The Trump administration has decided to freeze $10 billion in funding for child care and poor families in five states, citing concerns about social services fraud. The states affected are California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. The freeze includes funds meant for subsidizing child care for low-income families and cash assistance for needy families.
Key Facts
The funding freeze targets California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York.
The Trump administration cites reports of fraud and money given to undocumented immigrants as reasons for the freeze.
$10 billion includes funding for the Child Care Development Fund and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
TANF supports very poor families with monthly cash assistance.
Approximately $7 billion of the frozen funds were intended for TANF.
1.4 million children in the U.S. are affected by federal child care funding.
Federal officials are now requesting more detailed data from all states before releasing funds.
Day care centers on small budgets could struggle due to delays in receiving funds.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for children from 17 to 10. This change, made under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the Trump administration, emphasizes vaccines like polio and measles but suggests others, such as hepatitis and COVID-19 vaccines, should be based on decisions made between doctors and parents.
Key Facts
The CDC's new guidelines reduce recommended children's vaccines from 17 to 10.
The change affects how vaccines like hepatitis A, B, and COVID-19 are recommended.
Decisions on some vaccines will now rely on discussions between parents and doctors.
The U.S. childhood vaccine schedule is now more aligned with international standards.
Vaccines, including those dropped from the list, will continue to be covered by insurance until the end of 2025.
The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the guideline changes, describing them as harmful to children.
The CDC found the U.S. had more recommended vaccines compared to 20 other developed countries.
A 26-year-old man, William D. DeFoor, is charged with attacking Vice President JD Vance's home in Cincinnati with a hammer, causing significant damage to government property. DeFoor faces federal charges for damaging property, violence on restricted grounds, and assaulting federal officers.
Key Facts
William D. DeFoor is accused of attacking Vice President JD Vance's home in Cincinnati.
The attack reportedly caused more than $28,000 in damage to government security equipment.
DeFoor allegedly tried to smash the window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle.
Secret Service agents and Cincinnati police detained DeFoor after he tried to flee.
DeFoor faces charges of damaging government property, violence on restricted grounds, and assaulting federal officers.
If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison for property damage and restricted grounds charges, and up to 20 years for assaulting officers.
He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Trump administration has reduced the number of shots on the federal childhood vaccination schedule to 11, aligning it with other developed countries' practices. The changes are aimed at increasing trust and uptake in vaccinations amid declining rates but may result in fewer children getting certain vaccines.
Key Facts
The Trump administration cut the recommended childhood vaccinations to 11.
The change is to match practices in other developed countries.
The decision aims to address lower vaccination rates in children.
Officials hope this change will build trust in public health.
There is concern that fewer vaccines could lead to higher disease rates.
Parents are advised to consult doctors before certain vaccinations.
Recommended vaccines still include measles, mumps, rubella, and others.
The HPV vaccine recommendation was changed to one dose instead of two.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is thinking about running for governor of Minnesota. This comes after current Governor Tim Walz decided not to run for a third term. Klobuchar is a well-known Democrat and could be a top contender for the position.
Key Facts
Senator Amy Klobuchar is considering running for Minnesota governor.
Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term.
Klobuchar is a high-profile Democrat with a strong track record in past elections.
She has won all her Senate campaigns by large margins.
Her entrance into the governor's race may affect other Democrats' plans.
A decision by Klobuchar would create a vacancy for her Senate seat if she wins.
Klobuchar would be the first female governor of Minnesota if elected.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formally criticized Arizona Senator Mark Kelly for a video where Kelly urged troops to resist unlawful commands. Other news includes the end of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's pursuit of a third term in office, the start of jury selection in the Uvalde school shooting response trial, and the passing of Eva Schloss, Anne Frank's stepsister.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Senator Mark Kelly.
Kelly, a retired Navy Captain, appeared in a video about resisting unlawful orders.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will not seek a third term.
Jury selection started for a trial related to the Uvalde school shooting.
Eva Schloss, the stepsister of Anne Frank, has died.
Ryan Camacho, 36, is charged with murdering a teacher named Zoe Welsh in Raleigh, North Carolina. Camacho's past charges were dismissed just last month, and he has a history of convictions, including gun offenses and misdemeanors. The investigation is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Ryan Camacho, 36, is charged with the murder of Zoe Welsh, a teacher in Raleigh.
Camacho was also charged with breaking into Welsh's home.
