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.
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the Mayor of New York City with a large public event that included a seven-block-long party. The event featured political figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, who highlighted the progressive movement’s goals for the city. Mamdani emphasized themes of unity and affordability in his speeches.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became the Mayor of New York City, taking the oath at a special event on New Year's Day.
The ceremony included a public celebration that stretched across seven blocks.
Political figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders attended and spoke at the event.
Mamdani used a Quran for the swearing-in that belonged to his grandfather and another historic one from the New York Public Library.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in the cold weather to witness the event.
A public block party was held as part of the inauguration to make it accessible to more people.
Mamdani, along with other city leaders, discussed themes of unity and making life more affordable for New Yorkers.
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City's mayor, becoming the city's first Muslim leader. On his first day, he signed executive orders to address housing issues and maintained the Office to Combat Antisemitism. Mamdani emphasized his commitment to governing as a Democratic socialist.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City and is the city's first Muslim mayor.
He took the oath of office using a historic Quran and was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Mamdani signed executive orders targeting the housing crisis in NYC.
He reversed several executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams following Adams' legal issues.
Mamdani reaffirmed the importance of the Office to Combat Antisemitism.
He is committed to his principles as a Democratic socialist and plans to govern "expansively and audaciously."
Mamdani is the first NYC mayor of South Asian descent and was born in Africa.
Photos from the inauguration ceremony included appearances by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
President Donald Trump discussed his health in an interview, stating that it is "perfect," despite public discussions about his age and health. He said he takes a high dose of aspirin and does not exercise regularly. Trump's doctor confirmed that a CT scan showed no heart problems.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump claims his health is "perfect" despite concerns about aging.
He takes more aspirin than often recommended, specifically 325 mg daily.
Trump finds regular exercise boring but plays golf.
He uses makeup to cover hand bruises, which he says happen easily due to aspirin usage.
Trump had a CT scan, not an MRI, at Walter Reed Medical Center; results showed no heart issues.
He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, common in older adults, but chooses not to use compression socks.
Trump denies falling asleep during meetings, saying he sometimes relaxes by closing his eyes.
His doctor stated Trump is in "exceptional health" for his duties as President.
President Trump addressed questions about his health in a Wall Street Journal interview. At 79, he said his health is perfect and defended his choice of medical tests and medications. He also commented on various health rumors and shared his views on exercise and genetics.
Key Facts
President Trump is 79 years old and is the oldest U.S. President ever to take office.
He dismissed concerns about his health, stating it is "perfect."
Trump regretted getting certain medical imaging tests as they led to unnecessary health scrutiny.
He clarified that he had a CT scan, not an MRI, during a medical exam.
Trump attributes bruises on his hand to taking higher doses of aspirin for heart issues.
He claims to be a light sleeper and explained closing his eyes as relaxing, not falling asleep.
Trump denied having hearing problems but finds it hard to hear when many people talk at once.
He described exercise other than golf as uninteresting, attributing his good health to genetics.
President Trump explained that bruises on his hand are due to taking a higher dose of aspirin for heart health. He stated that the aspirin helps thin his blood, which can cause bruising.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned taking higher doses of aspirin, which can cause bruising.
The aspirin is used as a preventive measure for heart health.
Doctors suggest a lower dose, but he prefers the current dose due to superstition.
President Trump refers to aspirin's ability to thin the blood.
An incident with Attorney General Pam Bondi caused his hand to bleed at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
To cover any future bruises, President Trump uses makeup on his hands.
A group of federal employees in the U.S. has filed a complaint against President Donald Trump's administration. They oppose a new policy that stops federal health insurance from covering gender-affirming care. The complaint claims the policy is unfair and aims to have it reversed.
Key Facts
The complaint was filed by federal government employees.
The policy removes health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation filed the complaint.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is named in the complaint.
The policy is set to start fully in 2026.
The complaint claims the policy discriminates based on sex.
