New Social Security rules in the United States are being implemented, affecting benefit amounts and retirement ages. Changes include a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that increases benefits by 2.8% and new income limits impacting benefit eligibility. These updates are intended to address inflation and benefit planning for over 70 million Americans.
Key Facts
Social Security benefits increase by 2.8% due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
The average monthly benefit rises from $2,015 to $2,071.
The maximum monthly benefit for high earners increases to $5,251.
Full retirement age is set at 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954, and 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
An earnings test withholds $1 for every $2 or $3 earned above set limits for workers under or at full retirement age, respectively.
Disability income limits are adjusted to $2,830 for blind beneficiaries and $1,690 for non-blind beneficiaries.
Protections like the "hold harmless" rule exist for certain beneficiaries to ensure benefits do not decrease due to Medicare premiums.
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as mayor of New York City on January 1, becoming the first Muslim and Asian American to hold this position. On his first day in office, he signed several executive orders, including changes in city leadership roles and new measures to address housing issues.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became New York City’s mayor on January 1, 2023.
He is the first Muslim and Asian American to serve as mayor of New York City.
Mamdani is the youngest person to hold this office since 1892.
On his first day, he revoked all executive orders issued after September 26, 2024, by the previous mayor, Eric Adams.
He established five deputy mayor positions with clearly defined roles.
Mamdani introduced an Office to Protect Tenants and appointed Cea Weaver as its director.
He created the LIFT task force to speed up the development of city-owned land.
A SPEED task force was also created to streamline development procedures.
Minnesota has started a new paid leave program for workers. It allows people to take time off for medical reasons, to care for family, or to bond with a new baby. The program is funded by a payroll tax and can last up to 20 weeks per year.
Key Facts
Minnesota's paid leave program started for workers in the state.
The program covers medical leave, family care, and bonding with a newborn.
Military families and individuals facing safety issues like domestic violence can also use the program.
Workers can get 55% to 90% of their regular pay while on leave, up to a weekly limit.
The leave program applies to nearly all workers, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
Leave can be taken for up to 20 weeks each year.
The program is funded by a payroll tax shared by employers and employees.
Requests for leave are made to the state, and employers are informed of applications.
President Donald Trump stopped his motorcade in Florida to buy marble and onyx for a new White House ballroom. The ballroom will be part of a 90,000-square-foot expansion and is expected to cost $400 million, with funding from private donors, including Trump himself.
Key Facts
President Trump stopped at a shopping center in Florida to purchase marble and onyx.
The materials are for a new White House ballroom he is building.
The ballroom project is part of a 90,000-square-foot addition to the White House.
Initially, the project was estimated to cost $200 million but later increased to $400 million.
The ballroom aims to seat 999 people, larger than current White House dining spaces.
Funding comes from private donations, including contributions from Trump.
The expansion involved demolishing the East Wing of the White House.
The project has faced criticism from historians and preservationists due to its impact on White House history.
A married couple, Spencer and Monique Tepe, were found dead from gunshot wounds in their Columbus, Ohio home. Their two young children were found unharmed. Police are investigating the case as a homicide.
Key Facts
Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead in their home in Columbus, Ohio.
The couple was married in 2021, approaching their fifth anniversary.
Their two children were found in the home and were not harmed.
Police received a call for a well-being check, leading to the discovery of the bodies.
Spencer Tepe worked as a dentist at Athens Dental Depot.
The police are investigating the deaths as a homicide.
The Columbus Police Homicide Unit is seeking information from the public.
Dr. Mark Valrose, Spencer’s colleague, called for the welfare check when Spencer did not show up for work.
President Donald Trump's health has been a topic of public discussion following his interview with The Wall Street Journal. Questions about his health include concerns about his age, bruises, and supposed instances of dozing off. The interview intended to clear doubts but instead raised more questions about his health transparency.
Key Facts
President Trump is 79 years old, making him one of the oldest U.S. presidents inaugurated.
His health has been under scrutiny due to bruised hands, ankle swelling, and moments that look like he is dozing off.
Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which can cause leg swelling and is common in older adults.
He takes a higher than typical dose of aspirin, from 81 mg to 325 mg, for blood thinning.
There was confusion over medical imaging tests; a CT scan was mistaken for an MRI initially.
Both supporters and opponents have different views on the significance and transparency of his health information.
Conservatives highlight his active lifestyle, while critics question shifting explanations and communication about his health.
Five states in the U.S. will restrict what people can buy with SNAP (food stamps) benefits, focusing on cutting out less healthy items like soda and candy. These changes began under federal waivers approved by the Trump administration, aiming to improve public health. Different rules are in place in different states, with more states planning similar changes soon.
Key Facts
SNAP, also called food stamps, helps over 40 million low-income Americans buy groceries.
Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia are starting these new SNAP restrictions.
