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.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene supports a "tax revolt" planned for 2026 as part of ongoing protests from Trump supporters. This movement criticizes U.S. government spending on foreign aid and immigration, highlighting economic concerns of debt and high living costs in the U.S.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene endorses a 2026 "tax revolt" supported by Trump backers.
The movement focuses on frustration with U.S. government spending priorities.
It highlights issues like national debt, high living costs, and foreign aid spending.
The Georgia Congresswoman believes bipartisan policies have not prioritized Americans' economic security.
Activists plan rallies and protests under the "tax strike" banner before the 2026 midterm elections.
President Donald Trump’s administration has stopped childcare funds to Minnesota due to fraud claims against Somali American-run daycare centers. The government is also investigating immigration cases of Somali Americans for potential fraud. These actions are part of broader fraud inquiries involving Minnesota social assistance programs.
Key Facts
President Trump's government froze $185 million in childcare funds to Minnesota.
The action follows claims by a YouTuber about fraud in Somali American-run daycare centers in Minneapolis.
The Department of Health and Human Services stated the funds were stopped due to claims of fraud in taxpayer money use.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the funds freeze, calling it politically motivated.
The Department of Homeland Security is auditing Somali American immigration cases for fraud.
Investigations could lead to loss of citizenship if fraud is proven.
Federal prosecutions allege $9 billion in Minnesota social assistance funds might have been misused since 2018.
Charges have been filed against 98 individuals, with 85 identified as being of Somali origin.
During late December 2025 and early January 2026, four U.S. states flew their flags at half-staff to honor public servants and remember recent tragedies. Wyoming, Louisiana, Delaware, and West Virginia each lowered flags to show respect and mark significant events or losses.
Key Facts
Flags in Wyoming were lowered to honor Judy Catchpole, the former Superintendent of Public Instruction, who died in December 2025.
Louisiana lowered flags for four days to remember 14 victims of a terrorist attack in New Orleans that occurred in January 2025.
Flags in Delaware were at half-staff for a state trooper killed in a shooting at the Wilmington DMV.
West Virginia honored two National Guard members; one died and the other survived a shooting in November 2025.
The lowering of flags is a way to show respect and recognize the sacrifices and risks faced by community members and public servants.
A mass tax strike rally is planned across the United States on January 3, with protesters expressing their intent to withhold taxes. The movement seems connected to right-wing groups, with events featuring speakers related to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. The IRS and other political figures have been contacted for comments on the protests.
Key Facts
The tax strike rallies are scheduled for January 3 in multiple U.S. locations.
Social media users have been sharing information about these planned events.
The organizers or main coordinators of these rallies are not clearly identified.
The protests seem to align with right-wing views, criticizing Democrats.
Events will have speakers connected to the MAGA movement.
A rally is confirmed to take place at the Oregon State Capitol at 12 p.m. local time.
Notable figures, such as the mayor of Molalla, Oregon, and a libertarian candidate, will speak at the Oregon rally.
A viral video alleging government fraud in Minnesota has influenced the call to action.
President Donald Trump mistakenly shared an image of a falcon, believing it was a bald eagle killed by a windmill, sparking online mockery. The image was actually from Israel, dating back to 2017, and depicted a falcon instead of an eagle. Trump's post and subsequent reactions highlight ongoing debates around the impact of windmills on bird populations.
Key Facts
President Trump posted an image on Truth Social of a bird supposedly killed by a windmill.
The bird in the image was a falcon, not a bald eagle.
The image originated from Israel in 2017 and showed a falcon, not a U.S. bird.
Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Trump for not recognizing America's national bird.
Trump has criticized windmills for allegedly killing bald eagles before.
A past claim by Trump that windmills kill thousands of eagles was proven false.
ESI Energy was fined in 2022 for bird deaths, including eagles, at their wind energy sites.
The U.S. Department of Energy's account mistakenly shared the image and later corrected it.
In 2025, despite some negative feelings among Americans about the country's state, positive developments occurred. Independent bookstores are seeing a surge in popularity, and dam removals have allowed salmon to return to the Klamath River. Additionally, driverless taxis made headlines with notable events.
Key Facts
24% of Americans are satisfied with the current situation in the U.S., according to a Gallup poll.
President Trump stated a "crisis of trust" during his inauguration in 2025.
The number of independent bookstores in the U.S. grew from about 1,916 in 2020 to over 3,200 by the end of 2025.
The Klamath River saw the largest dam removal in U.S. history, benefiting salmon migration.
A driverless taxi in San Francisco was involved in the delivery of a baby, showing the technology's evolving role.
A software update was necessary for Waymo's robotaxis following a city blackout in San Francisco.
Meteorologists warn of snow squalls that could disrupt travel during New Year's Eve in parts of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast regions. These conditions might cause dangerous driving situations due to sudden snow and reduced visibility. The National Weather Service advises drivers to exercise caution and consider delaying or avoiding travel during the squalls.
Key Facts
Snow squalls are expected on New Year's Eve across the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast regions.
A powerful Arctic cold front will likely trigger these squalls.
Snow squalls can cause sudden snow and reduced visibility, increasing the chance of traffic accidents.
Additional lake-effect snow is expected to continue from Lakes Erie and Ontario through Friday.
The National Weather Service advises drivers to reduce speed, use headlights and hazard lights, and exit the road if caught in a squall.
Regions most likely to be affected include parts of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Lake-effect snow warnings are in place for portions of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, indicating several inches of snow.
A strong Arctic air mass is bringing severe winter weather to much of the eastern United States during the New Year's holiday, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. The National Weather Service warns of difficult travel conditions and has issued several weather advisories. Areas near the Great Lakes, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania, are expected to be most affected.