It seeks to overturn the policy and obtain compensation for damages.
There is potential for a class action lawsuit if the issue is not resolved.
President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about his health and age in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. He clarified that he had undergone a CT scan, not an MRI, and emphasized that his health is perfect. Trump, currently 79 years old, also noted that he takes aspirin and explained that media reports of him nodding off were exaggerated.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke with The Wall Street Journal about his health and fitness.
He clarified a previous statement, confirming he had a CT scan, not an MRI.
Trump addressed concerns about his age, being 79, and would be 82 by the end of his second term.
He denied falling asleep at public meetings, attributing such reports to media misinterpretations.
Trump takes aspirin, believing it helps to thin his blood.
He has reduced his schedule to concentrate on more essential meetings, stating it's unrelated to his alertness.
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the mayor of New York City. He is the first Muslim to become the mayor of the city and is a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist.
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor. His leadership, focused on democratic socialist principles, sparked reactions from conservative figures. His plans include freezing rents, expanding public childcare, and investing in public transit.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
He identifies as a democratic socialist and aims to enact related policies.
His inauguration featured religious prayers, cultural performances, and progressive themes.
Prominent conservative figures criticized Mamdani's religious faith and political views.
Mamdani defeated Curtis Sliwa and Andrew Cuomo in a closely watched election.
He plans to freeze rents, provide free city buses, and offer universal childcare.
New York recorded its highest mayoral voter turnout in decades for this election.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, faced online criticism for wearing $630 boots from the brand Miista during an event. Critics questioned the cost of her boots given Mamdani's Democratic Socialist policies, which focus on affordability for New Yorkers. The discussion highlighted disparities between political statements and personal lifestyle choices.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City and part of the Democratic Socialist movement.
His wife, Rama Duwaji, wore boots costing $630 from the brand Miista during an event.
Critics on social media questioned the cost of the boots, given Mamdani's policies on economic equality and affordability.
The boots were photographed at the midnight swearing-in ceremony held in an abandoned City Hall Subway station.
Some social media users suggested alternative ways the boots could have been acquired, like through thrift stores or as gifts.
Rama Duwaji is a Syrian-American artist based in Brooklyn, known for her politically themed artwork.
The couple previously lived in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens.
President Donald Trump has delayed tariffs on some furniture and cabinets for one year due to concerns about living costs. These tariffs were initially set for 50% on cabinets and 30% on furniture. He also agreed to reduce tariffs on certain imported Italian pasta products.
Key Facts
President Trump delayed a planned 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture for one year.
The existing 25% tariff on these products remains in place since September.
Rising prices and living costs are significant concerns for U.S. voters before the 2026 midterm elections.
A December poll showed 30% blamed tariffs for high prices, and 32% said Trump is fully responsible for the economy's state.
The U.S. agreed to lower tariffs on Italian pasta from certain companies, reducing them from 92% to as low as 2.26%.
President Trump argued that the furniture tariffs support American industry and national security.
During Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration in New York City, a person displayed a photo related to the Gaza conflict, highlighting Mamdani's controversial stance on Israel. Mamdani emphasized his commitment to being an inclusive leader for all New Yorkers, despite differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Key Facts
A photo of Hind Rajab, a girl allegedly killed by Israeli forces, was shown during Mamdani's inauguration.
The Gaza conflict was central to Mamdani's campaign, and he faced criticism for his views on Israel.
Mamdani stated he aims to be a mayor for everyone in New York, regardless of religion.
Religious leaders, including a rabbi and imam, stood with Mamdani during the event.
Mamdani highlighted New York City's diversity, mentioning his own experiences growing up there.
Concerns about Mamdani's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may persist during his time as mayor.
President Trump has implemented several goals from the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 during his first year back in office. These goals involve changes in government structure, education, reproductive rights, and immigration policies. Many goals have been achieved, but others remain to be addressed in 2026.
