Flags in six U.S. states are ordered to fly at half-staff to honor local tragedies and individuals who have served their communities. This act recognizes sacrifices made by public servants and marks significant losses in each state. The states affected include South Dakota, Washington, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Key Facts
Flags are flying at half-staff in six states: South Dakota, Washington, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
In South Dakota, the order is to honor former legislator Orville Smidt.
In Washington, the order is to remember State Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who died in the line of duty.
Delaware honors State Trooper Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, killed during a shooting.
In Pennsylvania, the order is in response to an explosion and fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home.
West Virginia lowers its flags for Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, both shot in Washington, D.C.
Wyoming honors former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole.
Officials from each state expressed condolences and highlighted the service and sacrifices of the individuals being honored.
A woman in her mid-20s had a dream that made her question her life path. This dream led her to change her career and leave a relationship, ultimately moving from Iran to the United States to pursue a new direction.
Key Facts
A woman was in a committed relationship and finishing a doctorate in linguistics.
She had a vivid dream that made her feel that her future felt lifeless and inauthentic.
The dream prompted her to consult a Jungian analyst to explore her unconscious feelings.
This exploration made her realize she needed to change her life path.
She ended her engagement and left her academic career in Iran.
She moved to the United States to start a new career in marriage and family therapy.
She later pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology.
The changes were challenging but made her feel more alive and true to herself.
In the U.S., a woman named Adriana Figueroa prevented a dog from being euthanized by its owner, who was being evicted. The dog, now called Coquito, has terminal cancer and is living in a caring foster home with support from Paw Patrol Animal Rescue.
Key Facts
Adriana Figueroa met a woman at a shelter trying to euthanize her dog due to eviction.
Figueroa offered to help and found a rescue group to take the dog.
The dog, now called Coquito, was diagnosed with a cancerous mass.
Coquito is in hospice care with a foster home providing a loving environment.
Paw Patrol Animal Rescue assisted in finding a place for Coquito.
Coquito is spending his remaining time in comfort and surrounded by love.
An Arctic blast is expected to bring very cold weather to parts of the Midwest and Northeast United States as 2025 ends and 2026 begins. Weather warnings for cold and storms are in place, with significant snow and dangerous wind chills predicted. The recent winter storm has already caused flight disruptions and power outages in some areas.
Key Facts
An Arctic blast will bring cold weather to the Midwest and Northeast U.S. from January 1 to 5.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, especially in areas near the Great Lakes.
This follows a record warm Christmas, but some areas have already experienced heavy snow and ice.
Over 650 flights were delayed and 600 canceled due to the winter storm.
Power outages affected more than 30,000 homes and businesses in Michigan.
Extreme cold warnings are in effect in Montana, with wind chills expected to reach minus 40.
Several winter storm warnings are active across New York, Pennsylvania, and parts of New England.
Residents are advised to dress warmly to prevent frostbite in the extreme cold.
A map by NOAA shows that if sea levels rose by 10 feet, many coastal areas in Texas could be flooded. This could impact cities, public services, and wildlife areas. Experts have different opinions about when or if this level of sea rise might occur.
Key Facts
The NOAA map shows potential flooding of Texas coastal areas if sea levels rise 10 feet.
Major cities and services like hospitals and fire stations could be underwater.
Pollution and public health risks could increase if facilities that handle waste are flooded.
Even a 2 to 5 feet rise in sea level could cause significant flooding during high tides.
Specific Texas cities and areas at risk include Galveston, Texas City, and Corpus Christi.
Wildlife refuges like the McFadden National Wildlife Refuge could be submerged.
Experts do not agree on when a 10-foot rise could happen, with predictions varying widely.
Most U.S. coasts are expected to see a rise of 2 to 5 feet by 2100.
In 2026, U.S. veterans receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see an increase in their payments due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment ensures that payments keep up with inflation to help protect veterans' purchasing power. Eligibility for VA disability compensation is based on service-related conditions and active duty service, with new payment rates effective from December 31, 2025.
Key Facts
Around 6.5 million U.S. veterans get monthly, tax-free disability compensation from the VA.
Starting in 2026, a cost-of-living adjustment will increase veterans' payments to match inflation.
Disability compensation depends on the severity of a service-related condition and if the veteran has dependents.
Payment examples for 2026: $180.42 for a 10% rating, $356.66 for a 20% rating, and $4,671.47 for a 100% rating with dependents.
Veterans need a service-related health condition and active duty service to be eligible for compensation.
The VA considers both physical and mental health conditions for compensation eligibility.
The VA processed a record number of disability claims in 2025, improving accuracy and clearing a significant backlog.
Payment dates for 2026 start on January 30, continuing monthly through December 1.
