9 states poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding
Next year, Congress could attempt to reduce Medicaid funding.
This is a KFF Health News story.
With Donald Trump’s return to the White House and Republicans taking full control of Congress in 2025, the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is back on the chopping block.
More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage should the GOP reduce the extra federal Medicaid funding that’s enabled states to widen eligibility, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, and the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. That’s because the states have trigger laws that would swiftly end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding falls.
The states are Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia.
MORE: Georgia’s work requirement slows processing of applications for Medicaid, food stamps
The 2010 Affordable Care Act encouraged states to expand Medicaid programs to cover more low-income Americans who didn’t get health insurance through their jobs. Forty states and the District of Columbia agreed, extending health insurance since 2014 to an estimated 21 million people and helping drive the U.S. uninsured rate to record lows.
In exchange, the federal government pays 90% of the cost to cover the expanded population. That’s far higher than the federal match for other Medicaid beneficiaries, which averages about 57% nationwide.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services office, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, stands in Woodlawn, Md., Dec. 28, 2010.
Conservative policy groups, which generally have opposed the ACA, say the program costs too much and covers too many people. Democrats say the Medicaid expansion has saved lives and helped communities by widening coverage to people who could not afford private insurance.
If Congress cuts federal funding, Medicaid expansion would be at risk in all states that have opted into it — even those without trigger laws — because state legislatures would be forced to make up the difference, said Renuka Tipirneni, an associate professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.
Decisions to keep or roll back the expansion “would depend on the politics at the state level,” Tipirneni said.
For instance, Michigan approved a trigger as part of its Medicaid expansion in 2013, when it was controlled by a Republican governor and legislature. Last year, with the government controlled by Democrats, the state eliminated its funding trigger.
Six of the nine states with trigger laws — Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina and Utah — went for Trump in the 2024 election.
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Most of the nine states’ triggers kick in if federal funding falls below the 90% threshold. Arizona’s trigger would eliminate its expansion if funding falls below 80%.
Montana’s law rolls back expansion below 90% funding but allows it to continue if lawmakers identify additional funding. Under state law, Montana lawmakers must reauthorize its Medicaid expansion or the expansion will end.
Across the states with triggers, between 3.1 million and 3.7 million people would swiftly lose their coverage, researchers at KFF and the Georgetown center estimate. The difference depends on how states treat people who were added to Medicaid before the ACA expansion; they may continue to qualify even if the expansion ends.
Three other states — Iowa, Idaho, and New Mexico — have laws that require their governments to mitigate the financial impact of losing federal Medicaid expansion funding but would not automatically end expansions. With those three states included, about 4.3 million Medicaid expansion enrollees would be at risk of losing coverage, according to KFF.
The ACA allowed Medicaid expansions to adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $20,783 for an individual in 2024.
MORE: Georgia’s work requirement slows processing of applications for Medicaid, food stamps
Nearly a quarter of the 81 million people enrolled in Medicaid nationally are in the program due to expansions.
“With a reduction in the expansion match rate, it is likely that all states would need to evaluate whether to continue expansion coverage because it would require a significant increase in state spending,” said Robin Rudowitz, vice president and director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at KFF. “If states drop coverage, it is likely that there would be an increase in the number of uninsured, and that would limit access to care across red and blue states that have adopted expansion.”
States rarely cut eligibility for social programs such as Medicaid once it’s been granted.
The triggers make it politically easier for state lawmakers to end Medicaid expansion because they would not have to take any new action to cut coverage, said Edwin Park, a research professor at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.
To see the impact of trigger laws, consider what happened after the Supreme Court in 2022 struck down Roe v. Wade and, with it, the constitutional right to an abortion. Conservative lawmakers in 13 states had crafted trigger laws that would automatically implement bans in the event a national right to abortion were struck down. Those state laws resulted in restrictions taking effect immediately after the court ruling, or shortly thereafter.
President-elect Donald Trump attends a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket, Nov. 19, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas.
States adopted triggers as part of Medicaid expansion to win over lawmakers skeptical of putting state dollars on the hook for a federal program unpopular with most Republicans.
It’s unclear what Trump and congressional Republicans will do with Medicaid after he takes office in January, but one indicator could be a recent recommendation from the Paragon Health Institute, a leading conservative policy organization led by former Trump health adviser Brian Blase.
Paragon has proposed that starting in 2026 the federal government would phase down the 90% federal match for expansion until 2034, when it would reach parity with each state’s federal match for its traditional enrollees. Under that plan, states could still get ACA Medicaid expansion funding but restrict coverage to enrollees with incomes up to the federal poverty level. Currently, to receive expansion funding, states must offer coverage to everyone up to 138% of the poverty level.
