The United States has reported over 2,000 measles cases in 2025, the highest in more than 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This increase might lead to the U.S. losing its measles "elimination status" by January 2026. Many of these cases are linked to outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates.
Key Facts
Over 2,000 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. in 2025.
The CDC is concerned the U.S. might lose its measles "elimination status."
87% of cases originated from 50 outbreaks across the country.
Most of those infected were either not vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.
Texas reported the most cases at 803, followed by Arizona with 187 and North Carolina with 156.
In 2024, there were only 285 confirmed measles cases.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been spreading misleading information about measles vaccines.
Democrat Renee Hardman won a special election for the Iowa state Senate, stopping Republicans from getting a supermajority. Hardman is the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate. This win indicates potential changes in voter preferences as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Renee Hardman is a Democrat who won a special election for the Iowa state Senate.
Hardman's win prevents Republicans from gaining a two-thirds supermajority in the Iowa Senate.
Hardman is the first Black woman to be elected to the Iowa Senate.
The election took place in a suburban district just outside Des Moines.
Democrats have a slight voter registration advantage in this district.
President Donald Trump won Iowa in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections.
This victory is part of a series of recent Democratic gains in Iowa special elections.
President Donald Trump used his veto power to reject a bipartisan bill that aimed to continue federal support for a large water pipeline project in Colorado. The veto creates a conflict with Congress and an uncommon disagreement with a key Republican supporter. This action might influence whether Congress attempts to override the veto and raises questions about broader political motives.
Key Facts
President Trump issued a veto on the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act.
The veto blocks a water pipeline project serving rural communities in southeastern Colorado.
The pipeline was first authorized in 1962 and has faced long delays due to funding issues.
The bill aimed to extend federal support and change repayment terms to ease costs on local communities.
Trump argued the project was an unfair financial burden on federal taxpayers.
The veto follows political tensions between Trump and Colorado officials.
Local reports indicate the pipeline is needed for clean water in 39 communities.
The bill had unanimous support in both the House and Senate, highlighting its bipartisan nature.
Tatiana Schlossberg, a granddaughter of former U.S. President John F Kennedy, has died at the age of 35. She had announced an aggressive cancer diagnosis in November and had been undergoing treatment, but her prognosis was poor.
Key Facts
Tatiana Schlossberg was the granddaughter of John F Kennedy.
She died at age 35.
Her death was announced by her family through the John F Kennedy Library Foundation.
She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May 2024.
Schlossberg was a climate journalist.
She had two children and worried they wouldn't remember her.
She was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg.
Her treatments included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
The Kennedy Center has been renamed to include President Donald Trump's name, leading to some artists canceling their performances. The venue's board, which includes Trump's associates, made this decision, sparking criticism from some artists and political figures. Some musicians cited the name change as their reason for canceling shows at the center.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center's board voted to rename the venue to include President Donald Trump's name.
The Cookers, a jazz band, canceled two shows scheduled on New Year's Eve due to the name change.
Doug Varone and Dancers also canceled their April performances, citing the name change.
Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center's president, criticized the cancellations, attributing them to the previous leadership's political bias.
New signage with President Trump's name was added to the building.
Legal scholars debated whether Congress must approve the name change, as the center was established by a 1964 law.
Some members of John F. Kennedy's family opposed the renaming, arguing it dishonors his legacy.
Musician Chuck Redd also canceled his annual performance at the center, leading to a demand for damages from the center's management.
The Trump administration sent federal agents to Minnesota to look into fraud allegations against Somali-operated child care centers. This action follows an unconfirmed online claim that these centers misused over $100 million.
Key Facts
Federal agents were sent to Minnesota by the Trump administration.
The investigation is focused on fraud allegations involving Somali child care providers.
A video by a right-wing influencer triggered the investigation.
The video claimed, without evidence, that the daycare centers misused over $100 million.
Jeff Meitrodt from the Minnesota Star Tribune discussed the situation.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, many members of Congress are retiring, and some states are changing their political boundaries. These changes could affect which party has more power in Washington.
Key Facts
The 2026 midterm elections will occur in the United States at the end of 2025.
Many members of Congress are planning to retire before the 2026 midterms.
Some states are redrawing their political district maps, a process known as redistricting.
Redistricting can change which party has an advantage in different areas.
These retirements and map changes could impact which party controls Congress.
The midterm elections determine who will hold seats in the U.S. Congress.
In 2025, changes under President Donald Trump have significantly impacted the U.S. Department of Justice. Critics and former employees express concerns that the department is becoming influenced by political interests rather than upholding impartiality in enforcing federal law.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump began changes to the Department of Justice on the first day of his second term.
