President Trump has introduced major changes to the U.S. immigration system in his second term. These changes include stricter rules for legal immigration and revisions to the legal status of many immigrants. The changes are implemented through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Key Facts
President Trump has blocked millions of immigrants from entering the U.S. and removed protections for some immigrants already in the country.
USCIS is making the citizenship test harder and increasing background checks, focusing on applicants' community contributions and character.
Travel bans have paused processing for certain asylum and immigration applications, affecting about 20% of cases.
New rules shorten the duration of work visas, now only valid for 18 months instead of 5 years, to reduce fraud.
A public charge rule now considers if applicants might need government help in deciding their immigration cases.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has ended for many immigrants, affecting those from 11 countries, like Honduras and Nicaragua, making them vulnerable to deportation.
Jack Smith, the former special counsel, will speak to the House Judiciary Committee about President Trump's charges. Smith will explain that evidence showed Trump broke laws and that not charging him would have been neglecting his duty. This is Smith's first public defense of the case against Trump.
Key Facts
Jack Smith will speak to the House Judiciary Committee.
Smith's talk will defend the charges against President Trump.
Smith claims evidence shows Trump broke laws after the 2020 election.
Smith previously testified in a closed-door session but wanted a public hearing.
Grand juries in two districts agreed on the charges against Trump.
Smith has almost 30 years of public service experience.
Smith worries people may take the rule of law for granted.
President Donald Trump plans to send $2,000 checks to Americans from tariff revenues. Initially expected by mid-2026, the checks may now arrive toward the end of the year. There are ongoing legal and budget questions about the payments.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to provide $2,000 tariff rebate checks to most Americans, except high earners.
The expected delivery of the checks has been moved from mid-2026 to the end of the year.
Legal and budget concerns exist about whether Congress must approve the payments.
A Supreme Court decision on tariffs could impact the availability of funds for the payments.
Trump believes his administration can issue the checks without needing approval from Congress.
Prediction markets give a low probability of the checks arriving before June or August of this year.
The White House is actively exploring legal options to distribute the tariff rebate checks.
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on the last spending bills for the year. Democratic lawmakers have issues with the bill funding the Department of Homeland Security due to concerns about President Trump's immigration policies. The Senate must approve the bills by January 30 to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Key Facts
The House is set to vote on the final spending bills for this year.
Democratic leaders oppose the bill funding the Department of Homeland Security.
They disagree with how it handles President Trump's immigration policies.
The House has already passed eight out of twelve necessary funding bills.
If the final bills pass the House, the Senate must then vote by January 30.
The voting is crucial to prevent a partial government shutdown.
Some immigration actions have recently occurred in the Minneapolis area, where an ICE officer was involved in a shooting incident.
Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest level in 30 years. The country risks losing its status of having eliminated measles due to recent outbreaks, primarily among unvaccinated people. Major outbreaks occurred in South Carolina and on the Utah-Arizona border, with health officials emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
Key Facts
Measles cases in the U.S. are at a 30-year high.
The U.S. may lose its "measles elimination status" due to rising cases.
Most cases occur among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Ralph Abraham from the CDC mentioned that international travel may contribute to the increase in cases.
Some Trump administration officials initially downplayed the risk from measles and the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
Major outbreaks are happening in South Carolina and a region on the Utah-Arizona border where vaccination rates are low.
The outbreak in Texas reported 762 cases and led to two deaths.
Travel during holidays increased the risk of spreading measles, with cases reported in North Carolina and Ohio.
The FCC plans to enforce rules requiring talk shows and late-night TV programs to give equal airtime to opposing political candidates. President Donald Trump highlighted this change, arguing such shows are biased against conservatives. This decision centers around a federal law that mandates "equal opportunities" for candidates appearing on FCC-licensed broadcasts.
Key Facts
The FCC is introducing rules to ensure equal airtime for political candidates on talk shows and late-night TV.
President Trump supports this move, citing bias against conservatives in these programs.
Trump suggested the FCC should revoke licenses of networks critical of him.
The rules are based on a federal law that mandates broadcasters to offer "equal opportunities" to political candidates.
There’s controversy over whether late-night shows fall under "bona fide news" exemptions which allow selective candidate appearances.
The FCC's new guidance clarifies that not all late-night and daytime shows are exempt from the equal opportunities requirement.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, supports the new guidelines.
The changes have led to discussions about free speech and media bias in the U.S.
A major winter storm is expected to hit various parts of the United States, prompting some schools to announce closures on Friday. The storm will bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, affecting travel and causing potential power outages.
Key Facts
The winter storm is expected to start Friday, affecting areas from the Southern Rockies and Plains to the Mid-Atlantic and New England.
The storm may bring over 12 inches of snow in some areas.
Travel disruptions are likely, with possible highway closures and flight cancellations.
Freezing rain and sleet could cause power outages and hazardous travel in several southern states.
Some school systems in Tennessee and Wisconsin have announced closures on Friday.
