President Donald Trump announced plans for constructing a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C. The monument, inspired by European designs, aims to honor American history and military service before the United States' 250th anniversary next year.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the construction of a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C.
Construction is expected to begin within the next two months.
The arch is planned as part of celebrations for the United States' 250th anniversary in 2025.
The monument will be built near the Lincoln Memorial.
The design is based on European victory arches.
President Trump describes it as a patriotic landmark.
Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as the new mayor of New York City at an unused City Hall subway station. The oath will be taken at midnight on New Year's Eve, and Mamdani will follow it with a public block party on January 1. His wife, Rama Duwaji, is set to become the city's first Muslim First Lady.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani will be New York City's new mayor.
Mamdani's swearing-in will happen at midnight in an unused subway station.
The subway station has been closed since 1945.
Mamdani will be the first NYC mayor sworn in on the Quran.
Senator Bernie Sanders will administer one of the oaths.
A public inauguration celebration is scheduled for January 1 at City Hall.
Rama Duwaji is Mamdani's wife and will be New York City's first Muslim First Lady.
Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky has urged his fellow Republicans to stop funding Minnesota day care programs linked to fraud, but he predicts the GOP will continue funding without fixing the issue. Over 60 people have been convicted of fraud in Minnesota related to these programs, with around 90 more charged. Federal funds for these programs are set to expire soon, and there is debate about how to address the ongoing fraud.
Key Facts
Representative Thomas Massie predicts GOP will continue funding Minnesota day care programs without fixing the alleged fraud.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced cuts to Minnesota's child care funding due to fraud allegations.
Over 60 people in Minnesota have been convicted of fraud linked to these programs, with around 90 more charged.
Estimates suggest taxpayer losses could range from $250 million to $1 billion from fraud in these programs.
Federal funding for child care is set to expire early next year.
Massie has questioned the federal government's role in funding day care programs.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered audits and actions to address the fraud in these programs.
Jim O'Neill of HHS confirmed freezing child care payments to Minnesota due to ongoing fraud concerns.
The U.S. Justice Department is reviewing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein for public release. They are working with the FBI and federal prosecutors to ensure all legal requirements are met and to protect victims' privacy.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is reviewing Epstein-related documents for release.
The FBI and federal prosecutors are involved in the review process.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said efforts are ongoing through the holidays.
Redactions are necessary to protect victims' privacy.
The review involves multiple U.S. Justice Department offices.
The goal is transparency while ensuring victim protection.
The Attorney General prioritizes both transparency and victim safeguarding.
San Francisco has created a reparations fund to address past racial discrimination, potentially offering payments up to $5 million to eligible Black residents. However, the city has not yet allocated any money to this fund, and the details of funding and eligibility are still unclear.
Key Facts
San Francisco set up a reparations fund following recommendations from the San Francisco Reparations Plan 2023.
The fund aims to provide up to $5 million in a one-time payment to eligible Black San Franciscans.
No money has been allocated to the fund yet, and it's uncertain how it will be funded.
The fund will be managed by the city's Human Rights Commission.
Similar reparations efforts have been considered in other U.S. cities.
San Francisco's mayor stated that the city's current budget will focus on other priorities due to a $1 billion deficit.
The proposal was approved by the city’s Board of Supervisors on December 9, 2023.
The African American Reparations Advisory Committee has proposed various forms of financial support, including income supplements and debt forgiveness.
President Donald Trump accused Somali immigrants in Minnesota of being involved in a large welfare fraud case. He mentioned Representative Ilhan Omar in his criticisms. The Trump administration plans to review the status of Somali Americans convicted of fraud and has announced measures affecting child care funding in Minnesota.
Key Facts
President Trump accused Somali immigrants of involvement in a fraud scandal in Minnesota.
He criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar in a social media post.
The accusation involves immigrants who allegedly entered the U.S. illegally.
The administration plans to examine the citizenship status of Somali Americans convicted of fraud.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this review is ongoing.
The administration announced a freeze on child care funding in Minnesota.
An audit of certain day care centers in Minnesota is planned due to fraud concerns.
President Donald Trump has focused on Colorado by vetoing projects and denying federal aid. His administration moved the U.S. Space Command and intervened in legal and electoral issues in the state. These actions have affected local governance and infrastructure.
Key Facts
President Trump vetoed a bill supporting the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a water project for 39 communities in Colorado.
The vetoed bill was bipartisan and had unanimous support from Congress.
Trump denied federal disaster aid to Colorado after wildfires and floods despite requests from the entire congressional delegation.
The administration moved the U.S. Space Command from Colorado, reversing a decision made during Biden's presidency.
President Trump issued a pardon to Tina Peters, an election clerk convicted of tampering with voting machines, which has no effect on state convictions.
Many of Trump's actions in Colorado relate to his concerns over election integrity and local governance.
Jeanette Marken, a 75-year-old woman, was attacked in Seattle, resulting in permanent blindness in one eye. The suspect, Fale Vaigalepa Pea, has a long criminal record and is now charged with assault. The incident has sparked discussions on how law enforcement handles repeat offenders and public safety.