The Department of Justice is tasked with enforcing federal law in the U.S.
Traditionally, the department operates independently from political influence.
Critics claim President Trump has blurred the lines between the Justice Department and the White House.
Some believe the department is being used to target the president's political opponents.
Former DOJ employee Stacey Young left the department early in Trump's term due to these concerns.
Stacey Young founded Justice Connection, a group supporting DOJ employees and advocating for rule-of-law principles.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized some Republicans, saying they feel threatened by her conservative stance. Greene, who plans to leave Congress in January 2026, has spoken against President Trump and certain party members, claiming disagreements over issues like the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican Congresswoman from Georgia.
Greene criticized "establishment" Republicans on social media, calling them "threatened" by her views.
She plans to resign from Congress on January 5, 2026.
Greene has criticized President Trump, particularly over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene and called her a "traitor."
Greene claims she is more conservative than other party members.
Her resignation will lead to a special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump's effort to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese immigrants. This legal decision allows hundreds of South Sudanese nationals to continue living and working in the United States while the court reviews the case. The judge wants to ensure that ending these protections wouldn't unfairly harm the immigrants involved.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Massachusetts halted the end of TPS for South Sudanese immigrants.
The program was initially set to expire on January 6, 2026.
The decision affects around 300 South Sudanese nationals.
Civil rights groups sued, claiming the move to end TPS was unconstitutional and racially motivated.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows people from unstable countries to stay and work in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security argued that conditions in South Sudan have improved.
United Nations experts and other observers disagree, noting ongoing instability in South Sudan.
South Sudan gained TPS eligibility in 2011 due to civil unrest and ongoing challenges.
Millions of Americans experienced delays in receiving Social Security benefits in 2025 due to backlogs, according to a report. The Social Security Administration (SSA) disputed this, saying they have improved services under President Trump. The report pointed to staffing cuts as a reason for delayed processing times.
Key Facts
Millions of people experienced delays in receiving Social Security benefits in 2025.
The Washington Post reported this issue citing internal documents and interviews.
The SSA denied these reports, saying they have improved their services.
Under President Trump, changes in the SSA included staffing and technology updates.
Some workers report being overwhelmed by the workload due to staffing cuts.
The SSA said improvements have been made in phone service metrics.
Cuts in federal workforce have contributed to delays in processing claims.
There is debate between political parties about the future funding and structure of Social Security.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has halted child care funding for Minnesota due to fraud investigations related to daycare operations in Minneapolis. Over 90 individuals face charges, with significant taxpayer money reportedly involved. State and federal officials continue to investigate the extent of the fraud and have implemented measures to address the issue.
Key Facts
The Department of Health and Human Services stopped child care funding to Minnesota amid fraud allegations.
HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill outlined three actions to tackle the alleged fraud.
Measures include verifying payment receipts and photos before states get funds, requiring an audit by Governor Walz's office, and setting up a fraud hotline.
Over 60 convictions have occurred with more than 90 individuals charged in Minnesota.
The alleged fraud may involve $250 million to $1 billion in taxpayer funds, according to estimates.
Federal prosecutors mentioned that $9 billion might have been misused in 14 state-run programs since 2018.
Many suspects are part of Minnesota's Somali immigrant community.
The investigation by both state and federal authorities is ongoing.
The United States is witnessing a high number of flu cases this winter, with the "super flu" strain, subclade K of the H3N2 virus, responsible for many cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Despite the term "super flu," this variant is not officially more severe than typical strains, but it spreads easily and rapidly.
Key Facts
The US is experiencing a large increase in flu cases this winter.
The "super flu" refers to subclade K of the H3N2 virus, a fast-spreading flu strain.
At least 7.5 million flu illnesses have been reported in the US this season.
The CDC recorded 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from the flu so far.
New York and Connecticut report record-high flu cases.
Similar flu strains are also causing concerns in European countries.
There is concern about vaccine coverage as the current flu vaccine may not match subclade K.
"Super flu" is a term used when a more severe flu strain circulates, but it's not medically official or necessarily more severe.
The article compares President Trump's leadership style to poker strategies, suggesting he uses tactics like bluffing and creating uncertainty. It discusses how Democrats can learn from these strategies to strengthen their political position, especially by focusing on economic and social issues.
Key Facts
The article compares President Trump's leadership approach to strategies used in poker.
President Trump is described as creating uncertainty and using misdirection, similar to a poker "bully."
The article criticizes how Democrats handled the government shutdown, saying they appeared weak and divided.
It mentions Democrats' recent election victories in states like New York, Virginia, and Georgia.
Democrats are encouraged to focus on issues like health care, housing, and student debt to strengthen their position.
