Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Americans could receive larger tax refunds this year due to a policy from President Donald Trump. The increase in refunds, expected to total up to $150 billion, could provide up to $1,000 per wage earner.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the announcement on Tuesday.
The expected tax refund increase is due to a policy called President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill."
The refunds could amount to $1,000 per wage earner.
Bessent predicted up to $150 billion in total tax refunds this year.
The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Bessent shared these details in an interview on Fox Business.
Nineteen states in the United States are increasing their minimum wages, affecting about 8 million workers. This change comes as the federal minimum wage remains unchanged since 2009 at $7.25 per hour, prompting states to raise their own rates. Hawaii will see the largest increase in dollars and affect the highest percentage of its workforce.
Key Facts
19 states are raising their minimum wage in January 2026.
Around 8 million Americans will receive pay raises due to these changes.
The federal minimum wage is still $7.25, unchanged since 2009.
Hawaii will increase its minimum wage by $2.00, the largest among these states.
58.1% of workers impacted are women.
Black and Hispanic workers are disproportionately affected compared to their workforce representation.
Nearly half (49.4%) of the affected workers have full-time jobs.
21.0% of the affected workers live below the poverty line.
A new survey shows that young Trump voters from Gen Z and Millennials are more inclined towards strong male leadership and integrating religion in public life compared to older Trump supporters. These voters are also more open to cultural dominance and political violence. This shift may change priorities within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
The survey involved 18,000 Americans, including over 10,000 Trump voters.
26% of young Trump voters believe men should lead, compared to 10% of older Trump voters.
43% of young Trump voters see religion as more rebellious than atheism, versus 28% of older ones.
The report, "Beyond MAGA: A Profile of the Trump Coalition," identifies four types of Trump voters.
Young Trump voters favor cultural dominance and strong leadership over consensus politics.
The survey suggests younger voters, regardless of Trump support, are skeptical of traditional governance.
The study found differences between younger and older Trump voters' attitudes on gender roles.
President Trump's first year of his second term has brought significant changes to various aspects of American policy and governance. These changes span areas such as international relations, economic policy, technology, media, healthcare, and energy. Each sector has experienced disruptions influenced by new approaches and strategies implemented by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
The Trump administration played a key role in the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, marking a significant foreign policy action.
In Congress, Republicans have generally supported President Trump's policies, enabling the passage of major legislation.
President Trump's economic policies favor deregulation and reduced taxes but also involve government influence in corporate decisions.
U.S. businesses have had to adjust to Trump's America First policies, affecting global corporations and boardroom practices.
In technology, the administration has encouraged rapid growth in artificial intelligence, moving away from previous cautious approaches.
Trump has made significant cuts to media and press protections, influencing both U.S. and global media landscapes.
The administration has implemented major changes in U.S. healthcare, including cuts to health agencies and new vaccine policies.
The Trump administration has significantly altered U.S. climate and clean energy policies, focusing on traditional energy resources.
Immigration agents in Minnesota reportedly entered a man's home without a warrant. They detained him at gunpoint and took him outside in freezing weather while he was in his underwear.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Federal immigration agents were involved.
The man was a U.S. citizen.
Agents allegedly entered the home without a warrant.
President Donald Trump, in his second year of his current term, has been focusing on changes in immigration, trade, and investments. His administration has pursued policies resulting in reduced immigration and increased tariffs on imports. Furthermore, there has been a significant rise in financial investments in the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump signed 26 executive orders on the first day of his second term.
The administration implemented tariffs affecting over 60 countries.
Efforts were made to conduct the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
Net migration to the U.S. was near zero or negative in 2025, a first in 50 years.
Reduction in visas and refugee admissions contributed to lower migration numbers.
The U.S. saw an increase in investments, with total investments reaching $9.6 trillion in January.
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Japan were significant investors in the U.S.
Some investment figures might include agreements rather than actual investments.
Some Democrats want to use the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office due to his actions regarding Greenland. President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland, thinking it is important for security, but this has upset Greenland and European leaders. There have been talks about possibly using military force, and Democrats see this as a reason to question Trump's ability to lead.
Key Facts
Democratic politicians are calling for President Trump to be removed using the 25th Amendment.
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland, saying it's important for security.
Greenland and European leaders are upset about Trump's Greenland policy.
The U.S. has not ruled out military action to obtain Greenland.
To remove a president using the 25th Amendment, the vice president and the majority of the Cabinet must agree.
No U.S. president has been removed using the 25th Amendment before.
Some Democrats believe Trump's actions are linked to his disappointment over not winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Calls for impeachment have also been mentioned by politicians, including Republican Don Bacon.
At Disney World's Rainforest Cafe, a waiter ran after a family to confirm the large tip they left was intentional. The video of the event went viral online, highlighting generosity and the emotional impact of tipping. The incident sparked discussions on tipping practices amid broader conversations about "tipping fatigue" in the U.S.
