New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced her budget plans for fiscal year 2027, totaling $260 billion. The budget will not increase income taxes but plans to invest in public services like housing, health care, and education. It includes efforts to address budget gaps and tax reforms but faces potential opposition for not increasing taxes on the wealthy.
Key Facts
The budget for fiscal year 2027 is $260 billion.
Revenue is expected to increase by 9.9% without raising income taxes.
The budget will eliminate state income tax on tipped wages up to $25,000.
Changes to the Child and Dependent Care Credit are proposed to make it more affordable.
A $25 billion plan aims to create 100,000 affordable homes across New York.
$100 million is allocated for a new homeownership program using pre-fabricated technologies.
The budget includes $153 million for homelessness and housing support.
The top corporate tax rate of 7.25% will be extended for three more years.
Veterans have made progress in their efforts to understand Gulf War Syndrome, as the Department of Defense (DOD) has agreed to update guidance on veterans' exposure to chemical weapons. The DOD will also work on finding and releasing classified documents related to the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
Key Facts
Gulf War Syndrome affects up to one in three veterans from the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
The Department of Defense plans to change how it informs veterans about their likely exposure to chemical weapons during the war.
The DOD agreed to make classified documents about the war more accessible.
In 2026, the DOD met with Vietnam Veterans of America to discuss these issues.
A faulty cell function has been studied by scientists as a potential link to Gulf War Syndrome.
Demolition of an ammunition site in Khamisiyah in 1991 may have exposed 100,000 veterans to nerve agents.
The DOD committed to improving access to health and environmental exposure information online.
Research funding for Gulf War Illness was incorporated into the Toxic Exposure Research Program in 2022.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, a Guatemalan national, who was charged in connection with the death of a 15-year-old girl in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident involved a hit-and-run where Xocop-Vicente allegedly drove through a stop sign and hit the girl, leading to her death. ICE's operation, named Operation Charlotte's Web, has resulted in more than 1,300 arrests in North Carolina.
Key Facts
ICE arrested Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente on January 12, 2026.
The incident occurred on November 24, 2025, when a car hit 15-year-old Amber Paris in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The girl was in a medically induced coma and passed away in December 2025.
Xocop-Vicente allegedly fled the scene on foot after the accident.
He was initially charged with felony hit-and-run and reckless driving.
ICE conducted Operation Charlotte's Web, leading to over 1,300 arrests in North Carolina.
ICE mentioned delays in custody due to local sanctuary policies.
Meteorologists expect a strong winter storm to affect much of the United States, bringing extremely cold temperatures and heavy snow. The storm is linked to changes in the Arctic and will likely impact around 230 million people starting from Friday.
Key Facts
A winter storm will hit much of the United States later this week.
The storm is related to changes in the Arctic's climate, affecting the polar vortex.
About 230 million Americans may experience temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius) or colder.
Around 150 million people could face snow and ice conditions.
The storm will stretch from New Mexico to New England and the Deep South.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the potential severity of this weather event.
New research shows that abortion bans in the United States have increased the risks of death for pregnant women. The study, examining data from 2018 to 2021, found that the death rate for pregnancy is much higher than for abortions and that the difference has grown with recent changes in abortion laws.
Key Facts
Researchers looked at data from national births and deaths from 2018 to 2021.
There were 14.9 million births and 3.6 million abortions in the U.S. during this period.
The study identified 3,065 pregnancy-related deaths and 17 abortion-related deaths.
The death rate from pregnancy was found to be about 44.3 per 100,000 births, significantly higher than from abortions.
The increase in death rates was partly due to better reporting of pregnancy-related deaths and safer abortion procedures.
The 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision led to more women continuing pregnancies with medical risks.
Thirteen U.S. states have total abortion bans, while 28 states restrict abortions based on how far along the pregnancy is.
The study was published in the JAMA Network Open journal.
President Donald Trump spoke in Davos, repeating a claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was "rigged." He mentioned that people will soon face prosecution related to the election. However, there is no evidence supporting widespread fraud, and Joe Biden won the election with 306 electoral votes.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to an audience in Davos.
He claimed the 2020 U.S. presidential election was "rigged."
Joe Biden won the 2020 election with 306 electoral votes.
President Trump received 232 electoral votes.
Allegations of widespread voting fraud have been widely disproven.
President Trump suggested prosecutions related to the election will happen soon.
It is unclear who Trump believes will be prosecuted or for what specific actions.
President Trump acknowledged a communication problem with his message on affordability as he prepares to discuss this at a global conference. His administration's officials have made comments that seem disconnected from everyday financial challenges faced by Americans. A recent poll shows many Americans feel the administration has not done enough to address high prices and economic concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump said his message on affordability has a communication problem.