Daniel Derksen, director of the Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona, said it’s unlikely Arizona would move to eliminate its trigger and make up for lost federal funds. “It would be a tough sell right now as it would put a big strain on the budget,” he said.
Medicaid has been in the crosshairs of Republicans in Washington before. Republican congressional leaders in 2017 proposed legislation to cut federal expansion funding, a move that would have shifted billions in costs to states. That plan, part of a strategy to repeal Obamacare, ultimately failed.
Trump announces new role for his administration, names PayPal co-founder ‘White House AI and crypto czar’
David Sacks is a longtime ally of Elon Musk and the former COO of PayPal.
President-elect Donald Trump announced he created a new role for his administration, White House Artificial Intelligence and Crypto Czar.
Filling the role will be tech entrepreneur and podcast host David Sacks.
Sacks “will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness. David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas,” Trump said in his announcement.
In this July 15, 2024, file photo, David Sacks, CEO of Yammer, speaks during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis.
“He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship. He will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S.,” Trump continued”
“David will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology,” the president-elect said.
Sacks is a longtime Silicon Valley ally of Elon Musk and invested in SpaceX. They worked together at PayPal, a company in which Sacks is a co-founder of and later became the COO. During that time, Musk was the CEO until 2000 when Confinity went through a rebrand and became PayPal.
In this Feb. 22, 2006, file photo, David Sacks and Elon Musk attend “Thank You For Smoking” After Party at Elaine’s in New York.
Sacks held major fundraisers for the Trump-Vance ticket, including one at his home for Trump in San Francisco, California in June.
Trump did an interview with Sacks on his “All In” podcast earlier this year, in which he advocated for “automatically” giving noncitizens in the U.S. green cards when they graduate from college — not just people who go through the vetting process.
“[What] I want to do, and what I will do, is you graduate from a college, I think you should get, automatically as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country. That includes junior colleges, too,” Trump said during the episode.
Trump’s response came after one of the hosts, Jason Calacanis, asked Trump if he could promise to “give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America.”
Storm Darragh red warning as 90mph winds spark ‘danger to life’ and ‘stay safe’ alert
The Met Office said ‘damaging winds’ caused by Storm Darragh could bring ‘significant disruption’ to parts of the country on Saturday and a rare red weather warning has been issued
An extremely rare red weather warning has been issued as Storm Darragh is expected to bring gusts of 90mph to some parts of the country.
The warning for wind covers parts of Wales and the South West of England, including Cardiff, Bristol and Devon, and is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday. The Met Office said “damaging winds” associated with the fourth named storm of the season are expected to cause “significant disruption”.
Forecasters said gusts of 90mph or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales. Large waves could hit the Bristol Channel, the Met Office added. While the strongest winds are expected to ease from the late morning, it will remain windy for the whole day, according to the weather service.
A car driver got stuck in 4ft floods in Essex this morning( Image: Stephen Huntley/HVC)
Brits have been warned that the storm could cause “danger to life” due to flying debris and falling trees. There is also a risk of large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, the Met Office said. There might be power cuts affecting other services such as mobile phone coverage, forecasters added.
Strong winds could also cause damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. The Met Office added that roads, bridges and railway lines could be closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for rain for tomorrow
The red warning reads: “A period of extremely strong winds will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Darragh moves across the Irish Sea. Gusts of 90 mph or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales, as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel with some very large waves on exposed beaches.
“The strongest winds will begin to ease from late morning, though it will remain very windy with Amber wind warnings still in force until the evening.” A separate amber warning covering a larger swathe of the west coast of the UK, stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, is in place until 9pm.
A road closed due to fallen trees in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire(
Image:
Stoke Sentenial)
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said the weather service is “a bit concerned” about the risk of flooding in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland where there is “heightened sensitivity” due to recent heavy rainfall. Mr Stroud added: “The wind particularly is set to be reasonably disruptive and potentially quite damaging.
“We are rather concerned about the strength of the winds affecting the Irish sea coasts and this is likely to have impacts on Irish ferry services. Trees could come down onto roads and people need to be aware of this and allow extra time for travel, especially in rural spots.”