Democrats are aiming to win control of the Senate in the 2026 elections, focusing on Republican-held seats in states like Maine and North Carolina. They need to gain four seats to achieve a majority, but this will require winning in areas that typically support Republicans. Polls suggest that the races in some of these states could be competitive.
Key Facts
Democrats need to win four more Senate seats to take the majority from Republicans.
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats have 47 seats.
Maine, where Senator Susan Collins serves, and North Carolina, with Senator Thom Tillis retiring, are key targets for Democrats.
Collins, despite representing a state Biden won, is seen as vulnerable due to tight polling numbers.
In Maine, a primary is set between potential Democratic candidates Janet Mills and Graham Platner.
The Cook Political Report identifies Maine and North Carolina as highly competitive races.
Democrats also need to defend seats in Georgia and Michigan, which Trump won.
Some political experts believe the Senate will likely remain under Republican control.
A major winter storm named Devin has caused over 1,500 flight cancellations and nearly 7,000 delays in the United States, affecting holiday travel plans. The storm is bringing hazardous weather, including heavy snow and low temperatures, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. Multiple airports and airlines have been impacted, with significant disruptions at major New York City airports.
Key Facts
Winter storm Devin has led to 1,581 flight cancellations and 6,883 delays in the US.
The heaviest snow in four years is expected in New York City, with up to 10 inches predicted.
Over 40 million Americans are under winter storm advisories, while 30 million in California face flood warnings.
Major New York airports—JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia—have experienced most of the flight disruptions.
JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Republic Airways are among the most affected airlines.
Southern California is experiencing its wettest Christmas season in 54 years, with risks of flash floods and mudslides.
Firefighters rescued over 100 people in Los Angeles County due to the severe weather conditions.
A large winter storm is expected to bring up to nine inches of snow to New York City and nearby regions, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays across the United States. Airports in the New York area, including JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia, are among the most affected. Authorities are advising travelers to check flight statuses and be cautious on the roads.
Key Facts
Nearly 1,500 flights in the US have been canceled, and 5,400 have been delayed due to a winter storm.
The storm is expected to bring up to nine inches of snow to New York City and southern Connecticut.
A winter storm warning is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports are heavily impacted.
JetBlue Airways canceled 227 flights, and Delta Air Lines canceled 213 flights.
Drivers are warned about dangerous road conditions and are advised to carry emergency kits.
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut governors advise avoiding unnecessary travel.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams suggests leaving work early or using public transport.
New York has introduced a new law that requires social media platforms with features like infinite scrolling and autoplay to display warnings about possible harm to young people's mental health. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the law, which aims to protect children from excessive use of social media. If platforms do not comply, they could face legal action and fines.
Key Facts
New York's law targets social media features like infinite scrolling and autoplay.
Platforms need to display warnings about mental health impacts, especially on young users.
Governor Kathy Hochul compared these warnings to those on products like tobacco.
Platforms face fines up to $5,000 for each violation of the law in New York.
The law applies only to actions occurring in New York, not to users outside the state.
Other states like California and Minnesota have similar laws in place.
The impact of social media on children's mental health is a growing concern globally.
An active shooter was reported at the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office in Wallace, Idaho. Multiple law enforcement agencies from three states responded to the situation. People were advised to avoid the area as it was unfolding.
Key Facts
An active shooter was reported at the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office in Wallace, Idaho.
The incident prompted a response from law enforcement across three states.
The Mineral County Sheriff's Office in Montana sent reinforcements to help.
The public was advised to stay away from the downtown area.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office deployed SWAT units to the scene.
The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office shares a building with the county courthouse and jail.
Wallace, Idaho, is a small historic city with about 800 residents.
The city is known for its historic downtown and is a hub for tourism and outdoor activities.
President Donald Trump called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reveal the names of Democrats allegedly mentioned in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The release of these documents has become a major topic of discussion due to concerns about transparency and how the justice system deals with famous people.
Key Facts
President Trump urged the DOJ to make public Democrat names from Epstein-related documents.
The discussion centers around Jeffrey Epstein, a known sex offender.
There are ongoing debates about document redactions and transparency.
The situation raises questions about public trust in government investigations.
President Trump criticized the focus on Epstein documents as diverting attention from election fraud issues.
The call for releasing names is seen as part of wider political rhetoric.
The story is still developing, with further updates expected.
President Trump’s administration plans to close the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado. This center is important for studying the weather and climate and was established in 1960. The decision was discussed with experts Kim Cobb and Matthew Cappucci.
Key Facts
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is located in Colorado.
The center focuses on climate and weather research.
It was founded in 1960.
The Trump administration plans to shut down this center.
William Brangham talked about this plan with experts in the field, including Kim Cobb and Matthew Cappucci.
David Brooks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr discussed the political events of the year, with a focus on President Trump returning to the White House for a second term. The discussion highlighted the main changes in the U.S. since his first term.
