The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plans to release a new set of Route 66 commemorative stamps in May 2026. The stamps celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and will be officially unveiled at an event in Arizona.
Key Facts
USPS will issue new Route 66 stamps in May 2026 to mark the highway's 100th anniversary.
The stamp set includes eight designs, each representing one of the states Route 66 passes through.
Route 66, also called "The Mother Road," was a major route from Chicago to Santa Monica, beginning in 1926.
A special event will take place on May 5, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, to unveil the stamps.
The event is free and open to the public, with no ticket required.
The stamps feature photographs of landmarks and scenes from Route 66.
Customers can buy the stamps online, by phone, by mail, or at Post Office locations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Denver International Airport is asking the public to donate $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards to help TSA employees, who are working without pay due to a partial U.S. government shutdown. The donation drive is meant to assist these employees with basic living expenses as they continue their duties without paychecks while awaiting a federal funding resolution.
Key Facts
Denver International Airport launched a donation drive for TSA employees working without pay during a government shutdown.
The airport is only accepting $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards due to federal rules.
TSA employees are essential workers who must work even when government funding lapses.
The shutdown has disrupted staffing at airport security, leading to long wait times.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has also set up support for unpaid federal workers.
TSA officers fall under the Department of Homeland Security, affected by the funding issue.
There have been calls to prevent TSA employees from going unpaid in future shutdowns through new legislation.
The donation effort will continue until a funding agreement is reached.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is investigating a whistleblower's claim that a former employee improperly accessed and handled sensitive data from SSA databases. The allegations suggest potential unauthorized access to personal information, including Social Security numbers and other sensitive data, which has raised concerns about data privacy and security. The investigation is ongoing, and both the SSA and the implicated parties have denied the allegations.
Key Facts
An anonymous whistleblower claimed a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee accessed SSA databases without permission.
The SSA inspector general is investigating the complaint, as stated in a letter to Congress.
The SSA maintains records on millions of Americans, including Social Security numbers and banking information.
The allegations describe potential unauthorized access to confidential data and its mishandling.
SSA, the former employee, and the implicated company have denied the allegations.
Investigations are not yet concluded, and there are no confirmed details about unauthorized access or data misuse.
Previously, DOGE employees allegedly uploaded data to insecure cloud environments, according to court admissions by the Trump administration.
SSA described The Washington Post's coverage of the allegations as inaccurate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Julie T. Le, a former attorney with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, announced her candidacy for Congress, planning to run against Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar in Minnesota. Le plans to emphasize issues like immigration reform and access to health care in her campaign.
Key Facts
Julie T. Le is a former immigration attorney with experience at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.
Le publicly criticized her job in a court hearing in February, calling it difficult and overwhelming.
She is launching a campaign to run as a Democrat against Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District.
Le's campaign priorities include immigration reform, student financial aid, arts and music funding in schools, and broader health care access.
The 5th Congressional District includes Minneapolis, a historically Democratic area.
Le stated her desire to bring new perspectives to legislative processes, not specifically criticizing Omar's performance.
Her formal campaign launch is scheduled for March 14 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses how President Trump's focus on issues like military actions and legislative priorities, such as the SAVE America Act, might not align with immediate voter concerns. This may pose challenges for the Republican Party in upcoming elections. The SAVE America Act, a priority for Trump, aims to change voting rules but faces hurdles in the Senate.
Key Facts
President Trump is focusing on military actions abroad and legislative issues like the SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act seeks to change voting rules and has become Trump's top domestic priority.
President Trump demands stricter limits on mail-in ballots in the Act before signing it.
The act has passed in the House but faces an uncertain future in the Senate.
The Senate requires 60 votes to pass the act, but Republicans currently lack the votes.
The Harvard/HarrisX poll shows 71% of Americans support the SAVE America Act.
Political experts note the act aims to mobilize voters by highlighting election integrity issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An animal rescue organization in California is helping pets left behind after owners are taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. A husky, abandoned following his family's deportation, was found roaming the streets and is now being cared for by volunteers and rescue groups. The situation highlights a rising trend of pets becoming strays after such raids.
Key Facts
ICE raids have left many pets without their families, turning some into strays.
Nima Nasseri uses a TikTok account to raise awareness about dogs affected by these raids.
A husky and a pit bull were found wandering the streets after their owners were deported.
The husky was abandoned after being thrown out of a truck and then later left behind after deportation.
Rescue groups like Stacy Hope Rescue and Redemption Tails are helping care for these animals.
Los Angeles shelters reported taking in dozens of pets affected by ICE raids within weeks.
These pets often appear well-cared-for, suggesting sudden family separations due to raids.
Nasseri continues to share these stories online to raise awareness and find homes for the pets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The ongoing conflict in Iran might increase the cost of construction materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, and cement, which could worsen the U.S. housing market's current affordability issues. President Trump's policies aimed at boosting housing affordability face additional challenges with potential rises in oil and gas prices. These price hikes could affect the costs involved in building new homes in the U.S.