Previous charges against Camacho, including theft and property damage, were dismissed last month.
Camacho has a criminal record dating back to 2005, with a conviction in 2019 for shooting into an occupied building.
Zoe Welsh taught at Ravenscroft School since 2006 and served as chair of the science department.
The Raleigh Police Department arrested Camacho without incident shortly after the crime.
The CDC has changed its vaccine guidance for children. The new guidelines suggest giving flu and COVID vaccines only with a doctor's advice and focus on giving shots for other diseases to children at higher risk.
Key Facts
The CDC has updated its vaccine guidelines for children.
Flu and COVID vaccines are now recommended only after consulting a healthcare provider.
Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, RSV, and bacterial meningitis are recommended mainly for higher-risk groups.
The changes mark a significant shift from previous practices.
Geoff Bennett talked with Dr. Sean O’Leary to understand the implications of these changes.
The Pentagon plans to reduce the military rank and pension of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy Captain, over a video deemed "seditious." The video urged military personnel to refuse illegal orders after U.S. strikes on drug-trafficking boats. Senator Kelly has 30 days to respond to the Pentagon's notice.
Key Facts
The Pentagon wants to demote Senator Mark Kelly, impacting his pension, due to a video it calls "seditious."
The video included Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers urging military members to refuse illegal orders.
The video followed U.S. strikes on drug-trafficking boats, raising legal questions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the action and mentioned Kelly's accountability to military justice.
Kelly criticized the Pentagon's move, calling it "outrageous" and "un-American."
Legal experts are debating the Pentagon's ability to punish a sitting Congress member for political speech.
Retired military members, like Kelly, are still subject to parts of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
President Trump, on his second term's inauguration day, pardoned around 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol violence. These pardons included people who had injured officers like former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term on January 20, 2025.
On that day, President Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 people linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident.
Former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell was informed about the pardons by federal officials.
Some of the pardoned individuals had physically harmed Gonell during the Capitol riot.
Gonell had testified against some of the individuals who were released.
The act of pardoning has been a topic of concern for those affected by the Capitol violence.
Nearly 200 people have filed a lawsuit against President Trump's administration for stopping immigration processes for passport holders from certain countries. These people are stuck in the U.S., unable to move forward with their legal immigration status. The legal challenge claims that the pause is not supported by immigration laws.
Key Facts
About 200 people are suing over the immigration pause.
The pause affects people from 39 countries on a travel ban list.
This halt has stopped asylum claims, work authorizations, and student visa renewals.
The lawsuit argues that current laws do not allow the President to stop casework for those already in the U.S.
The lawsuit was filed in Boston's federal court.
The halt is impacting students, scientists, workers, and families.
The lawsuit asks the court to cancel the pause, hoping to help those affected.
A DHS spokesperson said the pause is for safety and thorough vetting.
Flu cases in the U.S. have significantly increased over the holiday season, marking a severe flu season similar to the previous year's epidemic. The Trump administration has decided to stop recommending flu vaccines for all children, leaving the decision to parents and doctors. The flu type called A H3N2 is causing most hospitalizations, especially among older adults and children.
Key Facts
U.S. flu infections rose significantly during the holidays.
Forty-five states reported high or very high flu activity during the Christmas week.
The A H3N2 flu virus, known for severe impact, is currently the most common.
More than 90% of A H3N2 infections are from a new variant not included in this year's flu shots.
Health officials expect flu activity to peak in January or February.
At least 11 million flu illnesses and 5,000 deaths have occurred so far this season.
The Trump administration stopped recommending flu vaccines for all children.
The flu vaccine will still be covered by private insurance and government programs.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, has announced he will not run for re-election, amid criticism about his handling of a large fraud scandal in the state. Republican candidates, including Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell, have reacted to his decision and discussed the impact of the fraud issues on the gubernatorial race. Investigations into the fraud, which may involve more than $9 billion in federal funds, are ongoing.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota decided not to seek re-election.
Walz faced criticism over a major fraud scandal in the state.
No charges were made against Walz, but over 60 people were convicted, and more than 90 charged.
The fraud involved may affect $9 billion in federal funds given to state-run programs.
State and federal officials continue to investigate the fraud situation.
GOP candidates Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell commented on Walz's decision not to run again.
Walz had previously intended to run for a third term, which surprised some commentators.
