PNS Daily Newscast: December 18, 2025

Trump pushes back on criticism of economy in contentious prime-time speech; 'A gut punch': GA small-business owner on loss of ACA subsidies; Conservationists: CO outdoor economy at risk from development; Report: MO outpaces nation on after-school meals but gaps remain.

Dan Bongino stepping down as FBI deputy director; VA braces for premium hikes as GOP denies vote extending tax credits; Line 5 fight continues as tribe sues U.S. Army Corps; Motion to enjoin TX 'Parental Bill of Rights' law heads to federal court.

Trump announces 'complete blockade' of sanctioned oil tankers to Venezuela; CA's Prop 36 turns one: More in prison, few complete treatment; Caps on nursing education funding threaten TN health-care workforce; OR farmworkers union calls for day of action against ICE tactics.

Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles says the president 'has an alcoholic's personality' and much more in candid interviews; Mainers brace for health-care premium spike as GOP dismantles system; Candlelight vigil to memorialize Denver homeless deaths in 2025; Chilling effect of immigration enforcement on Arizona child care.

FBI offers $50,000 reward in search for Brown University shooting suspect; Rob and Michele Reiner's son 'responsible' for their deaths, police say; Are TX charter schools hurting the education system? IL will raise the minimum age to jail children in 2026; Federal aid aims to help NH farmers offset tariff effects.

Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer stabbed to death in their LA home, sources say; Groups plan response to Indiana lethal injection policy; Advocates press for action to reduce traffic fatalities in CA, across U.S; Program empowers WA youth to lead.

Person of interest identified in connection with deadly Brown University shooting as police gather evidence; Beach gunmen who killed 15 after targeting Jewish celebration were father and son, police say; Nebraska farmers get help from federal government for crop losses; Study: TX teens most affected by state abortion ban; Gender wage gap narrows in Greater Boston as racial gap widens.

FL advocates worry about the EPA delaying an important decision on emissions; WV is a leading state in criminal justice reform thanks to national backing; CA groups are celebrating a judge rejecting a federal moratorium on offshore wind; U of MI child care workers are fighting for a livable wage; gray whales might not be bouncing back as fast as previously thought; and NY advocates are celebrating a federal ruling saying the Trump Administration's wind energy ban was illegal.

MN political commentators analyze the social program fraud scandal; the ACLU of IL is busy with hundreds of lawsuits against policies they say 'violate constitutional rights'; rollbacks on bonding requirements for oil and gas companies could leave NM footing the bill; gray whales might not be bouncing back as fast as previously thought and NY advocates are celebrating a federal ruling saying the Trump Administration's wind energy ban was illegal.

Over 30 sanctioned ships in Venezuela at risk after US tanker seizure; Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia be released from ICE custody 'immediately'; NY communities get resources, help to prepare for ICE raids; 'Rebalance the scales': A push for taxing WA's wealthy; WI diversified, specialty farmers could be slighted in federal aid.