A strong winter storm is affecting several U.S. states on New Year’s Day, with snowfall expected to reach up to 4 feet in some areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for multiple states, warning that travel will be difficult and power outages may occur due to heavy snow and winds.
Key Facts
A winter storm is impacting six U.S. states, with snowfall up to 4 feet in some regions.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages.
States affected include New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Maine, and parts of Alaska.
Lake-effect snow in New York could lead to travel difficulties due to up to 4 feet of snow.
West Virginia could see 3 to 10 inches of snow, with strong winds worsening conditions.
Maryland is facing near-blizzard conditions with up to 10 inches of snow in some areas.
Pennsylvania's hazardous conditions include 4 to 9 inches of snow and gusty winds.
Maine and Alaska could experience several inches of snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions.
Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, using a Quran for the ceremony. He used copies of the Quran from his grandparents and a historic one loaned by the New York Public Library, which was part of a collection by Arturo Schomburg, a noted historian. Mamdani's campaign highlighted the diversity of New York, and he is among a few U.S. politicians who have taken the oath with a Quran.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City and the first Muslim and South Asian to hold this position.
He was sworn in using a Quran, including a 200-year-old copy from the New York Public Library.
The historic Quran was once owned by Arturo Schomburg, a significant figure in Black history.
Schomburg's collection became part of the NYPL's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Mamdani's swearing-in ceremony took place at an unused subway station under Times Square.
New York mayors do not have to use a religious text for their oath, but past mayors have often used a Bible.
Mamdani has shared his thoughts on Islamophobia in the U.S., especially after the September 11 attacks.
Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the new mayor of New York City. He is the first Muslim and youngest person in generations to hold this position in the city. Mamdani is also New York's first mayor of South Asian descent and the first born in Africa.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City.
He is the first Muslim mayor of the city.
Mamdani is the youngest mayor in New York City in generations.
He is the first mayor of South Asian descent in the city.
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda.
He was sworn in at an old subway station in Manhattan.
A public ceremony will be held at City Hall with US Senator Bernie Sanders.
His plans include policies for free child care, free buses, a rent freeze, and city-run grocery stores.
Flags in four U.S. states—Delaware, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Wyoming—are ordered to fly at half-staff to honor recent local tragedies and losses. This gesture is meant to show respect for fallen officers, public servants, and victims of violence.
Key Facts
Flags in Delaware will be at half-staff from December 23, 2025, to January 5, 2026, to honor State Trooper Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, killed on duty.
Louisiana will observe four days of mourning from January 1-4, 2026, for the 14 victims of the 2025 New Orleans terrorist truck attack.
Tennessee will lower flags at the State Capitol and state buildings on January 5, 2026, remembering Deputy Sheriff Justin Bradford Mowery, who died in a car crash.
Wyoming flags will remain at half-staff until dusk on January 5, 2026, in honor of Judy Catchpole, a former state official.
The flag-lowering acts are a mark of respect and reflection on the sacrifices of public servants and the impact of violent events.
Authorities call for community participation, such as ringing bells, to further honor victims.
Future orders for lowering flags will adhere to state and federal guidelines.
The People's Union USA is calling for a boycott of five major U.S. companies: Amazon, Home Depot, Starbucks, Target, and Walmart. They are encouraging this boycott to push for changes in corporate practices, such as tax fairness and social responsibility. The impact of these boycotts on the companies' sales is still uncertain.
Key Facts
The People’s Union USA is promoting a boycott of five major companies: Amazon, Home Depot, Starbucks, Target, and Walmart.
The group's founder, John Schwarz, announced the boycott on Instagram, highlighting corporate accountability and fair tax practices.
Calls for boycotts have increased since President Donald Trump began his second term.
Boycotts are a protest method used to create financial pressure on companies by reducing consumer spending.
The effectiveness of these boycotts in impacting company sales is not clear.
Walmart stated its commitment to paying taxes and contributing to community growth through donations and job creation.
Home Depot clarified its non-involvement with immigration enforcement activities.
The People’s Union USA shares boycott lists regularly, and these campaigns frequently spread online.
A federal judge stopped the Trump administration's attempt to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 60,000 migrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. This ruling blocks a previous decision to cancel TPS, which allows these migrants to live and work legally in the U.S. due to conditions in their home countries, like natural disasters.
Key Facts
A judge ruled against ending TPS for 60,000 migrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua.
TPS lets people from affected countries live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
The Trump administration wanted to end TPS for these countries, saying they had recovered from past disasters.
Judge Trina Thompson declared this move unlawful in a detailed ruling.
TPS was initially provided to Honduras and Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch and to Nepal after an earthquake.
An earlier ruling by Judge Thompson was paused by an appeals court but is now back in effect.
TPS affects 50,000 Hondurans, 7,000 Nepalis, and 3,000 Nicaraguans.