Key Facts
A waiter at Disney World's Rainforest Cafe chased after a family to confirm their large tip was deliberate.
Tia Bee Stokes shared a video of the event, which has been viewed over 7 million times.
The waiter, Ashley, was surprised and pleased when told the tip was intended.
Tipping discussions often highlight the emotional impact and debates about tipping norms in the U.S.
A 2025 survey by Popmenu revealed that most consumers feel tired of frequent tipping requests.
The survey found 45 percent of people now tip restaurant staff 20 percent or more.
Tipping trends show modest improvement, but some feel pressured by digital payment prompts.
President Donald Trump is building a secret underground bunker at the White House to withstand a nuclear attack, according to CNN. This new project replaces an older underground facility that was part of the East Wing, which has now been demolished. The bunker is designed to protect against modern threats and ensure national security.
Key Facts
President Trump is constructing a secret underground bunker at the White House.
The new bunker replaces a decades-old emergency facility under the East Wing.
Demolition of the old facility began in October 2025, linked to a new ballroom project.
Officials say the project is meant to defend against modern threats like nuclear and chemical attacks.
The costs of the ballroom are covered by private donations, but taxpayers will fund the new bunker.
A court filing from the White House argued stopping construction would harm national security.
Construction details are classified, with emphasis on secrecy and advanced technology.
Previous secure facilities existed since 1941, ordered after the Pearl Harbor attack.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has proposed changes to the SAVE Act, which focuses on voter eligibility and ID requirements. Scalise wants to add a photo ID requirement for voting to ensure only U.S. citizens participate in elections. The SAVE Act has been stalled in the Senate since its passage by the House in April 2025.
Key Facts
The SAVE Act requires U.S. citizenship proof for voter registration and aims to remove noncitizens from voter rolls.
President Donald Trump's administration issued an executive order in March 2025 to enforce citizenship requirements for federal voting.
Scalise's proposal would add a photo ID requirement for voting to the SAVE Act.
Some states require photo IDs for voting, while others accept non-photo documents.
The SAVE Act has faced opposition, with critics arguing it shifts the burden of proof to citizens and could create barriers for certain voters.
Critics say the act could affect voters using online or mail-in registration, forcing in-person visits for changes.
The proposal comes amid debates about election security and voter fraud.
Efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are gaining more traction among Democrats compared to similar efforts to impeach President Donald Trump. Representative Robin Kelly has introduced three articles of impeachment against Noem, with 97 Democrats showing support, but these efforts are unlikely to succeed due to Republican control of Congress. The impeachment attempts against Trump have attracted less support from Democrats.
Key Facts
Representative Robin Kelly introduced three articles of impeachment against Secretary Kristi Noem.
97 Democrats in the House of Representatives have signed onto the impeachment articles against Noem.
The articles accuse Noem of obstruction, violation of public trust, and using her office for personal gain.
Noem is alleged to have unlawfully entered a DHS facility and directed improper actions by ICE.
Efforts to impeach President Trump have had less backing among Democrats.
Trump has been impeached twice before, during his first term, but was acquitted each time.
Texas Democrat Al Green previously introduced articles to impeach Trump, citing he was "unfit."
Trump is concerned he could be impeached if Republicans lose in the upcoming midterm elections.
The Supreme Court will soon decide on the legality of President Donald Trump's tariffs imposed using emergency powers. This decision could impact the balance of power between the presidency and Congress regarding trade policies. The ruling could also affect fiscal plans related to these tariffs.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will rule on the legality of tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The tariffs, including rates up to 125%, were applied after declaring a national emergency related to trade deficits and drug flows.
Lower courts ruled in 2025 that these tariffs exceeded the scope of IEEPA.
The Supreme Court heard arguments on this case on November 5, 2025, but does not reveal decision dates in advance.
President Trump has threatened additional tariffs on NATO allies unless the U.S. can purchase Greenland.
European leaders have criticized this move, citing concerns over international relations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated he believes it’s unlikely the Court will overturn the president’s tariff policy.
The case involves whether IEEPA allows such tariffs and if it infringes on Congress's taxing powers.
A report by WalletHub ranks U.S. states based on how good they are for drivers. The ranking considers factors like road quality, costs, and safety. Vermont is named the best state for drivers.
Key Facts
WalletHub's report lists Vermont, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana as the top five states for drivers in 2026.
Vermont is praised for a significant drop in traffic deaths and low car theft rates.
Vermont has low instances of phone-related accidents and offers affordable car insurance.
Iowa is noted for good road quality, low traffic congestion, and strict driving laws.
Kansas ranks highly due to its excellent road quality and low car operating costs.
The ranking was based on costs, traffic, safety, and access to vehicle-related services, using 31 different measures.