Key Facts
Jeanette Marken was attacked with a board that had a screw at the end, leading to serious injuries.
The attack happened while Marken was waiting at a crosswalk in downtown Seattle.
The suspect, Fale Vaigalepa Pea, is charged with assault in the first degree.
Pea has a history of criminal offenses and was known to police.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety and how repeat offenders are managed.
Pea was shown on surveillance and police bodycam footage committing the attack.
Marken's son, Andrius Dyrikis, is calling for accountability from the authorities.
President Trump has commented on the issue of handling repeat offenders in a broader crime context.
Pennsylvania will send out nearly 1 million tax credit payments in January 2026. This is part of a state program called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which was included in the 2025-26 budget to support low- to moderate-income workers. The tax credit amount varies based on income and family size.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania's new tax credit program is called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC).
The program is part of the 2025-26 state budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro.
About 940,000 Pennsylvania workers will benefit from the program, with relief totaling around $193 million.
The maximum tax credit is approximately $805, but actual amounts depend on income and household size.
The program adds 10% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to the state tax credit for eligible Pennsylvanians.
The tax credit is set to start with the 2026 tax season.
A family example: A single parent with three children earning $23,300 would receive the full $805, while the same family earning $45,000 would receive $349.
Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue emphasize the tax credit's potential benefits for education and health outcomes for families.
Staffing at the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decreased significantly, affecting services nationwide. This reduction in staffing has led to longer wait times and increased workloads for remaining employees, impacting many Americans who depend on SSA for benefits and assistance. The Strategic Organizing Center highlighted these issues, noting that staffing levels continued to fall during President Trump's second term.
Key Facts
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reduced staff levels, affecting services like benefit applications and claims processing.
Over the past year, there was a 9 percent reduction in SSA staff from March 2024 to August 2025.
The decrease in staff impacted over 80 percent of congressional districts, with 45 districts experiencing reductions of at least 20 percent.
A hiring freeze remains in place, which could further reduce current staffing levels.
The number of beneficiaries per SSA field office worker increased to nearly 4,000, a 12 percent rise.
Eight states have an even larger imbalance, with more than 5,000 beneficiaries per field office worker.
The cuts have impacted 47 states, three U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
President Donald Trump posted a message on social media calling for the release of Tina Peters, a former Colorado election official who is serving a nine-year prison sentence. Trump criticized Colorado's governor and a local district attorney in his post. Tina Peters was convicted for her role in a security breach of election equipment after the 2020 election.
Key Facts
President Trump urged the release of Tina Peters, who is in prison.
Peters is a former Colorado election official.
She is serving a nine-year sentence at La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, Colorado.
Peters was convicted of felonies related to a security breach of election equipment.
The breach followed the 2020 election, aiming to support false claims of election fraud.
Trump criticized the governor and a local district attorney of Colorado in his post.
He used strong language against the officials involved in Peters' conviction.
Last week, fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits, with applications dropping below 200,000. This suggests that layoffs are low, even though the job market is experiencing some challenges.
Key Facts
Unemployment applications fell to 199,000 for the week ending December 27.
This is a drop from the previous week's 215,000 applications.
Analysts had expected 208,000 new applications for unemployment benefits.
The Labor Department released the report early because of the New Year’s holiday.
Unemployment filings can be affected by holiday schedules, as shorter weeks may delay claims.
The U.S. gained 64,000 jobs in November, while 105,000 jobs were lost in October.
The unemployment rate reached 4.6% recently, the highest since 2021.
A report by the Strategic Organizing Center shows that staffing levels at Social Security field offices across the United States have dropped by 9 percent over the past year. Some states, like Wyoming, saw staffing levels drop by over 20 percent, leading to a higher ratio of beneficiaries per worker, which could delay services. The Social Security Administration plans to cut 7,000 more staff members as part of a streamlining effort.
Key Facts
Social Security field offices across the U.S. have seen a 9 percent drop in staffing levels.
As of August 2025, there are about 4,000 beneficiaries for each field office worker.
Wyoming experienced the most significant decrease in staff, with ratios increasing by 28 percent.
Some states such as Hawaii, New Mexico, and West Virginia also faced significant staffing reductions.
Alaska saw a 22 percent increase in Social Security office staffing.
The Social Security Administration plans to cut 7,000 staff members, reducing their workforce to 50,000.
The higher beneficiary-to-worker ratios may cause delays in accessing Social Security services.
Offices assist with tasks like applying for benefits and resolving payment issues for over 70 million Americans.
President Donald Trump has claimed that polls showing low approval ratings are "rigged." Some polls have Trump’s approval rating around 50%, while others show it below 45%. Trump believes these polls are inaccurate, suggesting his actual support is higher.
Key Facts
President Trump stated polls are "rigged" as they show his low approval ratings.
He cited the Trafalgar Group poll showing a 50.2% approval rate.