Separately, a judge in Massachusetts stopped deportations of South Sudanese nationals under the TPS program.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff at the White House, danced to the song "Ice Ice Baby" at a New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago. A video showing them dancing was shared on social media by Miller's wife and has gained over 50,000 views.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Stephen Miller is the White House deputy chief of staff.
The two danced at a New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago.
They danced to the 1990 song "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice.
Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, shared a video of the dance on X (formerly known as Twitter).
A pollution warning for "very unhealthy" air was issued in parts of Texas, urging thousands of residents to stay indoors. The warning came as pollution levels were reported to be high, posing health risks, especially for sensitive groups like older adults and children.
Key Facts
Texas issued an air pollution warning, labeling the air as "very unhealthy."
The warning affected areas such as Socorro and San Elizario.
Fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, was the main concern.
The EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) uses a scale from 0 to 301+, with higher numbers indicating more risk.
"Purple" on the AQI signals "very unhealthy" air, meaning increased health risks for everyone.
People in affected zones are advised to stay indoors, close windows, and use air filters.
The EPA recommends limiting or avoiding outdoor activities during such alerts.
Zohran Mamdani gave his first speech as the new mayor of New York City. He spoke at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan, where he also announced Mike Flynn as the new commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City.
He delivered his first speech at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan.
During his speech, Mamdani appointed Mike Flynn as the new Department of Transportation commissioner.
Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
He described the subway station as important to the city's health and vitality.
Mamdani wrote on social media, marking his account as the official mayoral page, saying it was "a new era for NYC."
President Trump began America's 250th birthday celebrations with a light show on the Washington Monument during New Year's Eve. The event is part of the "America 250" celebrations, featuring various national projects throughout the year. The initiative includes plans for sports events and other commemorations highlighting the country's history and future.
Key Facts
President Trump started the 250th U.S. anniversary celebrations with a light display on the Washington Monument.
The six-day art installation is part of yearlong "America 250" events.
The Washington Monument display included images from American history.
Freedom 250, a group led by Trump, described the monument display as a "birthday candle" for the nation.
Trump plans to host a UFC fight at the White House on his 80th birthday, June 14.
Additional celebrations will include events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Trump plans to build a National Garden of American Heroes and a Triumphal Arch.
A Disney World worker was hurt while stopping a 400-pound fake boulder from hitting the audience during a stunt show. The incident happened at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Disney is reviewing what occurred.
Key Facts
An employee at Disney World prevented a 400-pound fake boulder from reaching the audience.
The incident took place during the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show.
The boulder is part of a scene inspired by the film Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Video shows the boulder coming off its path and a worker stepping in to stop it.
Disney stated that the worker is recovering and their safety team is reviewing the incident.
The boulder is made of rubber and weighs around 400 pounds.
Witnesses praised the worker for protecting the audience.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office as affordability became a major topic in U.S. politics. The same day, enhanced subsidies for Obamacare expired, highlighting challenges with living costs. Democrats are focusing on affordability to win elections and address economic concerns.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City on the theme of affordability.
Enhanced Obamacare subsidies ended across the U.S. at midnight on the same day.
Mamdani won by promoting affordability with promises like freezing rent and free public transit.
Democrats are using affordability as a key issue to gain support, shifting away from previous economic messages.
A Reuters poll showed that 67% of Democratic voters want the party to focus on affordability.
Only 38% of Democratic voters believe the party's leaders have a clear plan to address affordability.
The emphasis on affordability is seen across political parties, affecting national and local politics.
President Donald Trump announced that he will stop efforts to send National Guard troops to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. Legal challenges had limited their deployment in these cities. Trump stated the decision came despite claims of reduced crime due to the National Guard's presence.
Key Facts
President Trump announced he will stop sending the National Guard to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland.
Legal issues had mostly prevented the deployment of National Guard troops in these cities.
The National Guard cannot legally engage in law enforcement without invoking the Insurrection Act.
About 300 National Guard members remained in Los Angeles and Chicago, and 200 in Portland at the time of Trump's announcement.
Trump did not mention the ongoing National Guard deployment in Washington, DC, or New Orleans.
The Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court's ruling, preventing Trump from deploying the National Guard to Chicago.
National Guard troops are usually deployed at state governors' requests; federal deployment needs specific legal conditions.
Trump's decision followed legal setbacks and public criticism, with statements suggesting future redeployments if crime increases.
Several U.S. states are preparing to let voters decide on abortion laws during the 2026 midterm elections. States like Missouri, Nevada, Virginia, Idaho, and Oregon have important measures or amendments proposed that will address abortion access and related issues. The goal is to either protect or restrict abortion rights in these states depending on voter decisions.
Key Facts
Missouri will have a ballot measure in 2026 to decide on removing abortion rights from the state's constitution.
