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.
A video showing a landlord painting only half of each step on a staircase after a tenant moved out has gained attention online. The incident has sparked discussions about property upkeep amid a larger housing affordability crisis in the United States. The video, posted on TikTok, shows one side of the stairs painted white while the other remains gray.
Key Facts
A video on TikTok shows a staircase where only half of each step was painted.
The video has over 1.8 million views and was posted by user @laurenfromiowa.
The text on the video indicates that this happened after a neighbor moved out.
The video was shared on December 30.
Viewers discussed whether the landlord might have painted only one side to keep the stairs usable.
The incomplete painting highlights broader frustrations with landlords during a U.S. housing crisis.
A Harvard report revealed that many renters in the U.S. are financially burdened by housing costs.
Some commenters expressed concern about ongoing issues with property management.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz decided not to run for re-election. This came after a YouTuber named Nick Shirley made a popular video accusing misuse of childcare funds in Minnesota. Walz said he wants to focus on addressing the issues instead of campaigning.
Key Facts
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek re-election.
YouTuber Nick Shirley claimed this was due to his video on alleged childcare fund misuse.
The video gained national attention and was shared by conservative figures.
As a result of the video, federal authorities put a hold on some childcare payments in Minnesota.
Walz stated he wants to concentrate on resolving state program issues, not campaigning.
This decision means Democrats will need a new candidate for the upcoming election.
Chief Justice John Roberts concluded the Supreme Court's 2025 year-end report by quoting former President Calvin Coolidge's 1926 speech. The quote emphasizes the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution amid party politics. This comes as the Supreme Court is reviewing a case about President Trump's order to end birthright citizenship.
Key Facts
Chief Justice John Roberts referenced Calvin Coolidge in the 2025 Supreme Court year-end report.
Coolidge's quote highlights the stability of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
President Coolidge is known for conservative fiscal policies and the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
The Immigration Act of 1924, signed by Coolidge, set restrictions based on national origin.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a challenge to President Trump's order on ending birthright citizenship.
Birthright citizenship in the U.S. is based on the Fourteenth Amendment.
Justices Kagan and Sotomayor expressed concerns about changing the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a censure letter to Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video encouraging troops to resist unlawful orders. President Donald Trump criticized the video, accusing the lawmakers involved of sedition. The video aimed to remind military members to follow the Constitution.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a censure to Senator Mark Kelly.
Kelly participated in a video urging troops to resist illegal orders.
The video was posted by Senator Elissa Slotkin and included six lawmakers.
The lawmakers encouraged military members to uphold the Constitution.
President Donald Trump accused them of sedition, which is a serious accusation of rebellion against authority.
The lawmakers in the video, including Kelly, used Trump's response to raise campaign funds.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that his department is taking administrative action against U.S. Senator Mark Kelly after investigating his comments about military orders. Kelly, who is a retired naval officer, was involved in a video suggesting that military personnel should not follow unlawful orders. As a result, the Pentagon plans to reduce his pension payments and has issued a formal reprimand.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the Secretary of Defense.
The Pentagon investigated Senator Mark Kelly's comments.
Kelly participated in a video advising service members about unlawful orders.
The investigation is about Kelly's comments from June through December 2025.
Kelly's pension payments will be reduced, and he received a formal reprimand.
The Pentagon claims Kelly's comments violated military justice rules.
Mark Kelly is a retired naval captain and current U.S. Senator from Arizona.
Kelly argues the actions are intimidation and a threat to his First Amendment rights.
A study shows that nearly half of seniors in Mississippi rely heavily on Social Security for their income, more than any other state. The research examines how much of seniors' income comes from Social Security across different states. It highlights the financial dependence of many older Americans on this program.
Key Facts
Almost 50% of Mississippi seniors' income comes from Social Security.
The median income for Mississippi seniors is $44,031, below the U.S. average of $59,648.
Southern and Midwestern states generally show higher reliance on Social Security.
Hawaii and Alaska have the lowest percentage of seniors' income from Social Security.
