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.
Jury selection has begun in Corpus Christi, Texas, for the trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former school police officer involved in the response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. Gonzales faces charges of child abandonment or endangerment, accused of not taking action to protect children during the shooting. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
Key Facts
Adrian Gonzales is a former Uvalde school police officer on trial for his actions during the 2022 school shooting.
He is charged with 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment.
The shooting resulted in 19 students and two teachers being killed.
Nearly 400 officers responded, but it took 77 minutes to confront the shooter.
Gonzales has pleaded not guilty; his attorney claims he tried to save children.
Jury selection involved assessing potential jurors' knowledge and impartiality about the event.
Gonzales could face up to two years in prison if convicted.
His trial was moved to Corpus Christi, over 200 miles from Uvalde, for fairness.
The U.S. government has reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for children, now leaving some, like flu shots, as optional for families. This change aims to align the U.S. vaccine schedule with those of other countries, although some experts are concerned this may lower vaccination rates and increase disease.
Key Facts
The U.S. government reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for children.
The change allows families to choose some vaccines, like flu shots, without strong federal guidance.
President Donald Trump asked for a review to compare U.S. vaccine recommendations with other countries.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found the U.S. was unique in its number of recommended vaccinations.
Officials believe the new recommendations will build public trust by focusing on essential vaccines.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated this decision protects children and respects families.
Some medical experts worry this change might lead to more illness by reducing vaccine use.
Critics say the decision was made without public discussion or a transparent review process.
The U.S. government changed its vaccination guidelines for children, removing some vaccines from its recommendations, such as the flu shot, and leaving them for families to decide with their doctors. This change will not affect access to vaccines or insurance coverage. The decision is part of an effort to see if the U.S. can align its vaccine schedule with other countries, like Denmark.
Key Facts
The U.S. removed several vaccines from its childhood vaccine recommendations.
Vaccines like the flu shot are now up to families and doctors to decide.
Access to vaccines and insurance coverage will remain the same.
The Health and Human Services Secretary is considering a vaccine schedule similar to Denmark's.
Denmark recommends vaccines for 10 diseases, while the U.S. used to recommend 17.
Chickenpox remains on the U.S. list of recommended vaccines.
President Donald Trump directed a review of international vaccine schedules in December 2023.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not run for another term in office. He made this decision after facing pressure from his fellow Democrats and experiencing low approval ratings. This decision changes the political scene in Minnesota ahead of the 2026 elections.
Key Facts
Tim Walz is the current governor of Minnesota.
Walz announced he will not seek reelection.
Pressure from other Democrats influenced his decision.
Walz faced low approval ratings and scrutiny over state program issues.
He was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2024.
Democrats have held statewide offices in Minnesota since 2006.
Potential GOP challengers included House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell.
Possible Democratic candidates to replace Walz include Amy Klobuchar and Keith Ellison.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he won't run for another term due to a fraud scandal in the state. Prosecutors have charged or convicted over 60 people, with potential losses to taxpayers ranging from $250 million to $1 billion. Walz's net worth is reported to be between $117,000 and $330,000.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz decided not to seek reelection.
This decision comes amid a large fraud scandal in Minnesota.
More than 60 people have been convicted of fraud in the state.
The estimated cost of the fraud ranges from $250 million to $1 billion.
Walz's net worth is between $117,000 and $330,000, according to financial documents.
Walz currently earns less than $128,000 per year as governor.
The Democratic primary for governor will take place to find Walz's replacement.
Senator Amy Klobuchar might run, while several Republicans are already in the race.
President Donald Trump's military intervention in Venezuela is testing his ability to keep the Republican Party united during an election year. Some Republicans are concerned about Trump's comments on U.S. involvement in Venezuela and how it aligns with his "America First" policy.
Key Facts
President Trump launched a military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Some Republicans support Trump, but others are uneasy about his approach to Venezuela.
Concerns arise over whether Trump is moving away from his "America First" principles.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump ally, criticizes the move.
Moderate Republicans like Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick express discomfort with the U.S. "running" Venezuela.
Trump's military actions might affect Republican control of Congress in the upcoming elections.
Trump's approach to Venezuela is seen as aggressive, prioritizing U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
There are worries about potential U.S. troop involvement and the impact on the regional refugee crisis.
The article discusses reactions from Trump supporters in Florida regarding the U.S.'s recent actions in Venezuela. These supporters are comparing the quick operation to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro with past prolonged U.S. military involvements. There is some concern and support among Trump supporters about the impact of these actions on regional politics and immigration.
Key Facts
Trump supporters in Florida are discussing the U.S. operation to unseat Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The operation, which involved no U.S. casualties, is seen as different from past U.S. military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.
President Trump has promised to "run" Venezuela, raising concerns about U.S. involvement in rebuilding the country.
Some supporters believe that Maduro's removal could weaken leftist governments in Cuba and Nicaragua.
Supporters think an economically stable Venezuela might encourage some migrants in the U.S. to return home.
A few prominent Republicans have criticized the mission, suggesting it contradicts Trump's previous foreign policy promises.
Vice-President JD Vance defended the operation, citing reasons related to drug flow and protection of U.S. assets.
President Trump's Department of Homeland Security accused Hilton Hotels of canceling room reservations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. The DHS claims the actions were intentional and against its law enforcement efforts.
Key Facts
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accuses Hilton Hotels of canceling reservations made by ICE agents.
The incident occurred in Minneapolis.
DHS claims Hilton Hotels canceled the rooms when booked with official government emails and rates.
DHS called this action a "coordinated campaign" against its law enforcement mission.
DHS expressed the accusations on its official X account, a social media platform.
Hilton Hotels has been contacted for a comment on the matter.
The story is ongoing, meaning more details may be released later.
Republicans are focusing on certain states as opportunities to gain Senate seats in the 2026 elections. Seats in Georgia and Michigan, held by Democrats, are seen as key targets due to past Republican wins in those states. Other states like Minnesota and New Hampshire could also be competitive depending on President Trump's popularity.
Key Facts
Around one-third of Senate seats will be up for election in November 2026.
Republicans view Georgia and Michigan as strong opportunities to win Democratic seats.
President Trump carried Georgia and Michigan in the 2024 presidential election.
Democrats are also targeting Republican-held seats in states like Maine and North Carolina.
In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff was elected in 2020, and recent polls show tight races with Republican challengers.
Michigan's Senate seat is open due to Democrat Gary Peters retiring, with close races projected.
New Hampshire's Senate seat is open as Democrat Jeanne Shaheen is retiring, with the outcome possibly affected by Trump's past narrow loss in the state.
The Cook Political Report labels the races in Georgia and Michigan as tossups, New Hampshire as leaning Democrat, and Minnesota as likely Democrat.
A study by AccuWeather experts suggests that the United States may experience reduced water availability, lower crop yields, and more drought if current climate trends continue. The study shows that over the last 70 years, U.S. temperatures have risen, with a decline in both humidity and effective rainfall since 1995, potentially affecting agriculture and increasing drought and wildfire risks.
Key Facts
Temperatures in the U.S. have risen by 0.5°F over the past 70 years.
From 1995, relative humidity has decreased by 5.3%, averaging 1.7% less per decade.
Average annual rainfall has dropped by 2.7% since 1995, but heavy rain events have increased.
24-hour rainfall over four inches has increased by 70%, and over two inches by 23%.
Declining rainfall effectiveness impacts crop production and water supplies.
The trend suggests expanding desert areas and increased wildfire risks.
Rising temperatures and less soil moisture contribute to higher air temperatures.