Other areas, like Oklahoma and New York City, are preparing for potential virtual learning or closures.
States such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee are most at risk for extended school closures.
The storm could affect more states, including those in the Northeast, early next week.
A recent report by Bankrate shows that nearly half of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency expense. Rising prices and inflation are major factors affecting Americans' ability to save money. Many individuals are worried about covering basic living costs if they lose their primary source of income.
Key Facts
47% of Americans cannot afford a $1,000 emergency expense.
Bankrate conducted the study with responses from 2,564 U.S. adults.
68% would worry about paying basic expenses if they lost their income.
30% would use savings to pay a $1,000 emergency expense; 17% would use income.
33% would need to borrow money, use credit cards, or take loans for emergencies.
Inflation and high costs make it difficult for 54% to boost their savings.
24% of households live paycheck-to-paycheck, up from 2024.
32% expect personal finances to worsen in 2026 compared to 23% in early 2025.
Former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel has proposed an age limit of 75 for U.S. presidents, Congress members, and federal judges. This proposal aims to ensure capability and health in government positions, especially as the current President Trump is 79 years old. Emanuel has indicated interest in running for president in 2028.
Key Facts
Rahm Emanuel suggested an age limit of 75 for the president, Congress members, and federal judges.
Emanuel is a former Ambassador to Japan and former mayor of Chicago.
The proposal is part of a broader call to address issues in government activities.
Emanuel, currently 66, noted this age rule would affect his potential second term if he were elected president in 2028.
The current U.S. President Donald Trump is 79, which would affect his ability to serve if the rule existed today.
In Congress, the average age is 64, meaning many could be affected by a 75-year age limit.
A 2023 survey found that 79% of Americans support age limits for elected officials.
Emanuel's proposal would need significant legislative action to be implemented.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now permitted to enter homes without a judge-signed warrant, using administrative warrants from the Department of Homeland Security instead. This new policy aims to address individuals with final removal orders but raises legal and constitutional concerns regarding privacy and due process.
Key Facts
ICE agents can now use administrative warrants to enter homes, without needing a judge's signature.
The new policy allows entry when arresting people who have final removal orders.
ICE agents must initially knock and identify themselves but can force entry if denied.
The policy is documented in a memo dated May 12, 2025, signed by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Agents can conduct these operations between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Critics argue that this policy violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects against warrantless searches.
Legal challenges and criticism focus on potential civil liberties violations.
The policy has already been enacted, with an incident reported in Minneapolis involving an administrative warrant arrest.
Ghislaine Maxwell is set to testify before a U.S. House committee on February 9. She was convicted for her role in helping Jeffrey Epstein abuse young girls. Her testimony is part of a broader investigation into how Epstein was able to carry out his crimes for so long.
Key Facts
Ghislaine Maxwell will testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on February 9.
James Comer, the committee chairman, announced the deposition date.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.
The testimony is part of an investigation into Epstein's activities and how they went unchecked.
Maxwell's attorney plans for her to invoke the Fifth Amendment, meaning she may not answer questions to avoid self-incrimination.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of investigation files on Epstein, signed into law by President Trump.
There have been delays in releasing these files due to the volume of documents and the need to protect victims' privacy.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
The article discusses the need for Democrats to take a strong lead on public safety, suggesting that a comprehensive approach is necessary to prevent crime and address contributing factors. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlights initiatives in Los Angeles aimed at unifying safety strategies, responding effectively to crime, and reducing repeat offenses.
Key Facts
Mayor Karen Bass argues that public safety is a key responsibility of government and Democrats must lead in this area.
Los Angeles has created a dedicated Office of Community Safety to coordinate crime prevention strategies with public health experts, intervention workers, and law enforcement.
Programs such as violence interruption teams and Gang Reduction and Youth Development initiatives are in place to prevent crime before it starts.
The city's Retail Theft Task Force has made more than 350 arrests, recovering $66 million in stolen goods.
LAPD recruitment has reached a four-year high, and homicides in the city dropped by 14% in 2024.
Los Angeles expanded programs to prevent repeat offenses, including juvenile reentry programs and job training for former offenders.
Past punitive responses to crime are criticized for causing long-term harm to communities, suggesting a need for balanced safety strategies.
In his first year back in office, President Donald Trump introduced measures like tariffs, tax cuts for the wealthy, and cuts to essential programs, leading to increased costs for American families. As a result, household debt rose significantly, job creation slowed, and many faced financial struggles. Democrats propose alternatives to ease the cost-of-living crisis.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced tariffs and tax cuts for billionaires.
Cuts were made to programs like health care and food assistance.
An average family spent $1,200 more since Trump took office.
Household debt increased by half a trillion dollars in 2025.
Job creation dropped to less than a third of the previous year's rate.
Wage growth slowed, and layoffs went up to their highest since the pandemic.
Democrats proposed measures to reduce costs for child care and health care.