Officials from Trump's administration made remarks on housing and food costs that many found unrealistic.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned retirees owning multiple homes while discussing housing policy.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested a $3 meal plan that she later clarified was incorrect.
A poll showed 74% of Americans believe the administration isn't doing enough to lower prices.
76% of those polled said their wages aren't keeping up with inflation.
President Trump plans to address affordability at an upcoming event with global leaders.
A large winter storm is expected to affect many parts of the U.S. this weekend, with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The Weather Prediction Center warns that this storm could cause significant travel problems and power outages due to extreme cold that will follow the storm.
Key Facts
The Weather Prediction Center has issued an update about a "major winter storm" affecting much of the U.S. later this week.
The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies and Plains to the East Coast and New England.
Extreme cold after the storm may worsen snow and ice conditions.
The storm will likely cause travel problems and power outages in many areas.
Winter storm watches cover parts of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri.
The Weather Prediction Center notes high confidence in the storm occurring but uncertainty in the exact path, timing, and precipitation amounts.
Residents are advised to prepare for a prolonged winter storm event.
The storm's aftermath may include persistent cold temperatures that could lead to continuous refreezing of ice and snow.
President Donald Trump believes his administration can issue $2,000 rebate checks funded by tariff revenue without needing approval from Congress. He mentioned that the payments aim to help lower- and middle-income Americans, although specific details about the plan are still unclear. The idea is under review, with legal and financial feasibility dependent on several factors, including a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.
Key Facts
President Trump suggests issuing $2,000 rebate checks using tariff revenue.
Trump thinks Congress may not need to approve these payments.
The rebate checks are meant for lower- and middle-income Americans.
The details on timing, eligibility, and legal authority remain unspecified.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of current tariffs.
The U.S. collected a significant amount in customs duties and tariffs recently.
Kevin Hassett, a White House adviser, noted that Congress controls how federal money is spent.
A survey found that 52% of registered voters support the tariff rebate idea.
The Valentine Post Office in Texas has released its special 2026 Valentine’s Day postmark. This postmark, chosen annually from a student art contest, is applied to thousands of Valentine cards each year.
Key Facts
The Valentine Post Office in Texas has a special tradition of releasing a Valentine’s Day postmark every year.
This postmark serves as a decorative ink stamp applied over regular postage stamps.
Postmaster Ismelda Ornelas personally applies the Valentine’s Day postmark by hand to between 10,000 and 12,000 envelopes annually.
The 2026 postmark design was chosen from a student art contest, created by 11th grader Romeo Garcia.
The design reflects the landscape seen from Garcia's home.
The Valentine postmark tradition has been ongoing since 1994, supported by the local school district and post office.
The postmark for 2026 is available through March 14, 2026, by mailing requests to the Valentine Post Office.
There is no charge for up to 50 postmark cancellations, with a small fee for additional ones.
Michelle Obama addressed the idea of Barack Obama running for a third presidential term if laws changed to permit it. She stated she would oppose such a move, emphasizing the need for new leadership. Discussions around President Trump running for a third term, despite constitutional limits, have also emerged.
Key Facts
The U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment stops presidents from serving more than two terms.
President Donald Trump has suggested he might run for a third term, despite this constitutional limit.
In March 2025, Trump said there are "methods" to run for a third term but has also stated he would be an eight-year, two-term president.
Michelle Obama expressed opposition to her husband, former President Barack Obama, seeking a third term if rules allowed it.
Michelle Obama emphasized the importance of new leadership and the need for fresh ideas.
A California state senator proposed a bill that could prevent Trump from appearing on the 2028 ballot if he pursued a third term run.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
A $1.2 trillion spending package was introduced to fund the U.S. government and prevent a shutdown. The package includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but faces opposition from some Democrats who want more restrictions on ICE activities. The bill calls for oversight and new initiatives like body cameras for agents.
Key Facts
Congress released a $1.2 trillion spending package designed to prevent a government shutdown.
The package includes funding for 12 government areas, including homeland security.
ICE is set to receive about $10 billion, with $3.8 billion for detention and deportation.
The bill proposes $20 million for body cameras for immigration enforcement.
Democrats opposed to ICE's operations called for more significant reforms.
Some Republicans believe the measure can pass despite some Democratic opposition.
Democratic lawmakers are concerned over recent shootings involving ICE agents.
The bill aims to increase oversight and transparency in DHS operations.
A petition to impeach President Donald Trump has received over 100,000 signatures but will not get a White House response. The petition comes as calls for Trump's impeachment have grown, partly due to his controversial suggestions about Greenland and other policy issues.
Key Facts
A petition to impeach President Trump has gained more than 100,000 signatures.
The group Blackout The System organized the petition.
The White House will not respond to the petition, as the "We the People" system was removed in 2021.
