The city of San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against 11 major food companies, claiming they sell ultra-processed foods while knowing these products are bad for health. More than 60% of the food consumed in the United States is considered ultra-processed.
Key Facts
San Francisco is suing 11 top food companies.
The lawsuit claims these companies sell harmful ultra-processed foods.
Over 60% of the food eaten in the U.S. is ultra-processed, according to some estimates.
Ultra-processed foods are highly manufactured with ingredients that are not typically used in home cooking.
The lawsuit is the first of its kind in the United States.
Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor from the University of Michigan, studies addiction and provides insights on the topic.
The U.S. Census Bureau is preparing for the 2030 national census by testing new methods to count people in hard-to-reach areas. In Alaska, officials have developed a strategy to accurately count residents in one of the state's most remote villages.
Key Facts
The next major U.S. national census will occur in 2030.
The Census Bureau is conducting field tests this year to improve counting methods.
These tests are focused on reaching populations that are difficult to count.
Alaska has some of the most remote areas in the United States.
Officials in Alaska are using a specific plan to count residents in a particularly remote village.
Accurate counting is important for resource allocation and representation.
President Donald Trump set a 2028 deadline to complete multiple large-scale projects during his current term in office. These projects include a return to the moon, the construction of a new White House ballroom, new Air Force One jets, and a missile defense system. These efforts aim to leave a lasting impact by the end of his presidency.
Key Facts
President Trump aims for a crewed moon mission by 2028 and plans to establish a permanent moon base by 2030.
A new White House ballroom is planned to open in summer 2028, costing $400 million, funded by private donations.
The first of two new Air Force One jets from Boeing is expected to be ready in mid-2028, delayed by six years.
Trump wants a missile defense project called "Golden Dome" ready by 2028, similar to a past defense initiative.
Large government projects often face delays and higher costs, as noted in a Government Accountability Office report.
Some projects, like border policies, involve executive actions that could change with a new president, while physical projects have more permanence.
A helicopter crash in the Arizona mountains killed four people. The helicopter hit a slackline, which is a kind of rope used for recreation, before crashing. The crash is under investigation by authorities.
Key Facts
Four people died in a helicopter crash in Arizona.
The crash reportedly involved a slackline strung between mountains.
The helicopter involved was an MD 369FF.
Among those who died were the pilot, a 59-year-old man, and three female family members aged 21 and 22.
The incident occurred near Telegraph Canyon, south of Superior, Arizona.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office confirmed the deaths and provided some details about the victims.
Helicopter accidents have previously occurred, with 89 reported in 2024, 13 of which were fatal.
A man named Jake from North Carolina learned more about his Southern heritage and ended up changing his views on it. He initially believed in a noble Southern history but found evidence that challenged his beliefs, leading to a shift in his political views. His story resonated with many on social media, where he shared his journey of changing perspectives.
Key Facts
Jake grew up in North Carolina in a conservative Christian environment.
He initially thought the Civil War was not mainly about slavery and that the South had a noble history.
In 2008, Jake expressed a desire to learn more about his Southern heritage.
Upon researching, Jake found evidence contradicting his initial beliefs about the South.
His exploration of different viewpoints led to a broader worldview and political changes.
Jake shared his transformation story on Threads, gaining significant attention.
Many people on social media shared similar experiences of changing views about Southern history.
A 2017 survey showed mixed opinions about Confederate monuments remaining in public spaces.
A study by WalletHub ranked U.S. cities based on how good they are for single people, evaluating factors like dating opportunities, entertainment options, and economics. Atlanta was named the best city for singles due to its variety of attractions and a large percentage of single residents. In contrast, Brownsville, Texas, was found to be the least favorable city for singles.
Key Facts
WalletHub's study compared 182 U.S. cities based on dating opportunities, fun & recreation, and economics.
Atlanta, Georgia, was ranked as the best city for singles with a score of 64.15 out of 100.
Las Vegas, Nevada, came in second, praised for its nightlife and low dating-related costs.
Tampa, Florida, ranked third, highlighted for its economic appeal and date-night options.
Brownsville, Texas, was ranked as the worst city for singles with a score of 37.09.
Pearl City, Hawaii, and Yonkers, New York, were also among the lowest-ranking cities for singles.
The rankings considered factors like restaurant availability, the cost of entertainment, and the percentage of single individuals in each city.
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City's mayor on January 1, succeeding Eric Adams. Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, was sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders, marking a significant political shift in the city.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became New York City's mayor on January 1.
Mamdani took his oath on Qurans that belonged to his grandparents.
The inauguration took place on a subway platform and later in a public ceremony.
Senator Bernie Sanders administered Mamdani's public swearing-in.
Mamdani defeated Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo to become mayor.
John Catsimatidis, a supermarket billionaire, threatened to leave New York after Mamdani's election.