The storm will arrive this evening and continue tomorrow ( Image: WXCharts)
Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times will move east overnight, as winds continue to strengthen with gales and later severe gales develop as Storm Darragh arrives. Mild
Saturday:
Wet and very windy on Saturday, with severe gales possible in places, particularly in the west with Storm Darragh. Rain falling as snow across parts of northern Scotland.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Turning colder on Sunday and Monday with showers and blustery winds gradually easing. Drier and brighter later Monday and into Tuesday as high pressure build with some mist and fog.
Strictly Come Dancing pro Aljaž Škorjanec has been away working whilst competing with Tasha Ghouri and his wife Janette Manrara has now discussed his temporary absence from home
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Janette Manrara has opened up about parenting on her own whilst her husband Aljaž Škorjanec is away working on the BBC show.
Aljaž, 34, is partnered with former Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri, 26, on the latest series and the pair have reached the semi-final together. Janette, 41, used to be a dancer on Strictly herself but she currently co-hosts the companion show It Takes Two up to three times a week instead.
The couple live in Cheshire with their daughter Lyra, one, though Aljaž is understood to be temporarily living away from home whilst rehearsing for Strictly each week. Janette however has shared that she’s been commuting for her role.
Janette has teased that she’s referred to herself as a “single working mum” lately. Speaking to Hello! magazine, she said: “I think the hardest bit has been the traveling up and down, because I have to take a train down once a week.”
She continued: “We stay in a hotel and, and because Aljaz’s schedule is so crazy, I’m kind of doing it on my own a little bit.” Janette said that she tends to plan ahead and “schedule the week without considering him in the picture” because his Strictly schedule can change on a daily basis.
Janette added: “So I keep saying to my friends that I feel like I’m a single working mum at the moment for the last three months.” The professional dancer then said that Lyra is “such a good baby” and that the toddler “travels all right”.
Janette Manrara has spoken about parenting her daughter Lyra on her own lately( Image: Instagram)
Janette’s husband Aljaž Škorjanec (right) has been working away whilst competing with Tasha Ghouri (left) on Strictly Come Dancing( Image: @aljazskorjanec/instagram)
During the interview, she also spoke about her husband’s support and said that she didn’t think she would have been “able to do this without him”. She described him as the “most supportive husband” and the “best dad” to Lyra.
Tattooed Man Reveals Stunning Transformation – You Won’t Believe What He Looked Like Before the Ink
He was the most tattooed man in Brazil until he decided to have the ink removed from a whopping 95% of his body.
Leandro de Souza has already undergone two laser treatments in an attempt to remove a tattoo that is more than 20 years old; the first was performed when he was a young teenager.
The 35-year-old photographer, who now lives in the Brazilian border town of Bagé near Uruguay and has converted to evangelicalism, has decided to have more than 170 tattoos removed.
De Souza told Brazilian online news outlet G1 “I did the first one when I was 13.” “The first ones were a lot about the idolatry of the time.
The tattoos were inspired by the rock bands that were popular at the time, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Nirvana.
De Souza’s life took a turn for the worse a decade ago after he divorced his wife.
After being separated from the mother of his ten-year-old child, he initially dabbled in cocaine, then spent nine years mixing ecstasy, LSD, and alcohol.
“I couldn’t take the life I was living anymore,” he declared. “I was an attraction at (events | I attended) and it felt like a circus animal.”
De Souza’s outlook on life changed after he visited the shelter and encountered evangelism.
“The first step in anything in life is to accept that you can’t do it alone, that you’re an addict, that you’re an addict,” de Souza said.
“And I managed to get to the Bagé city shelter, a woman recommended me and she started evangelizing me within a week.
In an effort to convert the religion, De Souza delivered a sermon two years ago to “parents and children in homes who are in prison.”
On April 14, de Souza’s life-changing event—his birthday and a year without drugs and cigarettes—was reported to a São Paulo tattoo studio named Franco da Rocha. It’s been over three years since I last drank alcohol.
De Souza still needs to complete six lessons, each lasting thirty to forty minutes.
These are scheduled every three months.
“It hurts a lot more than doing it,” the man said. “Compared to the procedure, it hurts three times as much, even under anesthesia, the procedure hurts a lot.
Leandro de Souza’s journey is a powerful example of transformation, both physical and emotional.
After spending years covered in tattoos that symbolized his past, he has now taken bold steps to erase the ink and reclaim his life. His decision to undergo laser treatment to remove 95% of his tattoos reflects his determination to start over and distance himself from a life marked by addiction and struggle.
His story also highlights the influence of spirituality in his recovery. After going through a difficult divorce and struggling with substance abuse, it was the support he found at the shelter and the guidance of evangelicalism that helped him kick his destructive habits. The turning point in his life, marked by a year of sobriety, shows his resilience and determination to change. Leandro’s continued efforts to remove the tattoo serve as a physical manifestation of his desire to leave behind his troubled past and embrace a new chapter.
Leandro’s experience serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of second chances, personal growth, and the strength it takes to break free from the cycles that define our past. His dedication to healing, inside and out, encourages others who may be struggling to take the necessary steps toward transformation and redemption.
America’s beloved family tragically perished in a plane crash while en route to a concert.
It was supposed to be a trip of joy and celebration, a trip to Alaska on the Gaither Homecoming Cruise.
One of gospel music’s most beloved families, the Nelons looked forward to sharing their love of music with fans and friends alike. But what started as a routine flight soon turned into a nightmare that changed the gospel music community forever.
What could have caused such a tragedy, leaving seven family members lost and only one surviving to carry on their legacy? The shocking crash in Wyoming has raised questions for fans and loved ones.
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Seven members of a beloved evangelical family, the Nelons, were killed in a horrific plane crash. The victims included pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, family worker Melanie Hodges, their daughter Amber, her husband Nathan Kistler, and Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark. In an emotional statement, Autumn Nelon Streetman, the sole survivor who was not on the plane, thanked everyone for their prayers and support.
The Nelons’ plane crashed in Wyoming while they were traveling to Alaska on the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. According to witnesses, the plane crashed to the ground in flames. Despite the efforts of rescuers, no one survived.
Known for their influence on gospel music with hits like “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. will be dealt with by the National Council for Transport Safety.
The tragic loss of the Nelon family has left a deep void in the gospel music community where their legacy will be remembered forever. Their contributions to the genre have touched countless lives and their music will continue to inspire generations to come. As the accident investigation unfolds, surviving family members, especially Autumn Nelon Streetman, will no doubt carry the weight of their loved ones’ memories.
During this painful time, the outpouring of love and support from fans and the wider community serves as a reminder of the profound impact the Nelons have had on everyone who has encountered their music and faith.
Teacher suspended for rejecting preferred pronouns wins big in court
A Kansas middle school teacher was suspended under the district’s bullying policies after she rejected the preferred pronouns of a biologically female student. Arguing that her religious beliefs were “actively violated,” and that only God assigns genders at birth, the teacher sued the district and claimed her victory with a massive reward.
In 2021, Pamela Ricard found herself at the center of a national conversation about gender identity, religious freedom, and educational policy.
The former middle school math teacher, who worked at Fort Riley Middle School in Kansas since 2005, was suspended after “addressing a biologically female student by the student’s legal and enrolled last name,” according to NBC.
Despite being told by a school counselor that the student preferred an alternative first name, Ricard put her faith first.
Believing that God assigns gender at birth and that using language contrary to the student’s biological sex “actively violates” her commitment to religion, Ricard rejected the requests to use the student’s preferred first name and instead started calling the pupil by their last name, preceded by the gendered title “miss.”
The Associated Press (AP) writes that Ricard thought she found a compromise that respected the student and her religious convictions.
‘Bullying’
Though there was no formal policy in place on gender pronouns at either the school or the district at the time, Ricard was suspended under the district’s “bullying and diversity and inclusion policies.”
This didn’t sit well with the retired teacher, who asked three times for a “religious exemption to the policy” as her “beliefs were never accommodated,” according to a federal lawsuit filed by Ricard in 2022.
The filing outlines Ricard’s claims that the Geary County School District “violated her constitutional rights” to free speech, free exercise of her religion, due process and equal protection under the law. It also says, “her Christian beliefs” were not considered “when [the district] suspended her for three days.”
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that teachers were “told to conceal a student’s preference by using legal names when addressing parents, if that was the student’s wish.”
“No school district should ever force teachers to willfully deceive parents or engage in any speech that violates their deeply held religious beliefs,” said Tyson Langhofer, the director of the Alliance Defending Freedom – a conservative Christian legal group – that filed the lawsuit alongside Ricard’s team of lawyers at the Kriegshauser Ney Law Group.
Josh Ney, one of her attorneys, told AP: “Our suit contends that schools cannot force teachers to promote novel views about gender fluidity and ever-expanding pronoun categories without regard to the First Amendment or due process.”
He adds, “Throughout her career, Ms. Ricard has consistently treated every student in her classroom with respect and dignity; unfortunately, the school district has not treated Ms. Ricard with similar good faith or basic fairness.”
‘Absurdity and deception’
Only six months after suing the district for actively violating her religious beliefs, Ricard claimed a victory with a $95,000 settlement.