The Social Security trust fund may run out by 2033, which could impact future payments.
The first Social Security payments for 2023 will be issued on January 14.
Social Security supports not only retirees but also disabled people and other Americans.
A man was detained by the Secret Service after breaking windows and causing damage at Vice President JD Vance's Ohio home. The incident occurred around midnight, and the individual was stopped before entering the house. Vance and his family were not at home during the event.
Key Facts
A man broke windows at Vice President JD Vance's home in Ohio.
The U.S. Secret Service detained the man shortly after midnight.
The man also damaged a Secret Service vehicle on the property.
Vance and his family were not at home and were in Washington at the time.
The incident location is in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati.
The Secret Service is working with local police and the U.S. attorney's office on potential charges.
JD Vance previously served as a U.S. senator for Ohio before becoming vice president.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is also the Democratic candidate for vice president in 2024, has decided not to seek a third term as governor. He announced this decision after launching a campaign for reelection just a few months ago, citing a tough year for the state and ongoing investigations.
Key Facts
Tim Walz is the Governor of Minnesota.
Walz is the Democratic candidate for vice president in 2024.
He decided not to run for a third term as governor.
Walz made this announcement less than four months after starting his reelection campaign.
He mentioned that Minnesota had a very challenging year as a reason for his decision.
Investigations into fraud in the state's child care programs are ongoing.
President Donald Trump has used the child care program issue for political purposes.
Immigration attorneys warn that living separately can hurt marriage-based green card applications. Under President Trump's administration, the U.S. is paying closer attention to ensure marriages are genuine when a foreign spouse seeks permanent residency. Couples must show evidence of a real marriage, such as living together, to avoid extra scrutiny.
Key Facts
Living together is a key factor in proving a genuine marriage for green card applications.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) examines if spouses share a home and life.
Couples living apart may need to provide more evidence explaining their situation.
Evidence like joint financial responsibilities, shared living spaces, and personal photos can help support the application.
USCIS looks out for red flags like large age gaps, language differences, and cultural divides.
Under the Trump administration, the scrutiny for all immigration applications has increased.
More immigrants with pending applications are being detained during routine appointments.
The U.S. immigration policy under President Trump includes stringent enforcement and deportation measures.
A new law in California, effective January 1, aims to make divorce less expensive and faster by allowing couples to file joint petitions for $435. The law broadens eligibility for this joint filing process to include more couples, including those with children and greater assets, but it requires both parties to agree on key terms like property division beforehand.
Key Facts
The new law allows couples to file a joint petition for divorce or legal separation for $435.
It was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and took effect on January 1.
Previously, only couples meeting strict criteria could use joint petitions; now many more can, as long as they agree on key issues.
The law creates a middle ground between summary divorce and regular divorce proceedings.
Couples must agree in advance on custody, support, and property division to use this new process.
The joint filing marks the start of the case, eliminating the need for a process server.
Divorcing couples with children must provide details about the children and intended resolutions.
The divorce rate in California was 7.45% in 2023, one of the country's lowest.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not run for a third term in the 2026 election. His decision opens the door for new Democratic contenders to emerge as candidates for governor. Several prominent Democrats, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and State Attorney General Keith Ellison, are potential nominees.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz will not seek a third term in 2026.
Walz cited his commitment to focusing on Minnesota's challenges as a reason for not running.
Walz has faced criticism over his administration's handling of state welfare fraud.
Possible Democratic candidates include Senator Amy Klobuchar and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Other potential contenders are Secretary of State Steve Simon and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.
Klobuchar has held discussions with the governor, raising speculation about her candidacy.
Each candidate has varying strengths and challenges based on their political experience and reputation.
The IRS has set a tax deadline on January 15 for people who earn income outside of traditional paychecks. These taxpayers must make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. This includes self-employed individuals, contractors, and gig workers.
Key Facts
The IRS requires quarterly tax payments from those without regular paycheck withholdings.
The upcoming deadline for the 2025 tax year is on January 15.