Key Facts
Project 2025 is a set of goals put together by the conservative Heritage Foundation.
President Trump has enacted several goals from this project since he began his second term in 2025.
The administration has focused on reshaping the federal government and recognizing only two genders.
In education, the Trump administration aims to dismantle the Department of Education and alter funding for special education.
The project also sought to remove Head Start, a program for low-income families, but this has not been fully enforced.
About half of Project 2025’s goals regarding reproductive rights are either completed or in progress.
Immigration reforms are a major focus, with recommendations for changes to the Department of Homeland Security.
Some proposals, like revoking the week-after-pill and some healthcare legislation, have not yet been fully realized.
Zohran Mamdani, in his inaugural speech as New York City's mayor, mentioned President Trump. Mamdani spoke about the diverse support he received, including some who previously voted for Trump, and criticized the current political system for failing many people.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became the mayor of New York City.
In his speech, he referenced President Donald Trump.
Mamdani noted that some of his supporters previously voted for Trump.
He described his voter base as diverse and not fitting into typical political categories.
Mamdani criticized the current political system and its established order.
He supports moving away from traditional political politeness to address hidden issues.
People in the U.S. are expecting higher healthcare costs because government help to lower these costs is ending. A Texas family is starting the new year without health insurance because their monthly payments went from $630 to $2,400. Many people are in a similar situation, as Congress has not agreed on a plan to continue this financial assistance.
Key Facts
A Texas mother's health insurance payment jumped from $630 to $2,400 a month starting in 2026.
Her husband's medicine costs $70,000 monthly without insurance, so the family kept extra supplies to last a few months.
Many Americans are facing higher healthcare costs as financial help from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ends.
About 24 million people buy health insurance through ACA, which offered tax credits or subsidies to help pay for it.
These subsidies began with the ACA in 2014 and were increased during COVID-19.
Congress has not agreed on a plan to extend the subsidies, leading to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Without subsidies, healthcare costs could rise by an average of 114%.
Some Americans find it cheaper to pay a fine for not having insurance than to pay for expensive health plans.
In December, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation expanding a travel ban that stops the issuing of adoption visas from 39 countries. This affects several visas used for child adoption from countries like Nigeria, Haiti, and Venezuela, as part of a policy focusing on national security.
Key Facts
President Trump expanded a travel ban affecting adoption from 39 countries.
The ban impacts IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, and IH-4 adoption visas.
Countries affected include Nigeria, Haiti, and Venezuela.
The policy is presented as a national security measure.
The State Department suspended several family-based visas.
Restrictions include countries previously listed and others like Burkina Faso and Syria.
Exemptions to the ban may be allowed if deemed in the national interest.
Zohran Mamdani became New York City's mayor after using social media to reach young voters. He must now keep these supporters engaged as he works with President Trump. His social media approach helped him gain popularity, especially among voters under 30.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
Mamdani used social media to connect with young voters and promote his policies.
About 75% of voters under 30 in New York City supported Mamdani.
Experts note Mamdani's ability to mix lightheartedness with serious topics on social media.
President Trump and Mamdani had an unexpectedly cordial meeting in November.
During his campaign, President Trump portrayed Mamdani as an extremist.
Mamdani's relationship with President Trump could impact his ability to achieve his goals as mayor.
President Donald Trump discussed his health and a recent CT scan in an interview. He explained that he had the scan as a preventive measure and not because of any specific health issues. The White House clarified that his health screenings showed no abnormalities.
Key Facts
President Trump had a CT scan in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The scan was part of a preventive screening for men of his age.
Trump's doctor confirmed the results were normal with no health issues found.
Trump originally mentioned having an MRI but later clarified it was a CT scan.
The president had swelling in his ankles due to chronic venous insufficiency.
Trump takes aspirin daily, which he says helps prevent heart issues.
He expressed some regret about the scan due to public speculation about his health.
The White House stated there is nothing to hide regarding Trump's health.