Several former staffers of Stacey Abrams, a key Democratic figure in Georgia, are backing candidates for the 2026 governor race after Abrams announced she will not run. The race is particularly important as Georgia remains a closely contested political area. Keisha Lance Bottoms currently leads the Democratic primary polls, but many voters remain undecided.
Key Facts
Stacey Abrams, a notable Democratic leader in Georgia, chose not to run for governor in 2026.
Her former staffers are supporting candidates for the upcoming Democratic primary.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta Mayor, is leading in the polls with 40%.
Jason Esteves, a former state senator, has gained some backing from Abrams' supporters.
Mike Thurmond and Geoff Duncan are other prominent names in the race.
Stacey Abrams has not yet endorsed any candidate for the primary.
The primary election is on May 19, with a runoff scheduled for June 16 if needed.
Georgia is a key battleground state in U.S. politics.
President Donald Trump received his lowest approval rating of his second term, according to a new poll by the American Research Group. The poll, conducted with 1,100 adults from January 16 to January 20, shows 35% of people approve of Trump, while 63% disapprove.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating has dropped to 35%.
His disapproval rating is 63%.
The poll was conducted by the American Research Group (ARG).
The survey took place from January 16 to January 20.
It included 1,100 adults across the United States.
The net approval stands at –28 points, the lowest in his second term.
ARG has been tracking these ratings since Trump returned to office.
A Texas jury found police officer Adrian Gonzales not guilty of child endangerment charges related to the Uvalde school shooting in 2022. Officer Gonzales was charged with failing to act promptly during the shooting at Robb Elementary School, where 19 students and two teachers were killed. The trial highlighted the response delay, as it took 77 minutes for police to confront the shooter.
Key Facts
A Texas jury cleared Officer Adrian Gonzales of child endangerment charges related to the Uvalde school shooting.
The shooting occurred at Robb Elementary School in May 2022, killing 19 students and two teachers.
Nearly 400 officers responded, but it took 77 minutes to confront and stop the shooter.
The jury reached a not guilty verdict after seven hours of deliberation.
Gonzales faced 29 counts of charges for allegedly failing to protect the students.
Prosecutors claimed Gonzales did not act quickly as the first officer on the scene.
Defense argued that Gonzales was made a scapegoat for the response failures.
A 2024 federal report criticized the slow police response and highlighted leadership and decision-making issues.
The family of Renee Good, a woman shot by an immigration agent in Minneapolis, released an independent autopsy showing she was shot at least three times. The shooting led to protests and disagreements between local authorities and the Trump administration. The family disputes the self-defense claim and demands further investigation.
Key Facts
Renee Good was shot by immigration agent Jonathan Ross on January 7 in Minneapolis.
An independent autopsy revealed Good was shot in the head, arm, and breast.
The Trump administration claims the shooting was in self-defense, saying Good tried to run over agents with her car.
Videos of the shooting have caused debates about the self-defense claim.
Local officials want further investigation, but federal agencies are handling the case.
Good's family hired a law firm to conduct their own investigation into the shooting.
President Trump expressed sympathy for the shooting but defended ICE actions in general.
Federal immigration agents reportedly used a 5-year-old child in a Minneapolis suburb to assist in an arrest operation. School officials stated that the child and his father were detained, and the child was taken to the house's door to knock and check for others inside. The family involved is in an active asylum process with no deportation order.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in a suburb near Minneapolis.
A 5-year-old child was used to knock on the door of his home while immigration agents waited outside.
The child and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were detained after coming back from school.
The father tried to escape when ICE officers approached.
DHS stated that ICE has a policy of asking parents about their preferences for their children's safety during detentions.
The family has an active asylum case without a deportation order.
This child is one of at least four students from the district detained recently by ICE.
School officials expressed concern over the decision to involve a young child in the operation.
Barron Trump, son of President Donald Trump, called the British emergency number to report an attack he witnessed during a video call. The incident involved a 22-year-old man allegedly attacking a woman on January 18, 2025. Barron saw the event unfold on a call and took immediate action by contacting authorities.
Key Facts
Barron Trump called British emergency services after seeing an attack on a video call.
The attack was allegedly carried out by Matvei Rumiantsev, a 22-year-old Russian former MMA fighter.
The incident took place in the early hours of January 18, 2025.
The court identified the attack as being motivated by jealousy over a connection with Barron.
The woman's identity involved in the incident is legally protected.
The case was presented at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump has started a new immigration enforcement operation called “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine. The operation focuses on areas with a significant Somali American population and has caused concern among local immigrant communities about the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Key Facts
President Trump's administration began an immigration crackdown in Maine.
The operation is named “Operation Catch of the Day” and started on a Tuesday.
Some believe Maine was targeted due to its large Somali American population.
President Trump has made negative comments about the Somali community.
In Minnesota, similar operations led to violent incidents, including a fatal shooting.
Portland's Mayor Mark Dion expressed concerns over ICE's enforcement methods.
Maine officials hope for a more focused approach with fewer federal agents.