The aim is to prevent purchases of "junk foods," like those with high sugar or fat.
Restrictions vary: Indiana and Iowa target soft drinks and candy, while Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia focus on sodas.
These SNAP changes come from Republican-led states, with only Colorado and Hawaii as Democratic-led participants.
So far, 18 states have been approved to restrict certain SNAP purchases.
President Trump supports these changes to enhance nutrition and address health issues.
More states, including Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, have waivers approved for similar actions.
President Donald Trump plans to make big changes to a golf course at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. This course is known as the "president's golf course," but Trump hasn't played there yet.
Key Facts
President Trump is planning a big project for a military golf course near the White House.
The golf course is located at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
It's often called the "president's golf course."
Many past presidents, including Barack Obama, have played there.
Obama played at this course about 110 times during his presidency.
The course is about 15 miles from the White House.
President Trump has spent much of his recent vacation golfing in Florida.
In 1998, a survey asked Americans to predict changes by 2025. Many expected a Black president and legal same-sex marriage, both of which came true. Other predictions, like a cure for cancer and the election of a female president, have not yet happened.
Key Facts
In 1998, over 1,000 Americans predicted future changes for 2025 in a survey by Gallup and USA Today.
69% believed a Black president would be elected by 2025, which occurred in 2008 with Barack Obama.
74% expected same-sex marriage to be legal, as it became nationwide in 2015.
76% anticipated a deadly new disease; the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.
Some predictions did not happen, such as electing a female president or curing cancer.
Many forecasted increased online shopping and remote work, which has become common.
The survey indicated concerns about reduced privacy and personal freedom.
New data shows that the number of young children is decreasing in many U.S. cities, especially in the western states like Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. The U.S. fertility rate stands at 1.6 births per woman, below the 2.1 needed to maintain the population without immigration. This shift in birth rates is changing the age makeup of the population and may affect labor markets and social systems.
Key Facts
Birth rates are dropping fastest in western U.S. cities, particularly in Utah, Colorado, and Nevada.
Utah cities such as Logan, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Salt Lake City have seen significant declines in the share of young children.
The average fertility rate in the U.S. is 1.6 births per woman, below the replacement rate of 2.1 births.
People in the U.S. are living longer, with women’s life expectancy at 82.5 years and men’s at 77.7 years.
Lower birth rates can relieve pressure on housing and schools but might strain the economy and elder care systems.
In Utah, cultural and religious factors, particularly among the Latter-day Saints, have historically led to higher birth rates.
The Institute for Family Studies found links between religious practices and birth rates, noting a connection especially seen within religious communities.
Economic shifts, like those from the 2008 financial crisis, are contributing to lower birth rates nationwide.
Minnesota suspended thousands of borrowers due to suspected fraud involving loans from federal programs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) reviewed these loans and found potential fraud, leading to suspending 6,900 borrowers. Federal law enforcement continues to investigate, with some cases referred for legal action.
Key Facts
The SBA reviewed loans in Minnesota, uncovering potential fraud in 6,900 borrowers.
These loans included Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds.
Nearly $400 million in loans were tied to these potentially fraudulent activities.
The SBA will refer appropriate cases to federal law enforcement for legal action.
Allegations of fraud add to existing issues in Minnesota, where previous fraud cases have already led to prosecutions.
Federal investigations in Minnesota are expanding, with the FBI involved.
The SBA paused $5.5 million in annual funding to Minnesota amid ongoing investigations.
A video alleging misuse of taxpayer funds in Minnesota day care centers has garnered major public and political attention.
President Donald Trump announced that White House doctors told him he is in "perfect health." He shared on Truth Social that he successfully completed a cognitive test for the third time.
Key Facts
President Trump says he is in "perfect health."
He reported passing a cognitive test for the third time.
The announcement was made on Truth Social.
This news is part of a breaking story, suggesting more updates may follow.
The cognitive test refers to assessments that check mental functions like memory and thinking skills.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has given over $77 million in grants to help expand and improve state-run Veterans cemeteries. This funding includes support for 20 existing cemeteries and the creation of Alaska's first state Veterans cemetery. The grants aim to provide better burial access for Veterans and their families.
Key Facts
The VA's grants total more than $77 million for Veterans cemeteries.
Projects in 20 state cemeteries, including Alaska's first, will receive funding.
The funding helps ensure burial access for Veterans and their families.
Over 43,705 burials took place in cemeteries funded by these grants in fiscal year 2025.
The grants help states manage future burial space needs and cover construction costs.
Funding specifics include $16.7 million for a new cemetery in Alaska and $12.8 million for expansion in Texas.
Since 1980, the VA has given over $1.1 billion to support 124 Veterans cemeteries in the U.S.