The petition accuses Trump of violating the Constitution since taking office again.
It mentions issues like attacks on immigrants and cuts to veterans' benefits.
President Trump has warned that Democrats regaining control of Congress could lead to another impeachment attempt.
Trump was previously impeached twice but acquitted by the Senate both times.
Social media posts have highlighted that Karoline Leavitt, now the White House Press Secretary, ran for Congress in 2022. She ran for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District but lost to Representative Chris Pappas. Her campaign was noted for its alignment with President Donald Trump and her focus on being a new, young voice in conservative politics.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is currently the White House Press Secretary.
In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.
Leavitt lost the election to Democratic Representative Chris Pappas.
She was 25 years old during her congressional run, aiming to be one of the youngest Congress members.
Her campaign highlighted her age as a positive for generational change in politics.
Leavitt strongly supported President Donald Trump and criticized establishment Republicans.
The viral social media post rekindled interest in Leavitt’s past political bid.
Chris Pappas is running in a 2026 Senate race for an open seat in New Hampshire.
The redistricting advisory commission in Maryland has recommended a new congressional map that could favor Democrats and eliminate the state's only Republican seat. The map must still be approved by the Maryland House and Senate. The change could impact upcoming elections by increasing Democratic representation.
Key Facts
Maryland's redistricting advisory commission voted to recommend a new congressional map.
The map could help Democrats win all eight U.S. House seats in Maryland.
Currently, Republican Andy Harris holds the only GOP seat in Maryland's congressional delegation.
The new map must be approved by Maryland's House and Senate.
There is opposition from some Maryland Democrats, including Senate President Bill Ferguson.
The state's congressional filing deadline is February 24, so a decision needs to be made soon.
Redistricting is part of a larger national effort by both parties to influence electoral outcomes.
An effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has gained support from 100 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. The charges against her include obstruction of Congress and misuse of funds. However, due to Republican majorities in Congress, it is unlikely the impeachment resolution will pass.
Key Facts
Democratic Representative Robin Kelly introduced three articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem.
The impeachment articles accuse Noem of obstruction of Congress and violating public trust.
Noem is also accused of misusing $200 million in taxpayer money for an ICE recruitment ad campaign.
100 House co-sponsors have signed the impeachment resolution.
Despite the support, Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate.
A DHS spokesperson dismissed the impeachment efforts as "silly."
Secretary Noem's actions are said to include unlawful entry to a DHS facility and directing ICE to make unlawful arrests.
Representative Kelly claims Noem's agency has been destructive and violated civil rights.
Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, announced she is expecting her fourth child at 40. A report by the CDC shows that women over 40 are now having more babies than teenagers in the U.S. The trend reflects a growing number of women choosing to have children later in life.
Key Facts
Usha Vance is pregnant with her fourth child at age 40.
Usha shared her pregnancy news on Instagram.
CDC data shows women over 40 are having babies more often than teenagers now.
The average age of first-time mothers in the U.S. rose from 26.6 in 2016 to 27.5 in 2023.
Delaying motherhood can allow for more education, career advancement, and finding a partner.
Older mothers might have a higher chance of living longer, according to some studies.
Pregnancy can have complications, but with good prenatal care, outcomes remain positive.
Usha Vance has a background in history and met JD Vance when both were students at Yale Law School.
People in parts of Georgia and Arizona have been advised to stay indoors due to high levels of fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that the air quality is "unhealthy," which can pose health risks, especially to sensitive groups like the elderly and children.
Key Facts
The advisory to stay inside was issued because of "unhealthy" levels of PM2.5 in Georgia and Arizona.
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which can be inhaled into the lungs and sometimes the bloodstream.
These particles can come from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and fires.
Sensitive groups like older adults, children, and people with health issues are at higher risk for health problems.
The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to monitor pollution and inform the public about air quality.
The AQI scale ranges from "Good" to "Hazardous," with "Unhealthy" indicating some general public health effects.
The EPA advises reducing outdoor activities when air quality is poor to minimize health risks.
Old social media posts from 2016 criticizing President Trump by several prominent Republicans have resurfaced during a viral online trend. The posts include comments from figures now in Trump's administration, like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These past criticisms have gained attention as part of a trend looking back at events from 2016.
Key Facts
Social media posts from 2016 criticizing Donald Trump have resurfaced among Republicans.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among those whose old posts are being shared.
In the past, Vance described Trump as "reprehensible" and asked Christians to consider their support.
Vance previously called himself a "never Trump guy" during a 2016 interview.
Rubio once labeled Trump as "dangerous" and a "con artist."
Posts from other Republicans like Texas Senator Ted Cruz and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham are also included in the compilation.
These posts have attracted more than 1.5 million views on social media platforms like Instagram.
The trend is part of a broader look back at political moments from the year 2016.