Key Facts
President Trump is in his second term as President of the United States.
David Brooks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr are media commentators discussing political changes.
The discussion took place with William Brangham.
There is a focus on how President Trump's current term differs from his first.
The conversation occurred under the context of a political review covering the year in politics.
The Kennedy Center's president criticized musician Chuck Redd for canceling a scheduled performance. Redd withdrew because of the decision to add President Donald Trump's name to the facility. Legal experts question whether this name change is appropriate under the law.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center wants $1 million in damages from musician Chuck Redd for canceling his performance.
Redd canceled after learning of President Trump's name being added to the building.
The addition of Trump's name has sparked legal and public controversy.
The center was originally dedicated to President John F. Kennedy in 1964.
There are legal disputes about whether the name change required Congressional approval.
The name addition was reportedly approved by a board appointed by President Trump.
Kerry Kennedy, President Kennedy's niece, plans to remove Trump's name after he leaves office.
President Donald Trump shared new pictures of renovations at the White House on Truth Social. The renovations include changes to the Oval Office, Rose Garden, and East Wing, where a new ballroom is being built. These updates are privately funded and have sparked public debate.
Key Facts
President Trump posted pictures of White House renovations on Truth Social.
Renovations involve the Oval Office, Rose Garden, and East Wing.
A new ballroom is being constructed in the East Wing.
The cost of the renovations is now estimated at $400 million.
The Trump administration claims private funding is used, with no taxpayer expense.
Legal and public scrutiny continues over the changes, especially the ballroom.
Discussion includes preservation, presidential authority, and private funding's role in federal landmarks.
In August, the Education Department under President Donald Trump rejected over 300,000 student loan repayment plan requests. Many of these requests were denied due to confusion over which repayment plan was appropriate. This affects borrowers who are faced with continuing their original payment plans.
Key Facts
The Education Department denied 327,955 student loan repayment requests in August.
The denial affects student loan borrowers, potentially leading to higher payments or paused payments where interest builds.
Over 42 million Americans have student loans, with total debt exceeding $1.6 trillion.
802,730 applications for Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans were pending in November.
IDR plans help lower payments based on income, with possible debt cancellation after 20 or 25 years.
Denials cited "unforeseen ambiguity" in choosing the right repayment plan.
Rejected borrowers are encouraged to reapply for repayment plans.
More than 5 million borrowers are in loan default, and wage garnishments may resume soon.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, announced that she is expecting a baby girl in May 2026. This announcement has brought attention to her husband, Nicholas Riccio, who is a businessman with a private profile. Riccio is involved in real estate and manages a company called Riccio Enterprises LLC.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the current White House press secretary.
Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl in May 2026.
The couple has a son named Nicholas (Niko) who was born in July 2024.
Leavitt thanked President Trump and the White House Chief of Staff for their support.
Nicholas Riccio is a businessman, managing real estate under Riccio Enterprises LLC.
Riccio's real estate business began in the early 2000s, and he owns properties in New Hampshire and Boston.
Riccio maintains a low public profile despite his wife's political visibility.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan faced criticism for wearing a hijab during a visit to a Somali market in Minneapolis. This visit came shortly after President Donald Trump criticized Somali migrants following a large healthcare fraud case. The incident has intensified political tensions, especially with Flanagan being considered for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
Key Facts
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan wore a hijab during her visit to a Somali market.
The visit occurred at the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis.
Flanagan greeted attendees in Arabic and praised the Somali community as part of Minnesota's identity.
President Trump recently criticized Somali migrants after a major healthcare fraud scheme was exposed.
Critics, including political figures and commentators, strongly reacted to Flanagan's actions.
Some have equated the hijab appearance to political gestures from the George Floyd protests.
Flanagan is a leading Democratic contender for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
Federal investigations revealed a potential $9 billion fraud in Minnesota aid programs, involving many Somali Americans.
Ken Paxton is leading the Texas Senate primary race against John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt, according to prediction market Polymarket. The primary, scheduled for March 2026, is gaining national interest as it might indicate the direction of the Republican Party on issues like the economy and immigration. Recent polls show different outcomes, with some voters still undecided.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton has 62% of the potential vote in the Polymarket prediction market.
John Cornyn holds 28%, and Wesley Hunt has 8.8% in the same prediction market.
Another poll by co/efficient shows Cornyn at 28% and Paxton at 27%, with 26% undecided.
A University of Houston poll showed Paxton at 34% and Cornyn at 33%, with Hunt at 22%.
The Texas Senate primary will take place on March 3, 2026.
A runoff will occur in May if no candidate secures the majority.
Public interest is high, with $735,715 in the prediction market's overall volume.
Candidates have made public statements emphasizing their ties or opposition to President Trump.