Key Facts
A wave of cold Arctic air is affecting the eastern U.S. during the New Year's holiday.
Heavy snow is expected, especially in parts of New York and Pennsylvania, near lakes Erie and Ontario.
The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous driving conditions due to snow squalls.
New York's governor declared a statewide emergency and advised against unnecessary travel in affected areas.
An Alberta clipper system is moving across, bringing additional snow to the Midwest and Northern Plains.
Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories are in place, with low temperatures reaching as far south as central Florida.
This weather follows a recent intense storm, known as a bomb cyclone, that hit the Midwest and Great Lakes earlier.
Starting in 2026, property tax reform will remain a key issue across the United States, with discussions focusing on whether to lower or eliminate these taxes. Property taxes have increased significantly since the pandemic, prompting calls for relief. Some states, like Florida, are considering drastic changes, such as cutting or removing property taxes altogether.
Key Facts
Property tax reform is a major topic in the U.S., especially in states led by Republicans.
Taxes on property rose by 30% nationally from 2019 to 2024.
Home values went up quickly after the pandemic, and this led to spikes in taxes.
Many states are exploring ways to lower or eliminate property taxes.
Florida is considering removing property taxes, but this is controversial.
If property taxes are removed, states would need to find new ways to fund public services.
Current discussions include replacing property tax revenue with income or sales taxes.
Experts warn that eliminating property taxes might have economic downsides.
Starting in 2026, several U.S. states will limit what people can buy with food assistance benefits like SNAP, focusing on removing unhealthy foods. This move is part of an effort by the Trump administration to promote better nutrition and reduce diet-related diseases. Eighteen states have received approval to make these changes, though the specific restrictions will vary by state.
Key Facts
SNAP helps over 40 million Americans with food assistance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees SNAP, but states can use waivers to change how it works.
Starting in 2026, 18 states will restrict buying certain unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits.
States like Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana will ban sugary foods and drinks entirely.
Nebraska, Utah, and Virginia will only ban sugary drinks from being bought with SNAP benefits.
The Trump administration's initiative, called Make America Healthy Again, aims to combat diet-related diseases.
Health experts have mixed views on whether these restrictions will effectively improve public health.
The new rules will not start at the same time in all states, with some implementing changes later in 2026.
Attorney General Pam Bondi deleted a social media post after accidentally praising the Biden administration's success in reducing drug overdose deaths. The chart she shared, from the National Institutes of Health, showed a drop in drug deaths from 2023 to 2024, during Biden's presidency. Meanwhile, President Trump is focusing on fighting drug issues, including labeling fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction."
Key Facts
Pam Bondi deleted a social media post that unintentionally praised Joe Biden's work on reducing overdose deaths.
The chart Bondi shared showed overdose deaths dropping from 32.5 to 25 per 100,000 people from 2023 to 2024.
The data came from the National Institutes of Health and covered all regions in the U.S.
President Trump signed an executive order labeling fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction."
The order directs the Pentagon and Justice Department to combat fentanyl production and distribution further.
President Trump has taken an aggressive stance against drug smuggling and illegal immigration, especially concerning Venezuela.
Trump accused Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of being connected to drug smuggling.
Trump announced a U.S. operation targeting Venezuelan drug boats, implying an escalation in actions against Maduro's government.
A daycare center in Minnesota fixed a misspelled sign after it was featured in a viral video by YouTuber Nick Shirley, who accused several taxpayer-funded daycare centers of not providing services. The video claims, including funding details, have not been independently confirmed, but the center stated that Shirley visited outside of regular hours.
Key Facts
A daycare center in Minnesota fixed a sign that was misspelled as "Quality Learing Center."
YouTuber Nick Shirley's video, accusing daycare centers of fraud, has been viewed over 130 million times.
Shirley claimed that these centers, funded by Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program, did not provide services.
The Quality Learning Center is licensed to serve 99 children but appeared inactive in Shirley's video.
The center claims Shirley visited outside its operating hours.
Photos from various media outlets show children at the center and the corrected sign.
Newsweek has not verified Shirley's allegations about the daycare centers' funding and activities.
President Donald Trump used his first veto of his second term to stop a bill that would have supported a water project in Colorado. The project aimed to supply water to areas between Pueblo and Lamar, Colorado, but Trump cited concerns about the cost to taxpayers. Lauren Boebert, a U.S. Representative and Trump supporter, criticized the decision, arguing it would deny clean water to many people in her district.
Key Facts
President Trump vetoed a bill supporting the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC) water project.
The bill had bipartisan support and passed both the House and Senate unanimously.
Trump stated the project was too expensive for federal taxpayers.
The project planned to deliver water to communities in Southeast Colorado.
Lauren Boebert, whose district includes the project area, opposed the veto.
Boebert's district includes 50,000 people potentially affected by the decision.
The situation involves federal budget priorities and infrastructure needs.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advised people in Louisiana, especially those vulnerable to pollution, to stay indoors due to high levels of air pollution. The air quality in several areas has been labeled "unhealthy," prompting warnings to reduce exposure.
Key Facts
The EPA issued a warning for high air pollution in Louisiana.
Areas affected include Longville, Bell City, Kinder, and Sugartown.
The pollution involves fine particulates known as PM2.5.
PM2.5 can harm the heart and lungs when inhaled at high levels.
The EPA advises staying indoors to minimize exposure.
Sensitive groups like the elderly and those with health conditions are at higher risk.
The air quality information comes from the EPA’s AirNow Map.