Miami experienced a dip in housing prices, contrasting with a rise in luxury home sales in Manhattan.
Mamdani revoked all of Eric Adams' executive orders upon taking office, including one about antisemitism.
Over 100 firefighters in Denver worked to put out a large fire in an under-construction apartment building. The fire was a "five-alarm fire," meaning it required a lot of resources to control, but firefighters managed to stop it from spreading. No injuries have been reported.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in Denver, Colorado, at an apartment block still being built.
More than 100 firefighters responded to the fire.
The fire was classified as a "five-alarm fire."
Firefighters successfully contained the fire to prevent it from spreading.
A dad from South Carolina was surprised when he saw his 6-year-old son, Koah, holding his newborn sibling while making a humorous comment about doing his dad's job. The moment was recorded and shared on TikTok, where it gained a lot of attention and engagement from people who could relate to the experience.
Key Facts
A South Carolina dad named Kenzy recorded his son Koah holding his newborn sibling.
Koah joked, saying he was doing his dad's job while holding the baby.
Koah's mom, Ashlyn, trusted Koah with the baby briefly while she used the bathroom.
The video has gone viral on TikTok, reaching 1.9 million views.
Many viewers noted the familiar experience of older siblings helping care for younger siblings.
Kenzy was amused by Koah’s dry sense of humor, which is similar to Kenzy's own.
Responses to the video were mainly positive, with many people sharing similar experiences.
A large fire broke out in an apartment block in Denver, Colorado, causing injuries to one firefighter and extensive evacuations. Over 100 firefighters worked to control the severe five-alarm fire. An emergency shelter was opened for displaced residents, but no other injuries were reported.
Key Facts
A massive fire occurred in Denver, Colorado, affecting an entire apartment block.
The fire started at around 6:45 p.m. local time on a Friday.
One firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital.
Over 100 firefighters were involved in firefighting efforts.
The fire led to the evacuation of 20 residential blocks.
The American Red Cross of Colorado set up an emergency shelter for evacuees.
There are no reports of other injuries at this time.
Several states in the United States have competitive governor races coming up in the 2026 elections. These races could change which party controls the governor's office in key states like Arizona and Georgia. Political experts believe these races will be influenced by national and local issues, including the economy and President Trump’s popularity.
Key Facts
The U.S. midterm elections in 2026 will have several competitive governor races.
Currently, 27 states have Republican governors and 23 have Democratic governors.
Arizona, with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, is expected to have a tight race, with various Republicans challenging her.
Early polls in Arizona show close competition between Hobbs and Republican candidates like Andy Biggs.
Georgia's governor race is also considered highly competitive, with both Democratic and Republican candidates running.
Georgia has not had a Democratic governor in over 20 years but is seeing demographic changes that may influence the race.
National and state-specific issues, such as the economy and President Trump's approval ratings, could affect the outcomes.
Zohran Mamdani has become the new Mayor of New York City and plans to make living in the city more affordable. His main goals include offering free public transportation, universal childcare, and freezing rent hikes. However, funding these initiatives might be difficult due to budget shortfalls, needing state government support and potential federal government conflicts.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the Mayor of New York City.
Mamdani plans to offer universal childcare and free public buses.
He aims to freeze rent hikes for subsidized housing.
Finding money for these projects is a challenge because of budget shortfalls.
Mamdani proposes taxes on the wealthy to raise up to $9 billion.
Changes in tax policy require state government approval.
President Trump criticized Mamdani before the election but later expressed some support.
Potential conflicts with federal policies, especially on immigration, might arise.
The article discusses strategies for easing back into work after the Christmas break. Experts suggest ways to reduce stress and anxiety about returning to work, such as planning ahead, reducing mental clutter, and setting up routines. It emphasizes that feeling overwhelmed returning to work is common, and suggests steps to transition smoothly.
Key Facts
The return to work after holidays can cause reluctance, anxiety, and low energy.
"Sunday blues" is common, often due to anticipatory stress about Monday.
Planning Monday's tasks on Friday can help create a smoother transition.
Keeping Sunday evenings calm helps lower stress.
Packing work items and laying out clothes the night before can reduce mental clutter.
Writing down worries or tasks can help clear the mind and improve sleep.
January is suggested as a good time for a work reset and to notice what tasks drain energy.
Structuring time more intentionally can help manage feelings of being overwhelmed.
President Trump's administration has increased political pressure on the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts recently released a report highlighting the importance of judicial independence but did not address current political conflicts directly. Legal analysts have expressed concern about the Court's role amid heightened scrutiny and public skepticism.
Key Facts
Chief Justice John Roberts released a year-end report on the Supreme Court.
The report emphasizes the history and principles of judicial independence.
President Trump's administration has raised political pressure on the judiciary.