Nevada voters need to approve a measure for a second time to protect abortion access, keeping it legal up to 25 weeks and six days.
Virginia may introduce the Reproductive Freedom Amendment to ensure abortion rights with some conditions related to medical necessity.
Idaho might present an initiative to expand reproductive care, altering its current near-total abortion ban.
Oregon is considering a broad measure related to pregnancy outcomes, aiming to ensure no discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The outcome of these measures can significantly change how each state regulates abortion and reproductive rights.
President Trump's administration supports a federal policy to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors.
President Donald Trump shared his New Year's resolution for 2026, stating "peace on earth" during an event at Mar-a-Lago. His announcement comes as he deals with international conflicts and domestic pressures. The statement reflects his focus on foreign policy in his second term.
Key Facts
President Trump declared "peace on earth" as his New Year's resolution for 2026.
He made this announcement at a New Year's Eve event at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Trump aims to address international conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine.
He has previously been credited with ending several global conflicts, though some reports question the timing of this credit.
During his first year back in office, Trump navigated issues with Venezuela, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Trump announced a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas in October.
Political science professor D. Stephen Voss commented on Trump's peace message as fitting a "peace through strength" stereotype.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a critical New Year’s statement mentioning Trump.
President Trump decided to stop pushing for National Guard troops in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, saying crime in these cities has decreased. Legal challenges have blocked his efforts to deploy troops in these cities, and recent rulings have made it difficult to proceed.
Key Facts
President Trump announced he is not pursuing National Guard deployments in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
He claimed that crime in these cities has been significantly reduced.
The Trump administration has faced court battles over these federal troop deployments.
Massive protests occurred in response to the federal troop plans.
Trump previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following protests.
Legal challenges prevented troop deployments in Portland and Chicago.
The Supreme Court recently rejected Trump's request to deploy troops to the Chicago area.
It is uncertain if President Trump might use the 1807 Insurrection Act to bypass court rulings.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions targeting tankers transporting Venezuelan oil. This is part of President Donald Trump's campaign to put pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. aims to stop Venezuela's oil exports and reduce Maduro's financial resources.
Key Facts
The U.S. imposed sanctions on four companies and their oil tankers involved in moving Venezuelan oil.
President Trump claims Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro runs a 'narco-terrorist' regime.
The U.S. Treasury asserts Venezuela uses global ships to evade sanctions and gain revenue.
Venezuela relies heavily on oil exports; the U.S. is trying to cut off these exports.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. won't let Maduro profit from oil while accusing him of contributing to drug problems in the U.S.
The Trump administration has taken actions against Venezuela based on various reasons, including immigration and contested elections.
The U.S. military has been involved in actions against oil tankers, seizing some as part of the campaign.
President Donald Trump announced he is pulling National Guard troops out of several U.S. cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that limited his power to use these troops for police duties.
Key Facts
President Trump is withdrawing National Guard troops from certain U.S. cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles.
This move comes after a Supreme Court decision that restricted his authority to use National Guard troops for law enforcement.
President Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting the troops might return later if necessary.
The Trump administration ended legal efforts to maintain troop presence in Los Angeles.
The Supreme Court ruling specifically addressed the use of troops in Chicago.
Although troops are being withdrawn from some cities, they remain active in Washington D.C.
Portland, Oregon was mentioned by Trump, but no specific action was noted regarding troop presence there.
The House Judiciary Committee released the transcript of former special counsel Jack Smith's deposition, which discusses his investigations into President Trump. Smith provided details on various aspects of his probes, including the January 6 Capitol attack, classified documents, and more. He defended his team's actions, stating that they followed the law and were not politically motivated.
Key Facts
Jack Smith's deposition transcript is 255 pages long and was made public by the House Judiciary Committee.
Smith stated that the investigation into January 6 was not aimed at affecting the 2024 Presidential election.
Smith defended obtaining phone records of certain lawmakers, stating it was done legally.
He claimed President Trump obstructed justice related to classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
Smith asserted he would have investigated any president, not just Trump.
Smith did not disclose whether FBI Director Kash Patel was interviewed, citing legal restrictions.
Congress released the transcript of former Special Counsel Jack Smith's testimony about his past investigations into President Trump. Smith defended his decisions to prosecute Trump for retaining classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election. President Trump denied the charges, and the cases ended after his re-election.
Key Facts
Jack Smith gave testimony to Congress on December 17.
Congress released the transcript on New Year's Eve.
The transcript is 255 pages long and includes Smith's responses to lawmakers.
Smith led two investigations into Trump related to classified documents and the 2020 election.
Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecutions ended after Trump was re-elected.
Smith's video deposition was nearly eight hours long.
Smith claimed his investigation found strong evidence against Trump.