Discussions are ongoing about bipartisan efforts to combat fraud in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump commented on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's decision not to run for re-election. Walz stated he will focus on state leadership amid large investigations into state programs. Trump criticized Walz's administration on social media.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz announced he will not run for a third term.
Walz cited the need to focus on dealing with investigations into the state's welfare and child care programs.
There are ongoing federal and state investigations into alleged misuse of billions in funds in these programs.
President Donald Trump responded on a social media platform, criticizing Walz and some of his allies.
Trump accused Walz and others of mishandling taxpayer money.
Walz said his decision was to ensure he focuses on state issues and not political campaigning.
Congress introduced a new three-bill spending package to prevent a government shutdown on January 30. The bills would fund certain government departments until September 30, but Congress needs a separate measure or more bills to cover all government funding beyond January 30.
Key Facts
A spending package was released to prevent a government shutdown set for January 30.
The package funds the Energy, Commerce, Interior, and Justice departments until September 30.
House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to have the House vote on these bills this week.
The Senate must also approve the package for it to take effect.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is optimistic that there won't be another shutdown.
Six additional appropriations bills are needed for the rest of the fiscal year 2026.
Congress previously passed three appropriations bills that helped end the last shutdown.
The new package emphasizes Congress's role in deciding spending, not President Trump.
Senator Mark Kelly might face a reduction in his retirement ranking after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accused him of making "seditious" statements in a video. The video allegedly urged military members to disobey certain orders, and the Department of War is reviewing Kelly's actions. This review could affect Kelly's military pension.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly made a video that allegedly urged military members to disobey unlawful orders.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called the video "seditious" and harmful to military discipline.
Kelly could face a demotion in his retired military rank as a result.
The demotion could impact the pension Kelly receives as a retired Navy Captain.
The Department of War is conducting a review of Kelly's activities.
Kelly's actions are said to have violated military conduct codes.
Kelly has 30 days to respond to the accusations.
The decision on his retirement rank will be made within 45 days.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that a cold front will soon bring colder temperatures and possibly snow to parts of Texas. This alert follows a period of unusually warm weather, but temperatures are expected to drop by Thursday, with the possibility of snow in northern areas like the Texas Panhandle.
Key Facts
Texas has been experiencing warmer than usual temperatures since the holidays.
The NWS says a cold front will move in from the northwest by Thursday.
This cold front could lead to snow or a rain-snow mix, especially in northern Texas and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
The average snowfall for Amarillo, Texas, is 7.6 inches, but so far, only 0.2 inches have fallen this season.
No official winter weather warnings are in place for Texas yet, but alerts may be issued soon.
The NWS in Houston mentions possible rain and cooler temperatures in southeast Texas by the end of the week.
The Climate Prediction Center expects above-average temperatures to return to the Texas Panhandle from January 10 to January 14.
A new rule by the U.S. Postal Service changes how postmarks are defined. This might affect how time-sensitive mail, like ballots and tax returns, is handled.
Key Facts
The U.S. Postal Service introduced a new rule about handling mail.
The new rule changes how the postmark date is defined.
Previously, a postmark showed when the USPS received the mail.
Now, a postmark will show the date when the USPS processes the mail.
This change could impact important mail like ballots and tax returns.
The rule started on Christmas Eve.
The change aims to help people better understand postmarks and mailing dates.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not run for re-election. He decided to step down to focus on his duties as governor, following criticism and a fraud scandal in the state.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota said he will not run for re-election.
A fraud scandal involving Medicaid and childcare funding in Minnesota has caused controversy.
President Trump has criticized Walz's handling of the fraud.
The Trump administration recently paused federal funds for childcare in Minnesota.
Walz was a vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Walz stated his focus is on addressing the issues in Minnesota rather than campaigning.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after city bus and subway fares increased. The fare changes were made by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) before Mamdani took office, but they conflict with his campaign promise to make bus rides free. The fare adjustments began on Sunday, raising the basic fare by 10 cents.
Key Facts
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board approved fare increases in September 2025.
As of Sunday, the base fare for buses and subways rose from $2.90 to $3.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised free bus services during his campaign.
Mamdani took office just days before the fare increase took effect.
The fare increase was planned before Mamdani became mayor and was part of the MTA's 2025 budget.
Fare increases generally happen every two years in New York City.
Express bus fares also increased, from $7 to $7.25.
The MTA says fare changes help maintain a reliable transportation system.