The report did not specifically discuss recent political conflicts.
Roberts mentioned historical events, like Justice Samuel Chase's impeachment attempt, to highlight judicial independence.
Critics noted the absence of direct comments on President Trump’s criticism of the judiciary.
The report has sparked debate on the role and response of the Court in political matters.
Millions of people in the United States are dealing with much higher health insurance costs. Disagreements over government healthcare funding were a key reason for a long government shutdown last year, but there is still no solution. As of January 1, 24 million people's healthcare costs went up a lot.
Key Facts
Millions of Americans face higher health insurance costs.
Government funding disagreements led to a 43-day US government shutdown last year.
The shutdown was the longest in US history.
Republicans and Democrats did not agree on continuing healthcare funding.
On January 1, healthcare costs increased for 24 million people.
Experts involved in the discussion include a health economist, a physician, and a political strategist.
A U.S. judge has ordered Brian Cole to stay in jail before his trial for allegedly planting pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national parties in January 2021. The judge believes releasing Cole could pose a danger to the public. Cole is accused of trying to cause fear on the day supporters of President Trump stormed the Capitol.
Key Facts
Brian Cole is charged with planting pipe bombs near Democratic and Republican party headquarters on January 5, 2021.
A federal judge ruled that he should stay in jail before his trial because he might be a danger to the public.
Cole reportedly admitted to placing the bombs and hoped they would explode and make news.
Prosecutors say the bombs could have caused serious harm if they had gone off.
Cole's lawyers argued he should be released on home detention, citing his mental health conditions.
Cole continued to buy bomb-making materials even months after the incident, according to prosecutors.
If found guilty, Cole could face up to 30 years in prison for the charges against him.
Palestinian rights groups are applauding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for canceling pro-Israel orders put in place by the previous mayor, Eric Adams. Mayor Mamdani removed these orders on his first day in office, which has been criticized by the Israeli government. One of the revoked orders restricted criticism and boycotts of Israel, which advocates argued limited free speech.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City.
On his first day, he canceled several pro-Israel executive orders from the previous mayor, Eric Adams.
One canceled order had limited the ability of city officials to engage in actions deemed critical of Israel.
The canceled orders were seen by advocates as restricting free speech and were called "unconstitutional."
The Israeli government criticized Mamdani's actions, calling them antisemitic.
Palestinian rights groups support Mamdani's decision, saying it protects free speech and Palestinian dignity.
The previous orders included a definition of antisemitism that some argued could suppress criticism of Israel.
Israeli officials used derogatory language against Mamdani's decision, suggesting ties to Islamist groups, which he does not have.
The measles outbreak in South Carolina has increased to 185 cases, mainly affecting individuals who are not fully vaccinated. Health officials emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine, as measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. due to vaccination but is resurging now.
Key Facts
The outbreak in South Carolina reached 185 cases.
Most of those infected had not received the MMR vaccine.
Only one fully vaccinated person was infected.
Measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to the MMR vaccine.
U.S. MMR vaccination rates have decreased in recent years.
Measles is highly contagious; one infected person can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people.
The MMR vaccine is recommended for children early in life.
Vaccine hesitancy is linked to policies during President Trump's administration.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is focusing on worksite enforcement in response to fraud allegations at child care centers in Minnesota. ICE, part of DHS, is actively investigating these claims and sharing updates on social media. President Trump and DHS officials emphasize the importance of addressing fraud and ensuring taxpayer funds are not misused.
Key Facts
ICE is increasing worksite enforcement due to fraud claims at child care centers in Minnesota.
A video by YouTuber Nick Shirley raised awareness about these fraud allegations.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel are involved in the investigation.
The local U.S. Attorney's Office charged six individuals related to the fraud.
DHS is sharing videos of investigations as part of their effort to be transparent.
Employee verification through E-Verify is part of DHS investigations.
The operation in Minnesota, called Operation Twin Shield, began in September.
President Trump highlighted this issue at a Cabinet meeting in December.
Federal authorities in the U.S. arrested Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old from Mint Hill, North Carolina, on charges of planning a terrorist attack inspired by ISIL. His targets were a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant, and he was arrested on New Year’s Eve. Sturdivant faces charges for trying to support a foreign terrorist group and could face up to 20 years in prison.
Key Facts
Christian Sturdivant, aged 18, was arrested by federal authorities in North Carolina.
He allegedly planned a terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve targeting a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant.
He is charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIL, a foreign terrorist organization.
Sturdivant made his first court appearance and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities described Sturdivant as a "prolific social media user" who previously tried to contact ISIL online.
Initial FBI interest arose in 2022 when Sturdivant was about 14 and attempted to contact ISIL.
Before his arrest, Sturdivant allegedly contacted undercover officers and posted threatening messages online.
