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.
Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa from California passed away. His death changes the Republican party's control in the House of Representatives to 218 seats, while Democrats hold 213 seats.
Key Facts
Doug LaMalfa was a Republican U.S. Representative from California.
He had served in Congress for seven terms.
Doug LaMalfa was 65 years old at the time of his death.
His passing was announced by GOP officials.
The current balance in the U.S. House of Representatives is now 218 Republican seats to 213 Democratic seats.
This change affects the Republican party's control in the House.
President Donald Trump is meeting with House Republicans to discuss their plans for the upcoming midterm elections. The meeting takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, which may be renamed the Trump Kennedy Center. Health care issues are a major topic as Republicans look to extend expired health insurance subsidies.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet with House Republicans on a key election year agenda.
The meeting occurs at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
The center's board voted to rename it the Trump Kennedy Center, but this is challenged in court.
Health care is a main focus, with discussions on extending health insurance subsidies.
These subsidies are part of a broader election strategy as midterm elections approach.
The recent death of Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa affects the GOP's narrow House majority.
Immigrants are turning to saints, both traditional Catholic and folk figures, to find hope and courage during increased deportations under President Trump's administration. This trend reflects a mix of cultural revival and spiritual panic as the government continues strict immigration enforcement. Despite some public opposition, the government's immigration policies remain unchanged.
Key Facts
Immigrants are looking to saints for protection during increased deportations.
Traditional Catholic saints like St. Jude and Mother Cabrini are appearing at protests and vigils.
Folk saints like La Santa Muerte, often not officially recognized by the Church, are also becoming popular.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has criticized the government's immigration policies.
President Trump's administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement.
Public support for harsh immigration tactics is declining, but policies remain unchanged.
Saints are seen as a way to cope with fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.
Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, will not seek a third term after facing scandals and personal struggles. His decision follows his brief national exposure as Kamala Harris's vice presidential pick in 2024. Alleged fraud in social services and internal political tensions have marked his recent political challenges.
Key Facts
Tim Walz nearly became vice president in 2024 alongside Kamala Harris.
He announced he won't run for a third term as Minnesota's governor.
Walz faced scrutiny over alleged fraud in social services programs.
Walz and Harris have had disagreements about their past campaign.
Walz had a public falling out with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
He faced controversy that involved alleged fraud by individuals of Somali descent.
Walz has struggled with grief after the assassination of a Minnesota House leader.
His decision impacts the lineup for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
The United States government is requiring visa applicants from 13 countries to pay a bond of up to $15,000. This measure aims to reduce the number of people who overstay their visas. Applicants must pay this bond before entering the U.S., and it is refundable if they do not overstay.
Key Facts
The bond requirement affects applicants from 13 countries, mainly in Africa.
The bond amount ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.
The policy was introduced by President Trump's administration and expanded to include more countries.
The affected countries include Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Turkmenistan, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia.
Travelers must fulfill additional steps, such as in-person interviews and providing social media history.
Paying the bond does not assure a visa; those denied a visa will have their bond refunded.
Visa holders need to enter and exit the U.S. via specific airports, such as Boston Logan, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles.
The policy might remain in effect indefinitely as visa compliance is monitored.
California Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65. Minnesota Republican Tom Emmer shared the news, expressing sadness over his death and offering condolences to LaMalfa's family.
Key Facts
Doug LaMalfa was a Republican representative from California.
He passed away at the age of 65.
The announcement was made by the GOP majority whip.
Minnesota Republican Tom Emmer expressed grief over LaMalfa's death.
LaMalfa was described as a loving father, husband, and advocate for rural America.
Condolences were extended to his wife, Jill, and their children.
This is a developing story with more updates to come.
A new California law requires landlords to provide working refrigerators and stoves in rental units starting January 1, 2026. This change aims to address the issue of many apartments lacking essential appliances, especially in areas like Los Angeles.
Key Facts
The law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and took effect on January 1, 2026.
Landlords must provide and maintain working refrigerators and stoves in rental units.
Previously, California did not require landlords to supply these appliances.
The law applies to leases entered into, amended, or extended after the start date.
Exceptions include rentals with communal kitchens, single-room occupancies, or hotels.
Tenants can still use their own appliances if agreed upon with the landlord.
Violent crime in New Orleans has gone down for the third year in a row as of 2025. National Guard troops started patrolling the city recently, following President Donald Trump's orders.
Key Facts
Violent crime in New Orleans decreased for three straight years up to 2025.
National Guard troops began patrolling New Orleans in 2025.
President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of these troops.
Federal agents have also been involved in an immigration crackdown since December.
New Orleans officials were initially against having the National Guard in the city.
The National Guard is not trained to perform police duties like arresting and investigating.
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick supports the troops' presence as a way to prevent crime.
A mom in Arizona shared her views on TikTok, suggesting that fathers should be capable of caring for their children without needing detailed instructions from mothers. Her message received a wide range of responses, sparking discussion about parental roles and responsibilities.
