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.
Senator Mark Kelly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to censure him, calling it an attack on free speech. The censure came after Kelly participated in a video advising troops to resist unlawful orders, which could lead to his demotion. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, pledged to fight back against the censure and President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for censuring him.
The censure is related to Kelly's role in a video urging troops to resist illegal orders.
Kelly stated that the censure is an attack on free speech.
Hegseth suggested that the censure might lead to Kelly's demotion.
Kelly is a retired Navy captain with 25 years of service, including combat and space missions.
Kelly plans to fight back against the censure and President Donald Trump.
William Defoor is accused of damaging the home of Vice President JD Vance in Ohio. The Secret Service arrested Defoor, a 26-year-old from Cincinnati, who has been previously arrested for trespassing and vandalism.
Key Facts
William Defoor was arrested for allegedly breaking windows at Vice President JD Vance's home.
The incident happened in Ohio, where Vance's residence is located.
Secret Service detained Defoor after the incident.
Defoor is from Cincinnati, Ohio.
He previously faced charges for trespassing in 2023 but was found not competent to stand trial.
In 2024, Defoor was arrested for vandalism but was given treatment instead of a conviction.
Defoor is registered to vote in Ohio but is not affiliated with any political party.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hired over 12,000 new agents. This effort aligns with President Donald Trump's campaign promise to increase immigration enforcement. The hiring follows new funding and has exceeded initial recruitment goals.
Key Facts
ICE hired more than 12,000 new agents as part of a recruitment drive.
The recruitment surpassed the initial goal of 10,000 new hires.
Over 220,000 applications were submitted for the positions.
Incentives like $50,000 signing bonuses and student loan repayment were offered to attract recruits.
The age limit for applicants was removed, allowing people as young as 18 to apply.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provided $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including funds for hiring and infrastructure.
Some recruits faced difficulties with physical fitness requirements during training.
Concerns have been raised about the speed of the hiring process and potential oversight issues.
An official plaque meant to honor police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, event is missing. The plaque is required by law to be displayed at the Capitol, but its current location is unknown. Legal actions and replicas of the plaque are ongoing as efforts to commemorate the event continue.
Key Facts
A plaque was made to honor law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The plaque is required by law to be displayed at the Capitol but is currently missing.
It is believed that the plaque might be in storage, but this is not confirmed.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet officially unveiled the plaque.
The Architect of the Capitol has not commented due to ongoing federal litigation.
Around 100 Congress members, mostly Democrats, have posted replicas of the plaque outside their offices.
The absence of the plaque has led to concerns about forgetting the event and differently interpreted histories taking hold.
The January 6, 2021, event involved a mob of President Trump's supporters storming the Capitol.
Several U.S. states are experiencing unusually high temperatures, with the possibility of breaking or matching past records. The National Weather Service and meteorologists have warned that these temperature spikes are particularly notable in the central and eastern parts of the country. Areas such as Texas and the lower Mississippi River Valley are expected to experience temperatures significantly above normal in the coming days.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service reports "well above average" temperatures in many U.S. areas.
Temperature records may be tied or broken in parts of the central and eastern United States.
Specific areas like Texas and the lower Mississippi River Valley will see temperatures 10-25 degrees above normal.
Houston, Texas, is expected to have highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s Fahrenheit.
The warm weather is spreading from the Interior West to the Southeast and into the Midwest and Northeast.
The central and southern Plains could see temperatures 30 to 40 degrees above usual.
The Weather Prediction Center highlights a wildfire risk due to windy, warm, and dry conditions.
The West Coast will experience cooler weather, with temperatures slightly below average.
President Donald Trump is facing calls for impeachment from some Democrats after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, which involved strikes on Venezuela, has raised questions about its legality because it was not approved by Congress. The U.S. has charged Maduro and his wife with narco-terrorism related to drug trafficking.
Key Facts
The U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilla Flores.
This action followed a major strike in Caracas, Venezuela.
Maduro and his wife face charges of narco-terrorism in New York due to alleged drug activities.
Some Democrats are calling for President Trump's impeachment over the legality of the strikes.
Concerns exist because the strikes were not approved by Congress.
Representative Delia Ramirez and others have criticized the action, citing legal violations.
Some experts suggest impeachment is unlikely without Republican support, despite the controversy.
Political division has affected the likelihood of impeachment and conviction in recent times.
Two polls showed mixed opinions among Americans about President Trump's actions in Venezuela. The polls reveal that opinions strongly differ based on political party and age. The same surveys also assessed perspectives on whether Congress should have approved the military operation.
Key Facts
A YouGov poll found 39% of Americans approved and 46% disapproved of President Trump's handling of Venezuela.
A Washington Post poll showed a similar nearly even split with 40% approving and 42% disapproving.
The military operation involved detaining Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on drug and weapons charges.
Most Republicans in the polls supported Trump’s actions, while most Democrats disapproved.
Older voters tended to support Trump more, while voters aged 30-44 showed higher disapproval.
When asked if Congressional approval should have been sought, over 60% believed it was necessary.
Half of the respondents to the Washington Post poll supported prosecuting Maduro for drug charges.