The article suggests Democrats should address topics like immigration and crime with reforms.
The piece notes that independent voters may be cautious of the chaos associated with Trump's base.
A powerful storm known as a "bomb cyclone" has brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest and East Coast of the United States. This storm has caused travel delays and is also threatening with cold temperatures and strong winds. A bomb cyclone intensifies quickly due to a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure.
Key Facts
A bomb cyclone is affecting parts of the Midwest and East Coast in the U.S.
The storm has brought blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall.
There have been travel delays because of the storm.
The East Coast faces frigid temperatures and high winds from the storm.
A bomb cyclone occurs when atmospheric pressure drops significantly in 24 hours.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provided details on the storm.
The flu is spreading quickly across the United States, with many states seeing a rise in cases. The CDC reports that this flu season has resulted in millions of illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations, and several deaths. Experts recommend that Americans get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Key Facts
The flu virus is rising in the U.S., with a 25.6% increase in positive lab tests in the past week.
Visits to healthcare providers for respiratory illnesses are up by 6%.
At least 7.5 million flu cases, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths have been reported this season.
Colorado, Louisiana, South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey have “very high” influenza levels.
Five flu-related pediatric deaths were reported last week, making a total of eight this season.
The H3N2 flu strain is more intense, leading to higher levels of hospitalization.
Intense symptoms include high fever, body aches, fatigue, and severe cough.
Health experts advise vaccination and stress that it's not too late to get the flu shot.
A video might show a 19-year-old Texas teen, Camila Mendoza Olmos, missing since Christmas Eve. Local authorities, along with the FBI, are actively searching for her, with few leads found so far. The video matches her clothing, but it is not confirmed that it is her.
Key Facts
Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, went missing from San Antonio, Texas, on Christmas Eve.
She was last seen leaving her house for a morning walk.
Authorities released a dashcam video possibly showing her near her home.
The person in the video wore clothes similar to what Camila was last seen in.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are investigating her disappearance.
The search considers various possibilities, including her leaving voluntarily or being in danger.
Her parents are hopeful and continue to pray for her safe return.
Camila left behind her car and phone, which is unusual for her.
Linda Stevenson, the wife of Bill Stevenson who was Jill Biden's ex-husband, was found dead in Wilmington, Delaware. Police discovered her unresponsive after a domestic dispute report and are investigating her death. No charges have been filed yet as they await autopsy results.
Key Facts
Linda Stevenson was the wife of Bill Stevenson, Jill Biden's former husband.
Police found her dead in Wilmington, Delaware, after a reported domestic dispute.
Officers discovered her unresponsive and attempted to save her life.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death is being investigated by detectives and will be confirmed by an autopsy.
Linda and Bill Stevenson had been married for nearly 40 years.
Bill Stevenson was once the owner of the Stone Balloon bar near the University of Delaware.
No charges have been filed in connection to her death.
Federal agents are examining childcare centers in Minnesota for possible Medicaid fraud following a viral video claiming Somali-run centers are misusing public funds. The Department of Homeland Security has increased enforcement in the area, but state officials have countered the claims, maintaining these centers undergo regular inspections. The video has prompted attention from the FBI, with investigations ongoing.
Key Facts
Federal agents are investigating childcare centers in Minnesota for potential Medicaid fraud.
The investigation follows a viral video by a right-wing YouTuber accusing Somali-run centers of collecting funds without providing services.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed immigration agents are actively investigating in Minneapolis.
State officials argue the centers are regularly inspected and questioned the video's methods.
Two centers mentioned in the video had already closed, while others had active licenses and inspections.
The FBI is involved and has been investigating fraud in Minnesota since the pandemic.
President Trump has increased enforcement related to immigration and crime in cities, including Minneapolis.
Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz has criticized the targeting of immigrants, emphasizing proper investigation and law enforcement.
A federal judge in Boston stopped President Trump's administration from ending protection against deportation for South Sudanese living in the U.S. The judge's order prevents these protections from expiring in January, as the administration had planned. The case involves a lawsuit claiming that the government acted unlawfully in trying to end this protected status.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked the expiration of temporary protected status (TPS) for South Sudanese citizens in the U.S.
The lawsuit was filed by South Sudanese nationals and an immigrant rights group.
TPS protects people from countries with severe issues like war or natural disasters.
South Sudan received TPS in 2011, and it has been renewed multiple times due to ongoing conflict.
The Trump administration aimed to end TPS for South Sudan by January 5.
Homeland Security argued that conditions in South Sudan had improved, citing a 2018 peace agreement.
The United Nations reported ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in South Sudan.
The Trump administration has also tried to end TPS for citizens from several other countries, facing legal challenges in response.