More than 94% of U.S. Veterans live within 75 miles of a Veterans cemetery due to the VA’s efforts.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City removed some social media posts about antisemitism after taking office. The posts, originally shared by former Mayor Eric Adams, praised efforts to combat antisemitism. The removal led to criticism from a Jewish civil rights group, but Mamdani's team claimed it was part of standard archiving.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office on January 1.
He is New York City's first Muslim mayor.
The @NYCMayor account removed posts from December 31 about fighting antisemitism.
These posts were initially shared by former Mayor Eric Adams.
The National Jewish Advocacy Center criticized the removal as concerning.
Mamdani’s team stated the removal was for archiving previous posts.
Concerns about antisemitism have been growing in the U.S.
The American Jewish Committee reported increased antisemitism perceptions among Jewish Americans.
Podcaster Joe Rogan has criticized the Trump administration's immigration enforcement, claiming it focuses on meeting quotas instead of prioritizing serious criminals. President Trump's administration has faced criticism for ICE's aggressive actions, which some say target nonviolent immigrants. During a podcast, Rogan shared concerns about the impact on long-term U.S. residents who lack citizenship documentation.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan criticized ICE's enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.
In 2025, President Trump’s return to office brought changes such as a significant decrease in illegal immigration, lower gas prices, and a drop in violent crime. The Trump administration aims to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, challenge birthright citizenship laws, and improve housing affordability in 2026.
Key Facts
In 2025, President Trump returned to the Oval Office.
Illegal immigration from the southern border decreased by over 90%.
National gas prices were the lowest they had been in nearly five years.
Violent crime, including murders and robberies, significantly decreased.
The Trump administration is working toward a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The administration is challenging birthright citizenship laws in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Plans for 2026 include focusing on improving housing affordability and reducing living costs.
The IRS has announced a new tax deduction policy that benefits U.S. citizens who take out loans to buy new American-made cars for personal use. This policy change is a result of a law signed by President Donald Trump and begins with loans taken out after December 31, 2024. It allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 annually in car loan interest, but has specific requirements and exclusions.
Key Facts
This new tax deduction applies to interest on loans for new, U.S.-assembled vehicles bought for personal use.
Loans must be taken out after December 31, 2024, to qualify for the deduction.
Taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 each year in interest on qualifying vehicle loans.
Vehicles that are used, leased, or purchased for business are not eligible.
Taxpayers can claim the deduction whether they itemize or take the standard deduction.
The estimated cost of this provision is $31 billion over the next ten years.
Lower-income households, likely to buy used cars, may not benefit from this deduction.
The public can comment on the new regulations until February 2, and the IRS will finalize the tax season start date in January 2026.
The IRS has announced changes for the tax year 2026. The updates include adjustments to tax brackets, deductions, and tax credits, largely due to legislative changes and modest inflation. These changes will affect how much individuals and couples pay in taxes when they file in 2027.
Key Facts
The IRS adjusts tax numbers each year to prevent "bracket creep," where inflation might push taxpayers into higher tax brackets.
Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the IRS uses a measure called the Chained Consumer Price Index (C-CPI) to adjust these figures.
In July 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, making many provisions from President Donald Trump's 2017 tax law permanent.
The IRS expects a 2.7% rise in inflation-adjusted tax numbers for 2026.
For 2026, the standard deduction increases by $350 for single filers and $700 for joint filers compared to 2025.
Taxpayers aged 65 and older can claim an extra deduction of $2,050 if single, or $1,650 if filing jointly.
A new $6,000 senior deduction is available, with restrictions based on income.
All 2026 updates apply to that tax year, influencing returns filed in early 2027.
The Trump administration decided to end a nonprofit group's long-term lease to operate three public golf courses in Washington, D.C. The decision surprised the National Links Trust, which disputes claims that it breached lease terms. The group had invested in improvements and community programs at the courses.
Key Facts
The Trump administration terminated a 50-year lease with the National Links Trust (NLT) for three public golf courses in Washington, D.C.
NLT managed East Potomac, Rock Creek Park, and Langston golf courses for five years.
The Interior Department claimed NLT did not make required investments and did not pay rent.
NLT disputes the claims, stating it invested over $8.5 million and met lease obligations.
The NLT's investments improved course usage and kept fees low.
NLT's community programs include offering summer jobs to nearly 200 local high school students.
The nonprofit plans to continue operating temporarily but paused long-term projects due to uncertainty.
Scott Adams, the creator of the "Dilbert" comic strip, has said he has almost no chance of recovering from his cancer. He has prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Adams shared the news during a live broadcast and mentioned additional health challenges.
Key Facts
Scott Adams is the creator of the "Dilbert" comic strip.
He has prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
Adams stated his chances of recovering are nearly zero.
He shared this information during a live stream on New Year's Day.
He mentioned he has ongoing heart complications.
Adams said there is no chance he will regain feeling in his legs.
He plans to continue his work as long as he is able.
Adams talked about January possibly being a significant month for him.