Key Facts
The conflict in Iran is expected to raise costs for key homebuilding materials.
Materials likely to be affected include steel, copper, aluminum, and cement.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil supply, affecting energy costs.
Increased oil and gas prices can lead to higher construction costs in the U.S.
President Trump has committed to improving housing affordability.
U.S. housing market faces a significant shortage of homes, with varying estimates of 2 to 20 million needed.
Steel, an energy-intensive material, became more expensive in 2022 due to oil price increases.
Aluminum and copper markets also react to geopolitical conflicts like the Iran war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Laura Loomer, a well-known far-right activist, suggested on social media that Muslims should not work for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), calling it a security risk. Her comments have sparked controversy amid ongoing discussions about freedom of speech and offensive remarks in the U.S.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer made posts on social media against Muslims working at the TSA.
She specifically criticized the presence of Muslims at an Atlanta airport.
Loomer referred to wearing a hijab as a sign of adherence to sharia law.
She has been linked to the White House since President Trump returned to office.
Her remarks have added to the political polarization in the U.S.
Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles also made controversial comments about Muslims.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
SNAP recipients have sued the U.S. government, arguing that new restrictions on what they can buy with these benefits are not legal and harm people who depend on the program. The lawsuit claims the changes make it difficult for low-income families to buy necessary food. The complaint focuses on restrictions being implemented in 22 states.
Key Facts
Five individuals have filed a lawsuit against the USDA in Washington, D.C.
They want to stop changes that prevent SNAP benefits from buying certain foods like candy and sugary drinks.
The USDA approved new rules in 22 states, with some already enforcing them.
The government argues the policy promotes healthier diets, while the plaintiffs argue it limits food access.
The lawsuit claims the USDA overstepped by not following proper procedures.
Plaintiffs include a single mother with diabetes and a caretaker who argue the rules limit necessary purchases.
SNAP is a federally funded program managed by individual states, requiring USDA approval for changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is seeing low approval ratings from independents, a group known to influence close elections. These low ratings could impact the midterm elections, where control of Congress might shift.
Key Facts
President Trump has a low approval rating with independent voters.
Independent voters often decide close elections.
Trump is 38 points lower with independents compared to his overall rating.
This rating is worse than those of former Presidents Obama and Bush at similar times.
60% of voters believe the Trump administration focuses on the wrong priorities.
Among independents, 78% feel the administration is focused on the wrong issues.
Independents are more results-focused and less forgiving than party loyalists.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that starting April 1, 2026, it will only accept the new version of Form I-129 for H-1B visa applications. This change means that older forms received after this date will be rejected, impacting employers and workers preparing for the upcoming visa cap season.
Key Facts
USCIS will begin accepting only the new Form I-129 edition dated 02/27/26 from April 1, 2026.
Older versions of the form will be rejected if submitted after April 1, 2026.
Form I-129 is used by employers to sponsor foreign workers for temporary U.S. jobs.
The timing is crucial as it aligns with the H-1B visa cap season that starts in April.
H-1B applicants will be most affected since this is when cap petitions are filed.
The new form requires more detailed information about job and wage levels.
Employers must list wage levels from initial registration and the Labor Condition Application.
If employers use the wrong form version, their petitions will be rejected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal appeals court has allowed President Donald Trump's administration to continue deporting migrants to third countries while legal challenges to the policy are ongoing. The policy enables sending migrants to countries that are not their home nations, and it will remain in effect during the appeal process.
Key Facts
A federal appeals court allowed the third-country deportation policy to continue during an appeal.
The policy involves deporting migrants to countries that are not their own.
A lower court had blocked this deportation practice, ruling it illegal without more legal protections.
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy highlighted the lack of due process in the policy.
Judge Murphy allowed 15 days for an appeal before the block took effect.
The appeals court's decision means the deportation policy will remain while the appeal continues.
The case may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
The policy started in March and allows deportation without a chance for migrants to challenge it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several U.S. states are dealing with widespread power outages, with more than 270,000 customers affected nationwide. The states most impacted include Washington, Mississippi, and Louisiana, with severe weather likely causing the disruptions.
Key Facts
As of March 12, over 270,000 customers in the U.S. were without power.
Washington state had the highest number of outages, with over 92,000 affected.
Mississippi and Louisiana reported around 53,000 and 30,000 outages, respectively.
Severe winter weather, including high winds and snow, is a major cause of the outages.
Counties most affected align with areas facing storms or equipment failures.
Restoration work focuses on critical infrastructure first, like hospitals and emergency services.
Residents are advised to avoid downed power lines and check on neighbors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Republicans identify as MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters. This highlights the strong connection between the movement and President Donald Trump. The survey also reveals varying levels of MAGA support among different demographics.