The report is updated annually to help drivers understand which states may be more driver-friendly.
President Donald Trump reviewed his first year in office during his second term, stating it has been a success. He discussed his policies on tariffs, immigration, and the economy. However, recent data shows that inflation remains a concern, and public opinion is divided on his performance.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump began his second term on January 20, 2025, after winning the election against Kamala Harris.
Trump claims his first year of his second term has been very successful, with changes in tariffs and immigration policies.
He believes the U.S. economy is strong and inflation is low, but official data shows inflation remains at 2.7%.
Food prices have increased by 3.1% over the year, with some items like coffee going up significantly.
A CNN poll indicates that 58% of Americans think Trump's first year has been a failure, while 42% see it as a success.
As the midterms approach in 2026, public perception of Trump’s achievements becomes increasingly important.
President Donald Trump has completed his first year of his second term. His policies have led to a mix of approval and disapproval across the United States. His highest support comes from Republican-leaning states, while Democratic-leaning states show the least support.
Key Facts
President Trump began his second term on January 20, 2024.
His policies include reducing federal government size, cutting diversity programs, and lowering humanitarian aid.
The administration started trade wars by putting tariffs on many countries.
An ICE raid in Minnesota led to controversy and protests after an American citizen was killed.
Overall, President Trump's approval rating stands at 40%, with a disapproval rating of 56%.
States like Wyoming and West Virginia show strong support with approval ratings over 60%.
States such as Hawaii and Vermont have low approval ratings, roughly 20-22%.
Key swing states show mixed opinions, with no clear majority favoring or opposing him.
Police in Indiana are looking for a shooter who injured Judge Steve Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, at their home. The shooting happened on Mill Pond Lane, and both victims were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at the home of Judge Steve Meyer and his wife in Indiana.
Judge Meyer has worked at Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 for 12 years.
The incident took place around 2.17 p.m. ET on Mill Pond Lane.
The judge was injured in the arm, and his wife was hurt in the hip.
Both Judge Meyer and his wife are in stable condition.
Shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting.
The Lafayette Police are handling an active investigation.
People with information are asked to contact Lafayette Police at 765-807-1200.
President Donald Trump has continued to make bold and often surprising statements throughout his first year back in office, drawing both strong support and criticism. His public remarks have contributed to ongoing political divides in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump is known for his direct and unusual public statements.
He has a tendency to make comments that spark controversy and attention.
During his first year of the second term, he made various notable statements, such as saying he "stopped eight wars in eight months."
Trump expressed a desire to be pope in a lighthearted comment.
He has criticized media outlets like CNN and ABC News, calling them "fake news."
Trump mentioned foreign affairs, including his good relationship with Kim Jong-un and comments about Russia and Ukraine.
He made remarks about individuals like Greta Thunberg, calling her a "troublemaker."
Polls indicate that President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped in his second term. This decline includes reduced confidence in key areas like the economy and foreign policy, especially among younger voters.
Key Facts
President Trump is in his second term, having made a notable political comeback.
Recent polls show his approval rating at its lowest since his reelection.
A Marist poll showed a net approval rating of -18, while an Economist/YouGov poll showed -14.
Trump's support has decreased on issues such as immigration, economic strength, and foreign policy.
Among Republicans, Trump's approval on immigration has dropped significantly since the start of his term.
Support from Generation Z, particularly young men, has decreased since the 2024 election.
President Trump argues that polls about him are "rigged" and often underestimate his popularity.
President Donald Trump shared an edited image showing a map of the United States that includes Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela. This image, along with another showing Trump in Greenland claiming it as a U.S. territory, highlights his interest in acquiring Greenland for national security reasons. The images were posted on Truth Social, and discussions about acquiring Greenland have been ongoing.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump shared an AI-edited image with an altered map of the U.S.
The map includes Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela as part of the United States.
The image shows Trump talking to European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
Another AI-created image shows Trump in Greenland with an American flag, claiming it as a U.S. territory.
Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security reasons.
Trump has not ruled out military action if Denmark does not agree to sell Greenland.
The images were posted on Truth Social, a social media platform.
The story is developing, and updates are expected.
Emily Powell discovered her daughter, Octavia, brought home a police badge and keys with an Iowa State Patrol keyring from kindergarten. The incident, which Powell found surprising, was shared in a video that went viral on Instagram. The items were returned to their owner, and the situation was resolved with humor.
Key Facts
A mom named Emily Powell found a police badge and a set of keys in her daughter Octavia's backpack.
The keys had a yellow keyring that said “Iowa State Patrol.”
Powell recorded the incident and posted it on Instagram, where it went viral with over 1.5 million views.
Octavia claimed a friend gave her the items, but the mother was skeptical.
Powell made sure the items were returned to their rightful owner the following day.
The video became popular because people found it real and relatable, according to Powell.