Key Facts
Lisa Koerner from Chandler, Arizona, posted a TikTok video about fathers caring for children.
Her TikTok video received over 2.7 million views.
Many mothers agreed with Koerner, feeling validation in their parenting experiences.
Some fathers agreed, while others felt their partners were too controlling.
Koerner said her video aimed to encourage more open conversations about shared responsibilities in parenting.
Koerner emphasized that being involved in parenting should be a standard expectation for both parents.
House Democrats and the January 6th Select Committee are holding a hearing to mark the five-year anniversary of the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The day originally involved a protest led by supporters of President Donald Trump after a rally near the White House. There are no official events planned to commemorate the day, and a plaque meant to honor Capitol police has not been installed.
Key Facts
House Democrats and the January 6th Select Committee are conducting a hearing.
The hearing marks five years since the January 6, 2021, events at the Capitol.
On January 6, 2021, President Donald Trump encouraged supporters to protest at the Capitol.
The protest aimed to challenge the certification of the 2020 election results.
The events saw a crowd move to the Capitol, eventually entering the building.
There is no joint agreement by political parties on the interpretation of these events.
A plaque intended to honor police who defended the Capitol has not been placed.
President Donald Trump announced that his administration has started a fraud investigation in California, claiming it is more corrupt than Minnesota. The Trump administration also plans to freeze $10 billion in welfare funds from five Democratic states, including California, due to concerns about potential fraud.
Key Facts
President Trump claims California is more corrupt than Minnesota and announced a fraud investigation of the state.
The investigation is against California, where Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is in charge.
The Trump administration plans to freeze $10 billion in welfare funding from California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York.
The freeze affects funds from programs like the Child Care Development Fund, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and the Social Services Block Grant program.
The New York Post first reported the planned freeze, based on information from unnamed officials.
President Trump shared the news article on his social media platform, Truth Social.
A Texas Republican, Representative Monica De La Cruz, plans to discuss with the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of Labor ways to allow some undocumented migrants to work legally in the U.S. construction industry. She suggested creating a visa program similar to the current one for agricultural workers to address labor shortages caused by immigration enforcement in Texas's construction sector.
Key Facts
Representative Monica De La Cruz, a Republican from Edinburg, Texas, is leading the initiative.
De La Cruz aims to establish a legal work program for undocumented migrants specifically for construction jobs.
She intends to propose a new visa similar to the H‑2A visa for agricultural workers but for construction.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions have arrested over 9,100 people in South Texas in the past year.
ICE's immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration has significantly impacted the construction industry's workforce.
The proposal comes amid labor shortages affecting project timelines and costs in the Texas construction sector.
De La Cruz also advocates for reforms in existing worker visa programs that affect agricultural workers.
There is some bipartisan support for creating more legal pathways for migrants to work in various sectors, including construction.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota will not run for another term in 2026, citing challenges handling a large fraud scandal. Despite this, Democrats are favored to win the governor's seat in Minnesota according to betting markets, with Republicans having a low chance of success. The outcome of this election could impact political strategies ahead of the national midterm elections.
Key Facts
Democratic Governor Tim Walz will not seek reelection in 2026 due to a fraud crisis in Minnesota.
The fraud involves state programs, allegedly misusing large amounts of taxpayer funds, with losses possibly exceeding $1 billion.
The Republican Party has a low 16% chance of winning the Minnesota governor's seat, according to an online prediction market.
The Democratic candidate is currently favored with an 84% chance to win the election.
The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Potential Democratic candidates include Senator Amy Klobuchar, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Secretary of State Steve Simon.
Possible Republican candidates are House Speaker Lisa Demuth, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, and businessman Kendall Qualls.
Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor since 2006.
The article compares President Trump's actions toward two political figures. He indicted Nicolás Maduro for drug trafficking and pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez.
Key Facts
President Trump indicted Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's leader, for drug trafficking.
An indictment means official charges or accusations.
President Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, a former president of Honduras.
A pardon means forgiving someone for their crimes, canceling any punishments.
The article highlights the difference in how Trump handled these two cases.
The CDC has changed its universal childhood vaccine recommendations, removing several vaccines from the list. This change affects vaccines like influenza, hepatitis A and B, and COVID-19, shifting their recommendation to high-risk groups or shared decision-making. All vaccines remain covered by insurance.
Key Facts
The CDC has cut several vaccines from its universal recommendation for children.
Vaccines for influenza, hepatitis A, and B, and COVID-19 are now for high-risk groups or need shared decisions.
The change follows President Trump's directive to review global best practices.
The updated schedule aligns the U.S. closer to international standards.
All vaccines are still available and covered by insurance.
Critics worry this could lead to lower vaccination rates and more preventable illnesses.
The CDC and health agencies are working to educate the public on the new schedule.