Key Facts
An Economist/YouGov poll was conducted from March 6 to 9 among U.S. adults.
63% of Republicans now identify as MAGA supporters, marking a new high.
25% of U.S. adults overall identify as MAGA supporters.
Among independents, 12% identified as MAGA, and among Democrats, 3% did.
Racially, 31% of white respondents, 16% of Hispanic respondents, and 8% of Black respondents identified as MAGA.
57% of those who voted for Trump in 2024 identified as MAGA.
Gender differences show 28% of men and 22% of women identifying as MAGA.
Education impacts identification; 27% without a college degree and 21% with a degree identified as MAGA.
The poll involved 1,563 U.S. adult citizens, with a margin of error of approximately ±3.4 percentage points.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing. A former FBI agent believes she may have been kidnapped and warns that the person responsible could strike again.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Arizona home on January 31.
She is the mother of Savannah Guthrie who is a co-host on the Today show.
Police found drops of her blood on the front porch, indicating possible foul play.
Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer suspects at least one kidnapper is involved.
The agent also warned that the individual might be capable of extreme violence.
This situation is still unfolding, and more information is expected to be released.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California responded to an FBI warning about a potential Iranian plan to use drones for attacks in California. The FBI issued this alert in February, and Newsom has increased security and is working with various agencies to monitor the situation.
Key Facts
The FBI alerted about a possible Iranian plan to attack California using drones.
This alert was issued in early February.
The attack might occur if the U.S. strikes Iran.
Governor Gavin Newsom is monitoring these threats.
Newsom increased security through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
State, local, and federal agencies are working together to share information.
California is taking measures to protect its communities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has low approval ratings, but he keeps making decisions that might normally be unpopular. He has said he does not pay much attention to these numbers and prioritizes other goals.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating has dropped below 40% in recent polls, such as a Quinnipiac University poll.
Polls from Reuters/Ipsos, NBC News, and Fox News show his approval between 39% and 44%.
Trump has pursued actions like a military campaign with Iran and strict immigration policies.
Trump stated in an interview that he prioritizes doing what he believes is right over poll numbers.
Some Republican strategists say Trump's actions do not seem influenced by his approval ratings.
Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, linked to backlash from aggressive immigration policies after incidents in Minneapolis.
The administration is working on issues related to cost-of-living concerns, an area with weak polling support.
Trump and GOP are focusing on the 2026 midterm elections despite current approval numbers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna criticized Dartmouth College for keeping billionaire Leon Black's name on a building due to Black's financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Leon Black had paid significant sums to Epstein for services after Epstein was a registered sex offender. The college's decision comes under scrutiny amid ongoing legal and congressional investigations related to Epstein.
Key Facts
Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative from California, criticized Dartmouth College for a building named after Leon Black.
Leon Black is a billionaire who was financially involved with Jeffrey Epstein.
Black paid Epstein more than $150 million from 2012 to 2017, according to a Senate Finance Committee report.
Epstein was a registered sex offender during the time of these transactions.
Dartmouth named a visual arts center after Leon and Debra Black in 2012 following a $48 million donation.
Legal and congressional inquiries continue to examine Black's relationship with Epstein.
Black has denied wrongdoing in allegations related to Epstein and accusations from women of sexual abuse.
The House Oversight Committee is investigating other individuals financially linked to Epstein.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over remarks he made about his dyslexia and SAT scores, calling them a "politically suicidal act." Newsom discussed his learning challenges during a book event, which sparked viral controversy when interpreted as negative and allegedly racist by some. This exchange adds to ongoing tensions between Trump and Newsom amid speculation about Newsom's potential presidential run in 2028.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s comments about dyslexia and SAT scores.
Newsom spoke openly about his struggles with dyslexia at a book tour event in Atlanta.
Critics argued that Newsom’s remarks were offensive, while others defended them as personal reflections.
Trump claimed Newsom's comments harmed his chances for a future presidential bid.
Newsom's press office and the Atlanta Mayor commented on the importance of understanding context.
There is ongoing public conflict between Trump and Newsom over various political issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses a majority of American views on government roles in various issues based on polling data. It highlights areas where Americans tend to agree, despite political polarization. Topics include free speech, immigration, government trust, national debt, education, gun control, worker rights, and business regulations.
Key Facts
79% of Americans think the government has gone too far in restricting free speech.
84% of people believe America's diversity is a strength.
79% say immigration is good for the country, while 66% support a path to citizenship for undocumented workers.
Only 17% of Americans trust the government to do what is right most of the time.
90% of voters are worried about the national debt affecting living costs.
U.S. satisfaction with K-12 education is at a record low.
72% support requiring a license before buying a gun.
80% see wealth inequality as a big issue.
More than half of small businesses say federal regulations hurt their growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