Penalties and interest may apply if the deadline is missed, even if a refund is due later.
People required to pay include 1099 workers, gig workers, and some investors.
Payment is necessary if expected federal taxes owed exceed $1,000 after withholdings.
Payments can be made online via IRS tools or by mail with specified forms.
Penalties can be waived for those affected by disasters or other special conditions.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece and ex-fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., has expressed her good wishes for Trump Jr.'s engagement to Bettina Anderson. Trump Jr. announced the engagement at a White House event. President Donald Trump recently nominated Guilfoyle for her ambassador role.
Key Facts
Kimberly Guilfoyle is the U.S. ambassador to Greece.
She commented positively on Donald Trump Jr.'s engagement to Bettina Anderson.
Donald Trump Jr. announced his engagement at a White House holiday party on December 15.
President Donald Trump nominated Guilfoyle for her ambassador position earlier in December.
Guilfoyle was engaged to Trump Jr. from 2020 to 2024.
Trump Jr. was married to Vanessa Haydon from 2005 to 2013 and they have a daughter named Kai.
Guilfoyle has been promoting U.S. technology in Greece’s health care system and working on business deals related to a U.S.-backed port and natural gas exploration.
Guilfoyle was previously married to Gavin Newsom, the current Governor of California.
President Donald Trump is proposing $2,000 checks for Americans funded by tariffs. Some voters support this idea, but many experts doubt there is enough tariff revenue to pay for it. The proposal aims to help Americans with rising living costs but may increase inflation.
Key Facts
President Trump proposes $2,000 checks to Americans as a "dividend" from tariff revenues.
A poll shows 52% of voters support the rebate idea, including 44% of Democrats.
The U.S. collected $195 billion in customs duties in the fiscal year ending September 30.
The White House is committed to finding a legal way to distribute these checks.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggests tariff revenues could be used in other ways, such as tax decreases.
Experts question if tariff revenues can cover both the checks and reduce national debt.
Concerns exist that issuing checks could increase inflation.
Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will leave Congress in January 2026, citing differences with President Trump over issues like foreign policy. Greene has been a strong supporter of Trump but has recently criticized him and the GOP for moving away from "America First" principles. Her resignation might impact the Republican Party as they prepare for the 2026 elections.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene plans to leave Congress effective January 5, 2026.
Greene was elected to represent Georgia's 14th district in 2020.
She has had a public falling-out with President Trump on several issues, including foreign policy and health care.
Greene and a few Republicans pushed for the release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, against Trump’s wishes.
President Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene, calling her a "traitor."
Greene accuses the GOP of moving away from "America First" priorities.
Her resignation leaves a vacancy in Georgia's 14th district, leading to a special election.
Conservatives are concerned Greene’s next moves could divide the party further.
Zohran Mamdani appointed Cea Weaver as the director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants in New York City. Weaver previously called homeownership "a weapon of white supremacy" in a social media post. Mamdani's administration focuses on tenant advocacy, aiming to lower costs and improve living conditions for working-class families.
Key Facts
Cea Weaver was appointed by Zohran Mamdani to lead the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.
Weaver previously described homeownership as "a weapon of white supremacy" in a 2019 social media post.
Weaver’s social media profile is no longer active.
Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City and identifies as a democratic socialist.
Mamdani’s team has distanced itself from extreme socialist policies like closing all prisons.
Weaver has been significant in passing tenant-friendly policies, like the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019.
Mamdani and Weaver have begun actions to address housing violations by landlords like Pinnacle Realty.
Mamdani focuses on making housing more affordable for working-class families.
The Secret Service took at least one person into custody after an incident at Vice President JD Vance's home in Cincinnati. The report mentioned several broken windows, but it is not clear if Vance or his family were home at the time.
Key Facts
The incident took place at Vice President JD Vance's home in Cincinnati.
The Secret Service detained at least one person.
Several windows at the Vance residence were smashed.
It is unknown whether JD Vance or his family were present during the incident.
The incident occurs amid growing worries about political violence in the U.S.
