupied Ukrainian lands.
Palmyra Ambush Shakes Syrian Stability
An ISIS-linked ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter has refocused global attention on Syria. The attack, involving a perpetrator who had recently integrated into the new Syrian security forces, highlights the fragility of the post-Assad era. President Trump has promised "very severe retaliation," though experts warn that a massive military response could destabilize the fledgling government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The Epstein Files: Transparency vs. Redactions
The Department of Justice (DOJ) released thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, meeting a 30-day legal deadline. However, the release has sparked outrage due to heavy redactions and the temporary disappearance of several files from the DOJ website—including a photo featuring Donald Trump.
Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) are now considering a resolution to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in "inherent contempt of Congress" for failing to provide full transparency.
Holiday "Wish Lists" for Global Leaders
As Christmas approaches, the geopolitical landscape offers a cynical look at what leaders might want:
President Trump: Perhaps a Nobel Prize, or the symbolic "scalp" of Nicolas Maduro.
Xi Jinping: A major trade concession from Washington (and eventually, Taiwan).
Vladimir Putin: Ukraine "gift-wrapped" via a favorable peace deal.
Volodymyr Zelensky: Tomahawk missiles and billions in reconstruction aid.
The American Public: Relief from a cost-of-living crisis where 1 in 8 people still rely on food stamps despite living in the world's wealthiest nation.
Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.6 Billion
The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.6 billion ($735.3 million cash) for Monday night’s drawing. While no one becomes an instant billionaire after the 37% top federal tax rate, winners in states like California, Florida, or New Hampshire which don't tax lottery winnings could eventually see over $1 billion if they choose the 30-year annuity option.