ACA legislation rejected, Venezuelan opposition leader, Trump economy poll

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sallee Ann Harrison December 11, 2025 By Sallee Ann Harrison December 11, 2025 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, the U.S. Senate rejects an extension of health care subsidies; Venezuela's opposition leader credits U.S. President Donald Trump for ramping up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro; and Trump's handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling. UP FIRST Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., speaks to reporters after a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans at the Capitol on Tuesday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans The Senate on Thursday rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts — an unceremonious end to a monthslong effort by Democrats to prevent the COVID-19-era subsidies from expiring on Jan. 1. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ The Senate voted down dueling health proposals. Here's what's at stake for Americans What are parents to do as doctors clash with Trump administration over vaccines? TOP STORIES Venezuelan Nobel laureate credits Trump for pressuring Maduro with 'decisive' actions Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Thursday that "decisive" actions by the United States, including the seizure of an oil tanker, have left the repressive government of President Nicolás Maduro at its weakest point, and she vowed to return to the country to keep fighting for democracy. Machado's statements to reporters came hours after she appeared in public for the first time in 11 months, following her arrival in Norway's capital, Oslo, where her daughter received the Nobel Peace Prize award on her behalf on Wednesday. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ US sanctions Venezuelan President Maduro's 3 nephews as pressure campaign ratchets up Homeland Security Secretary Noem links the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela to US antidrug efforts Venezuelans have mixed reactions to Nobel laureate Machado traveling abroad From hiding to Nobel laureate: María Corina Machado's continues fight for Venezuela's democracy Trump's handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling President Donald Trump's approval on the economy and immigration have fallen substantially since March, according to a new AP-NORC poll, the latest indication that two signature issues that got him elected barely a year ago could be turning into liabilities as his party begins to gear up for the 2026 midterms. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Senators clash over Trump's National Guard deployments as military leaders face questioning Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be immediately released from immigration detention Noem defends Trump's hard-line immigration policies at hearing High-stakes Indiana redistricting vote tests Republican resistance to Trump's demands MyPillow founder and Trump supporter Mike Lindell says he's running for Minnesota governor in 2026 ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Tristen Pattee hunts with his family along the Kobuk River near Ambler, Alaska, in September. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag) Environmental irony: Climate change is straining Alaska's Arctic. A new mining road may push the region past the brink NASCAR trial: NASCAR settles federal antitrust case, gives all its teams the permanent charters they wanted Middle East: Winter storm rips through Gaza, exposing failure to deliver enough aid to territory Congo: Over 400 civilians killed in fighting in eastern Congo, despite US-mediated peace deal Person of the year: Time magazine names 'Architects of AI' as its person of the year for 2025 Unsold bubbly: Rare Dom Pérignon champagne from Charles and Diana's wedding fails to sell during Denmark auction WATCH: Hiker mired in quicksand in Utah's Arches National Park is rescued unharmed TRENDING A holiday arrangement made of various greenery is displayed at a home on Long Island, N.Y., on Dec. 2. (Jessica Damiano via AP) The secret to keeping your holiday greenery fresher longer 'Tis the season for decorating with fresh greenery. Keeping evergreen branches fresh can be a challenge, but treating them like produce helps. Moisture is key. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT