President Donald Trump told House Republicans that their party should win the upcoming midterm elections to prevent Democrats from finding a reason to impeach him. He shared this message at a retreat held at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to House Republicans about the importance of winning midterm elections.
He warned that Democrats might try to impeach him if they gain control of Congress.
The comments were made during a GOP retreat at the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center has been renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The center's board includes members selected by President Trump.
President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of facing impeachment if Republicans lose control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. He spoke about the issue during a meeting with House Republicans, citing past impeachment efforts against him. There are no formal impeachment proceedings underway, but the topic remains significant in political discussions.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed House Republicans about potential impeachment if Republicans lose the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump referred to his previous two impeachment trials, where he was acquitted by the Senate both times.
No formal impeachment actions have started against Trump since he returned to office.
Some believe impeachment could hinder Trump's policies if Democrats gain a House majority.
Political interest in the topic increased after the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, although no congressional action has been triggered.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Democrats might pursue impeachment if they gain control.
The topic of impeachment is central to both parties' strategies for the upcoming midterms.
In 2025, the number of U.S. law enforcement officers who died while working dropped by nearly 25% compared to 2024. The annual report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund noted fewer deaths from firearms and traffic-related incidents. Factors like improved safety protocols and law changes may have helped reduce these deaths.
Key Facts
In 2025, 111 officers died on duty, down from 148 in 2024.
Firearm-related officer deaths decreased by 15%, with 44 fatalities in 2025.
There was a nearly 23% reduction in traffic-related officer deaths.
"Move-over" laws and changes in traffic stop procedures might have contributed to fewer traffic-related fatalities.
Other causes of death, such as health issues and accidents, saw a 37% reduction.
The report did not count deaths from COVID-19 as on-duty fatalities for the past two years.
There were no on-duty officer deaths in 17 states and Washington, D.C., in 2025.
President Donald Trump told House Republicans that he is "not allowed" to run for a third term in office. He made this comment during a speech at their annual policy retreat. The U.S. Constitution currently limits presidents to two terms.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump said he is "not allowed" to run for a third term.
He discussed this during a 90-minute speech to House Republicans.
Trump joked about the possibility of running for a third term.
The U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms.
Reports mentioned Trump privately discussing a third term with his legal adviser.
Alan Dershowitz, a legal adviser, has written a book exploring this idea.
The White House spokeswoman praised Trump's achievements in his current term.
The death of Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California, reduces the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to five seats. This narrow majority makes it challenging for House Speaker Mike Johnson and the GOP to pass legislation, as even a small number of votes against can block bills. Upcoming special elections might further impact this slim majority.
Key Facts
Representative Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican, has passed away.
Republicans now hold 218 seats, while Democrats have 213 seats in the House.
The Republican majority in the House is now only five seats.
Special elections in Texas and New Jersey could give Democrats two more seats.
These developments add pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to manage the GOP's limited majority.
The Republicans' slim margin means any defecting votes could stop legislation.
Other Republicans, like Representative Jim Baird, have faced health issues, impacting voting presence.
Political experts warn that the majority could quickly shift to Democrats.
Pamela Hemphill, involved in the January 6th U.S. Capitol attack, publicly apologized to Capitol Police Officers. She spoke during a hearing on the fifth anniversary of the event.
Key Facts
Pamela Hemphill was involved in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
She rejected a pardon related to her participation in the attack.
Hemphill apologized to Capitol Police Officers during a special hearing.
The apology occurred on the fifth anniversary of the January 6th riot.
Hemphill expressed gratitude to the Capitol Police and regret for her involvement.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is higher than that of 43rd President George W. Bush during the same period in their second terms. New polls also show an increase in Trump's approval rating, with recent surveys indicating his highest levels in months.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is 43.9% as of January 6, 2026, surpassing Bush's 43.6% on the same date in 2006.
Barack Obama's approval rating was 42.4% at the same point during his presidency.
Historically, Bush's highest approval was over 90% after the 9/11 attacks, and his lowest was 19% during the 2008 financial crisis.
Trump's approval rating reached 42% in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, up from 39% in December.
An InsiderAdvantage poll showed Trump with a net approval of +8.4 points, his strongest since August.
Approval ratings can influence administration policies and future political strategies.
Hilton Hotels faces boycott calls after a location in Minnesota reportedly canceled reservations for immigration enforcement agents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says this was part of a larger campaign against its operations. Hilton responded by cutting ties with the hotel, stating it does not align with their values.
Key Facts
A Hilton hotel in Minnesota allegedly canceled bookings for DHS immigration enforcement agents.
The DHS described this action as part of a broader effort to disrupt their work.
Hilton explained that the hotel is independently owned and not reflective of its company values.
Hilton is removing the Minnesota hotel from its systems due to the incident.
The incident led to calls for a boycott of Hilton on social media.
Everpeak Hospitality, which manages Hilton-branded hotels, stated the action was against their non-discrimination policy.
A video showed a hotel staff member confirming the refusal of DHS bookings, prompting further action from Hilton.
Reports suggest that Republicans in the House of Representatives might oppose President Donald Trump's recent vetoes of two bills. These bills were initially supported by Republicans and aimed to extend support for a water pipeline in Colorado and give the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida more control over their lands. Congress needs a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to override the vetoes.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump vetoed two bills sponsored by Republican Representatives Lauren Boebert and Carlos Gimenez.
The first bill aimed to extend federal support for a water pipeline project in Colorado.
The second bill intended to give the Miccosukee Tribe more control over their lands in Florida.
Trump vetoed the bills citing concerns over taxpayer funding and alignment with his administration’s policies.
Congress requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override the vetoes.
The votes to override the vetoes could take place on Thursday.
The Republican response to the vetoes in Congress is not yet clear.
House GOP leadership has not publicly confirmed the schedule for the votes.
New coins began circulating in the United States on January 5, 2026, to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. Some design proposals that highlighted civil rights and women's suffrage were rejected, sparking debate. There is also a proposal to issue a $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump's image, which would be a first for a sitting president.
Key Facts
The U.S. Mint started circulating new coins to honor the 250-year anniversary of the United States.
Redesigned coins include quarters, dimes, half-dollars, and nickels.
Controversy arose over rejected designs that would have included civil rights and suffragette figures.
Approved designs feature important events and symbols from early American history.
The U.S. Mint is considering issuing a $1 coin with President Trump's face, breaking the tradition of not featuring living presidents on circulating currency.
The new coins will continue to be released throughout 2026.
A new quarter program will begin in 2027, focusing on Youth Sports themes.
Forecasters predict that multiple storms will affect the United States this week, bringing snow, ice, and rain across several states. The first storm is expected to impact the Great Lakes and move into the Northeast, while a second storm is anticipated later in the week, affecting a wider area from Texas to the Great Lakes.
Key Facts
Forecasters expect storms to bring a mix of snow, ice, and rain to parts of the U.S. this week.
The first storm is likely to move from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, impacting states like Michigan, New York, and Massachusetts.
Northern New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, could see 3-6 inches of snow.
Freezing rain is a major concern in central Michigan to Massachusetts, creating hazardous driving conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for affected areas.
A second storm system is expected to move from Texas toward the Great Lakes later this week, bringing a mix of rain, snow, and thunderstorms.
Parts of the Ozarks and Mississippi Valley may experience severe storms as the second system progresses.
Travelers are advised to prepare for possible delays due to slippery and hazardous roads.
Medicare scams have increased by 40% this year, targeting seniors with fake calls claiming to be from health care providers. These scams aim to steal Medicare numbers, leading to false service charges and potential issues with real medical care.
Key Facts
Medicare scams have risen by 40% compared to last year, according to the Better Business Bureau.
Scams involve fraudsters calling seniors, pretending to be from Medicare or health care providers.
Providing information like a Medicare number to scammers can lead to fake billing for unreceived services.
Scammers may pretend to offer new benefits or medical equipment to get personal data.
The open enrollment period from October 15 to December sees an increase in scam calls.
Medicare seldom calls recipients directly, typically communicating through mail.
Fraudsters use personal data from the dark web to sound legitimate and trick seniors.
Seniors are advised to monitor Medicare statements and avoid giving personal info over phone calls from unknown numbers.
A book titled "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" has been banned from some school districts in Utah. The ban is due to the book containing "objective sensitive materials," according to the state's education board. Book banning incidents have been rising in recent years in the United States.
Key Facts
"Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" is banned in some Utah schools.
The Utah State Board of Education cites "objective sensitive materials" as the reason for the ban.
Other banned books in Utah include "Nineteen Minutes" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."
PEN America reports 6,870 instances of book bans in the U.S. from July 2024 to June 2025.
Book bans are most common in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
The book "Wicked" is also the sixth most-banned book of the 2024-2025 school year.
Author Gregory Maguire said the book covers mature themes not suitable for children.
PEN America warns of increasing censorship and book bans in the U.S.
President Trump shared that First Lady Melania Trump thinks two of his actions are not fitting for a president. She dislikes his dancing at events and his imitation of a weightlifter, which she finds "unpresidential".
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about Melania Trump's opinions at the House GOP Member Retreat.
Melania Trump dislikes when President Trump dances at his rallies and events.
She also thinks his imitation of a weightlifter is not suitable for a president.
President Trump joked that despite these actions, he still became President.
Melania compared his dancing to imagining former President Franklin D. Roosevelt dancing, implying it is inappropriate for a president.
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have reduced the recommended number of vaccinations for children in the U.S. from 17 diseases to 11. This change comes as vaccination rates in the U.S. are declining and cases of vaccine-preventable diseases are increasing. The administration highlights Denmark as a comparison, although experts note differences in population size and health systems make direct comparisons difficult.
Key Facts
President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy cut the U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11 diseases.
The U.S. has over 73 million children under 18, previously recommending vaccines against about 17 diseases.
The administration compared the U.S. vaccine recommendations to Denmark, which has fewer required vaccines.
Denmark has a smaller population of about 6 million and a universal healthcare system.
Experts mention that the U.S. faces different challenges due to a larger and more diverse population.
U.S. vaccination rates are declining, and exemptions are at a record high, while preventable diseases are increasing.
The CDC's recommendations often guide states' vaccination requirements for schoolchildren.
Comparisons between U.S. and other countries' vaccine schedules highlight differences in healthcare access and population health.
The flu has led to over 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths in the U.S. by December 2025, yet only 34% of adults have received a flu shot. Research from Cornell University shows that people's decision to get vaccinated is often influenced by their intuition and personal values rather than just facts and statistics.
Key Facts
As of December 2025, 34% of U.S. adults had received a flu shot.
Over 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 flu-related deaths occurred during the flu season.
16% of people were concerned about the safety of the flu vaccine, while 13% didn't get vaccinated because they believed they never get sick.
Research by Cornell University suggests decisions about vaccines are based more on feelings and values than raw data.
Public health campaigns traditionally focus on providing hard data about vaccines, which may not effectively change people’s minds.
Studies involved over 700 college students and nearly 200 community members to understand vaccine decision-making.
Perceptions of vaccine benefits and risks significantly influence people's intentions to get vaccinated.
The research suggests that understanding how people emotionally perceive vaccination information can predict their willingness to get vaccinated.
New York drivers face fines and penalties if snow on their cars blocks their view while driving. Although there's no law requiring complete snow removal from cars, maintaining clear windows and windshields is mandatory to avoid reckless driving charges. Police can pull over drivers and issue penalties for obstructed views due to snow.
Key Facts
New York drivers must ensure clear visibility from windows and windshields.
Driving with snow obstructing views can lead to charges of reckless driving.
Penalties include fines ranging from $100 to $1,125, license points, and possible jail time.
No law requires removal of all snow from car exteriors, like roofs or hoods.
Cars must have working headlights and red rear lights for visibility.
Vehicles made after 1964 must have a defroster to prevent windshield snow build-up.
Recent winter storms in New York have increased hazardous driving conditions.
A missing woman from Texas, Sydney Marquez, was found alive after disappearing for over three weeks. Police located her walking along a road and determined she was not a danger to herself or others. Her family is in contact with her, and she received a mental health evaluation at a hospital.
Key Facts
Sydney Marquez, 24, went missing on December 11, 2025.
The Jersey Village Police found her walking along a road after a tip-off call.
Marquez's family mentioned she has a history of mental health issues.
She was not considered a danger to herself when police found her.
Marquez was medically evaluated, and no immediate medical care was needed.
She declined assistance offered by the police such as hotel accommodation.
Marquez was later taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Police stated there was no criminal activity involved in her disappearance.
The Trump administration has changed the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule, reducing the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. This decision aims to align with international standards and may impact public health and political discussions. The changes have sparked debate, with some health experts concerned about the potential effects on disease prevention.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration reduced recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11.
The new schedule is similar to Denmark's vaccine recommendations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises parents to speak with doctors about some vaccines.
Vaccines not included in the new schedule will still be covered by insurance.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports the decision, citing transparency and informed consent.
Some experts and Democrats worry the changes may reduce vaccination rates and increase disease.
Leaders of health organizations criticize the changes for lacking scientific justification.
The new vaccine schedule may lead to legal actions and challenges.
House Speaker Mike Johnson provided an update on the planned plaque to honor police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 riot. The plaque, approved by lawmakers in 2022, is not yet displayed due to issues with the statute that authorized it. Some members of Congress have shown their dissatisfaction by placing replicas outside their offices.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed a plaque meant to honor Capitol police from the January 6 riot.
The plaque was approved by lawmakers in March 2022 with a one-year deadline for installation.
The authorized statute for the plaque is described as "not implementable," and alternatives don't comply.
The plaque is believed to be in storage, not on public display, as of January 2026.
About 100 Congress members, mostly Democrats, placed replica posters outside their offices to highlight the plaque's absence.
Two officers, Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, have sued over the delay.
The Department of Justice wants the lawsuit dismissed, citing Congress's previous recognition of the officers.
On Tuesday, Democrats plan to meet to discuss ongoing threats to elections.