Other polls, like Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin, show a 42.2% approval rate.
The RealClearPolitics poll reports a 43.4% approval rate for Trump.
Trump claims his real approval is 64%.
Polls affect political strategies, especially with upcoming elections.
Trump has criticized polls for allegedly being biased against him.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that starting January 1, 2026, fees for certain immigration services will go up. Additionally, new security measures will be put in place for green card holders from 19 countries considered high-risk.
Key Facts
Immigration-related fees will increase from January 1, 2026.
New security protocols will be enforced for green card holders from 19 high-risk countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen.
Citizenship applications may be rejected if the updated fees are not paid.
The Annual Asylum Application Fee will rise from $100 to $102.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) fees for asylum applicants and others will see minor increases.
Citizens from 12 countries, including Sudan and Somalia, face a complete entry ban.
Additional biometric screening will be required for non-U.S. citizens at entry and exit points.
USCIS emphasizes these changes aim to enhance public safety and national security.
President Donald Trump faced criticism for sharing negative social media posts about the Kennedy family after the death of Tatiana Schlossberg, a granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy. Schlossberg passed away at age 35 from a rare type of leukemia, a month after revealing her diagnosis. Trump's posts coincided with plans to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Key Facts
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F. Kennedy, died at age 35 from a rare form of leukemia.
She announced her terminal cancer diagnosis in a November 2025 essay.
President Trump shared posts criticizing the Kennedy family and Kennedy Center.
These social media posts were made the same day Schlossberg's death was announced.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper criticized Trump's actions on social media.
There were plans to rename the Kennedy Center as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center was originally built in memory of John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.
Schlossberg's family included her parents, Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg.
A petition demanding the resignation of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has gathered over 46,000 signatures, alleging widespread fraud issues in the state. The fraud, uncovered by the Department of Justice, involves theft from state and federal welfare programs. Several officials, including Governor Walz, are being urged to resign by both the petition and some Republican lawmakers.
Key Facts
Over 46,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org for Governor Tim Walz and officials to resign.
The petition cites "widespread fraud" issues as a reason for the demand.
The Department of Justice first uncovered the fraud in 2022, involving fraud in welfare programs.
About 90 individuals have been charged, with 57 admitting guilt in the "Feeding Our Future" scheme.
The fraud costs taxpayers between $250 million and $1 billion.
Most defendants are believed to be part of Minnesota's Somali immigrant community.
Governor Walz has responded by enhancing fraud oversight and requesting legislative authority for more aggressive measures.
The FBI is actively working to tackle the fraud schemes in Minnesota.
The Trump administration is considering revoking the citizenship of Somali Americans convicted of fraud in a welfare scandal in Minnesota. Around 90 people are charged with defrauding programs meant to provide meals and other assistance. Some are part of Minnesota's Somali community, and the fraud cost taxpayers between $250 million and $1 billion.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is focused on cases in Minnesota.
They are looking at Somali Americans who committed fraud connected to welfare programs.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State are involved.
There are about 90 people charged in this fraud case.
57 people have already pleaded guilty or been convicted.
The fraud scheme is related to false claims for meals that were never provided.
The estimated loss to taxpayers ranges from $250 million to $1 billion.
Most defendants are believed to be from Minnesota's large Somali community.
Nine swans have died at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, causing social media users to claim potential mishandling of a possible health threat. Authorities deny these claims, noting they are awaiting test results to determine if bird flu is the cause. Some residents expressed concerns that the city is not properly addressing or communicating about the issue.
Key Facts
Nine swans died at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida over the past week.
Local officials are sanitizing the park but state they do not yet know the cause of death.
Bird flu is suspected, but test results have not confirmed it.
The virus has previously impacted U.S. poultry and egg prices and caused human cases among poultry workers.
The CDC is monitoring bird flu but does not currently see it as a public health threat.
A total of 11 birds, including 9 swans, 1 ibis, and 1 anhinga, were reported dead around the lake.
Preliminary necropsies on some dead birds showed "non-negative" results for bird flu.
City officials refuted claims of a cover-up, emphasizing that the scenario is still being investigated.
New York City is lowering speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph in 250 areas to increase pedestrian safety and decrease traffic accidents. The initiative, linked to Sammy’s Law, should be in place by the end of 2025 with the adjustments starting at midnight on December 31. The focus areas for these changes include busy pedestrian areas, school zones, and residential streets.
Key Facts
New York City is reducing speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph in 250 designated areas.
The changes are part of Sammy’s Law, named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a young accident victim.
Sammy’s Law permits speed limits to be reduced below the previous city minimum of 25 mph.
The goal is to make streets safer for pedestrians and reduce traffic deaths.
Speed limit signs reflecting the new rules will be up by midnight on December 31.
The new limits apply to high-pedestrian areas, school zones, and shared streets.
School zones will have speed limits cut to 15 mph, and some open streets to 10 mph.
The project is set to be complete by the end of 2025, with ongoing impact assessments.