“The Geary County School District unsuccessfully tried to convince a federal court that a teacher should completely avoid using a child’s name during a parent-teacher conference in order to hide new names and genders being used by the school for a child in a classroom. Absurdity and deception has its limits, especially in federal court,” Ney said, adding that after the ruling, the school district revoked the parental communications policy that put the requests of students first.
He adds, “I’m glad the case clarifies the financial stakes for school boards if they attempt to force teachers to lie to parents about their students.”
What the public says
Social media users rallied behind Ricard, unanimously offering their support and praise to the teacher that the district tried to disgrace.
“This is just wrong. This teacher is not responsible for these silly and dangerous ideas. Glad she is standing her ground. Need more like her!” one netizen writes on a Facebook post announcing Ricard’s settlement.
A second writes, “Thankful for this teacher for standing up for what’s right,” while a third adds, “Horrible! So glad she won her right to be a woman of honor and trust.”
As part of Ricard’s settlement, the district scrubbed her records and issued a statement confirming that she was in good standing without any disciplinary actions. Ricard retired the same year she filed the lawsuit.
What are your thoughts on the teacher staying strong to her beliefs? Please let us know what you think and then share this story so we can hear from others!
Mum wakes to find five-year-old daughter dead beside her…
Lila Marsland, nearly six, was tragically found unresponsive next to her mother, Rachel, 36, on December 28, 2023. Despite paramedics’ swift arrival, they determined Lila had been deceased for several hours. Rachel, devastated and without answers, said, “I woke up, and she was dead next to me.”
Lila, described as a bubbly, kind child with bright red hair, attended Flowery Field Primary School in Hyde. Her mother shared, “She was the nicest child ever, always hugging her teachers. She had so many friends.”
The family’s grief is compounded by the lack of clarity surrounding Lila’s cause of death. Rachel noted, “We haven’t even been given answers, and it’s hard to grieve properly.”
Lila’s funeral, attended by her school and community, featured a horse-drawn carriage. “It was the perfect day for her,” Rachel said.
In October 2024, an inquest began at Stockport Coroners Court. Troubling details emerged, including the loss of Lila’s medical records from weeks before her death. Area Coroner Chris Morris emphasized the seriousness of the missing documents, noting discrepancies in Lila’s care history. A jury inquest has been scheduled, expected to last eight days, to uncover the truth behind Lila’s untimely death.
Elon Musk Reportedly Plans to Buy ABC, Declaring ‘The View’ the ‘Worst Show in TV History’ – Why?
In what would be another headline-grabbing move, billionaire Elon Musk has reportedly set his sights on purchasing ABC, with the specific goal of canceling the long-running talk show The View. Known for his bold decisions and unfiltered opinions, Musk didn’t hold back, calling the daytime show “the worst show in the history of television.”
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has been no stranger to controversy or unconventional business decisions. If the reports are accurate, this would mark a unique chapter in his career—directly stepping into the entertainment industry with the aim of reshaping programming.
The View, a daytime talk show known for its spirited debates on politics, culture, and current events, has been both celebrated and criticized for its polarizing discussions. Its outspoken hosts have long divided audiences, and it appears Musk is firmly in the camp of critics.
“If this is what people call entertainment, it’s a sad reflection of where we are,” Musk reportedly said in a now-deleted post on X. While some fans of The View dismissed the statement as a publicity stunt, others wondered if Musk’s interest in ABC could signal broader ambitions in media ownership.
The tech mogul’s comments have reignited debate over the influence of billionaires on media and culture. Would canceling The View improve daytime television, or is this just another example of Musk flexing his power?
10 Retail Stores That Embrace a True Christmas Spirit
It’s that magical time of year again, when stores are decked out, lights twinkle, and the debate over “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” surfaces. For some retailers, it’s not just a season but a celebration of the holiday itself. These stores go the extra mile to embrace the true festive spirit, proudly keeping “Merry Christmas” alive. Recognized by the American Family Association (AFA) for their dedication, these retailers deserve appreciation for their commitment to celebrating the festive season in its full glory.
Belk: Proud to Keep Christmas Cheer Alive
Image Credit: Belk
Belk is another retailer refusing to shy away from holiday cheer. By choosing not to use the generic “Happy Holidays” phrase, Belk remains committed to the true essence of the season. Their stores are adorned with festive decorations, welcoming customers into a holiday environment that truly celebrates Christmas in all its joy.
Hobby Lobby: Where Christmas and Christian Values Meet
Image Credit: Hobby Lobby
Known for upholding Christian values, Hobby Lobby champions the “Merry Christmas” message like few others. This store not only features nativity scenes and festive décor, but it also plays Christian music in-store, creating a festive and reverent atmosphere. In keeping with their beliefs, Hobby Lobby also closes its doors on Sundays, prioritizing faith and family. For those who want their shopping experience to reflect the spirit of the season, Hobby Lobby is a must-visit.
Home Depot: Where “Christmas” Is Front and Center
Image Credit: Home Depot
Home Depot may be a go-to for home improvement, but it’s also a holiday-friendly retailer that proudly uses the term “Christmas” in its seasonal promotions. Recognized by the AFA as a store that fully supports the festive season, Home Depot offers a wide range of festive products to bring the holiday spirit home, from Christmas trees to holiday lights.
Nordstrom: Celebrating The Festive Season with Grace and Tradition
Image Credit: Nordstrom
Nordstrom adds elegance to the holiday season by celebrating Christmas while respecting Thanksgiving. Rather than decorating early, Nordstrom waits until after Thanksgiving to transform their stores, allowing employees and customers to enjoy the beauty of each season. Known for their high-quality festive decorations, Nordstrom maintains a festive yet classy holiday experience, making it a delightful place to shop during the season.
Walmart: An American Giant Spreading Festive Cheer
Image Credit: Walmart
As one of America’s largest retailers, Walmart earns a prestigious “5-Star” rating from the AFA for its open celebration of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for holiday-themed décor, gifts, or festive greeting cards, Walmart has it all—and proudly promotes the holiday across its stores and advertisements. The store’s commitment to embracing Christmas has made it a favorite among holiday shoppers nationwide.
Macy’s: A Christmas Classic with the Largest Parade
Image Credit: Macy’s
Macy’s is synonymous with festive cheer, especially due to its iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade, which kicks off the holiday season. Known for its legendary holiday displays, Macy’s New York City storefront is a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. With “Merry Christmas” prominently used throughout the store, Macy’s delivers an experience that inspires awe and wonder.
JCPenney: Keeping Christmas in the Spotlight
Image Credit: JCPenney
Despite facing various controversies in the past, JCPenney has remained steadfast in its commitment to celebrating Christmas. The AFA awarded JCPenney a “Nice” rating for its holiday-friendly policies, both in-store and online. Customers can enjoy a shopping experience that openly celebrates the festive season, reflecting a traditional approach that resonates with holiday shoppers.
Lowe’s: Bringing Cheer to Every Corner
Image Credit: Lowe’s
Lowe’s ensures that Christmas isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full experience. Known for transforming their stores and website with Christmas cheer, Lowe’s is a go-to destination for everything holiday-related, from wreaths to festive lights. Their dedication to the season extends to their staff, who embrace the holiday spirit with enthusiasm. Lowe’s is a place where customers are met with joy and “Merry Christmas” greetings, no “Grinches” in sight!
Bass Pro Shops: Outdoor Spirit Meets Christmas Spirit
Image Credit: Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops brings the holiday season outdoors, making it a unique and exciting destination for holiday shoppers. Known for its association with Duck Dynasty, Bass Pro Shops is a favorite among those who love the outdoors and traditional holiday celebrations. With an array of holiday gifts and decorations, it’s easy to see why Bass Pro Shops has earned a spot on the AFA’s Christmas-friendly list.
Toys ‘R Us: Celebrating The Holidays for the Young and Young-at-Heart
Image Credit: Toys ‘R Us
Toys ‘R Us captures the magic of the festive season for children and families, offering a “Christmas Catalog” that’s filled with toys and holiday wishes. Surprisingly, this retailer uses the word “Christmas” almost as much as Hobby Lobby, demonstrating their commitment to the season. Walking into Toys ‘R Us during the holidays feels like entering a world of holiday wonder, perfect for those looking to make anyone’s dreams come true. While they may no longer be around in the US, they can still be found north of the boarder in Canada.
Embracing “Merry Christmas” All Season Long
Image Credit: Pexels
This season, let’s support these festive-friendly retailers who aren’t afraid to keep the spirit alive. From Hobby Lobby to Toys ‘R Us, these stores embody the essence of the season. So, as you shop, don’t be shy—wish others a heartfelt “Merry Christmas!” Together, we can celebrate the true joy of Christmas and keep the spirit of the season shining bright.
9 states poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding
Trump announces new role for his administration, names PayPal co-founder ‘White House AI and crypto czar’
