The city of Buffalo is dealing with a financial deficit and is asking New York State for help. The deficit could be as much as $80.3 million this year, and both the mayor and the state governor are discussing how to address the challenge.
Key Facts
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan started his term on January 1.
Buffalo is facing a budget shortfall that could reach $80.3 million in 2023.
The previous report estimated the deficit at $2.3 million, but it has since grown.
The issues began during former Mayor Byron Brown's term, involving reliance on funds like the American Rescue Plan.
Mayor Ryan is developing a three-year plan to improve the city's finances.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the state will review the situation but expects the city to evaluate improvements first before seeking assistance.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was a U.S. Representative from Georgia, expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's military actions in Venezuela. She warned that such actions could set a global precedent, making it challenging for the U.S. to oppose military interventions by other countries. Greene and other Republicans questioned the motivations behind the operations, suggesting they may relate more to oil interests than to national security.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene shared her concerns about the U.S. military's action in Venezuela on "The View."
Greene warned that if the U.S. intervenes in Venezuela, other countries might feel justified to act similarly elsewhere.
The military action in Venezuela was called Operation Absolute and resulted in the death of 24 Venezuelan security officers.
The U.S.'s actions also included seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
Russia criticized the U.S. actions, saying they could raise tensions in the international community.
Greene argued that Venezuela is not a primary source of drugs entering the U.S.
She resigned from Congress in November after disagreements with Trump on foreign policy.
Representative Thomas Massie also criticized the operation, suggesting it was more about oil and regime change than about drugs.
President Donald Trump may consider using the Insurrection Act after an ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis raised issues about federal authority and civil rights. The Minnesota governor and other officials expressed concern over potential federal intervention. Previous attempts by Trump in 2025 to federalize National Guard units faced legal challenges.
Key Facts
There was a recent shooting by ICE officers in Minneapolis that resulted in a fatality.
Speculation arose about President Trump potentially using the Insurrection Act in response.
The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy federal troops domestically under certain conditions.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz opposes federal intervention and has prepared the state’s National Guard.
There is political and legal concern over the federal government's potential use of the act.
In the past, President Trump faced legal barriers when attempting to use the act in other states.
The Insurrection Act has been used sparingly in U.S. history, like during school desegregation and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
President Donald Trump has taken different approaches to protests in Iran and the United States. He expressed support for Iranian protesters and issued warnings against violence toward them. However, in the U.S., protests related to immigration have seen a strong response, including the deployment of troops and increased ICE operations.
Key Facts
President Trump defended sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests against ICE.
Trump warned Iran against harming peaceful protesters, saying the U.S. might rescue them.
An ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis.
Trump described Good as having deliberately tried to harm an ICE agent, before any formal investigation.
The U.S. has initiated a significant immigration crackdown with 2,000 officers in Minnesota.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disputed the federal narrative of the shooting, criticizing the official portrayal.
Trump has authorized the use of force to protect ICE and labeled Antifa a "major terrorist organization."
The article discusses a common relationship pattern called the pursuer-withdrawer cycle. In this cycle, one partner seeks connection while the other pulls away, which can create long-term relationship issues if not addressed. The article highlights how this dynamic can lead to one partner feeling exhausted and giving up on trying to fix the relationship.
Key Facts
The article is written by Melissa Divaris Thompson, a therapist specializing in couples therapy.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by Sue Johnson is mentioned, which helps understand relationship dynamics.
The pursuer-withdrawer cycle involves one partner seeking connection while the other retreats.
The article highlights a stage called "burned-out pursuer" when the initiating partner stops trying due to lack of response.
This cycle can be challenging for even healthy couples if not addressed early.
The pursuer often feels like their efforts are too intense, overwhelming the withdrawing partner.
The article suggests that naming problems and seeking discussions are signs of someone invested in the relationship's success.
President Donald Trump announced plans to increase the U.S. military budget to $1.5 trillion. This proposal includes new military programs and an overall increase of about 50% from the current spending levels. Congress must approve any changes to the military budget.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to raise the U.S. military budget to $1.5 trillion.
The U.S. currently spends about $997 billion on its military.
The proposed increase would be almost 50% more than current spending.
Trump has introduced several costly military programs, such as a new missile defense shield and a new battleship design.
Funding for these programs may come from tariffs on other countries.
Congress has to approve any new military budget plans.
Some Republicans, like Rep. Don Bacon, support increasing military spending to 4% of GDP.
Trump criticized defense contractor Raytheon for being slow in meeting Pentagon orders.
Millions in the U.S. could experience severe weather this week due to two storms. These storms may cause heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even snow across large areas, particularly affecting states from Texas to Kentucky.
Key Facts
Two storms are expected to bring severe weather to parts of the U.S. this week.
A storm will start over Texas on Thursday and move toward the Great Lakes by Friday.
States like northeast Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and others may face severe thunderstorms.
There is a risk of flash flooding from northeast Louisiana to southern Kentucky.
Snow, ice, and bad travel conditions could occur in northern areas of the storm.
Severe storms may produce hail, strong winds, and possibly tornadoes.
Colder temperatures may return to the Great Lakes and the eastern U.S. over the weekend.
Two people were killed and several were injured in a shooting at a Mormon church parking lot in Salt Lake City, Utah. The police are investigating the incident and believe it was not random but not a specific attack against the religion. The FBI is helping with the search for the suspect, who is not yet in custody.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in the parking lot of a Mormon church during a funeral.
Two people died, and six others were injured, with three in critical condition.
Police have not arrested any suspects and are looking for the shooter.
The FBI is assisting the police in the investigation.
Officials do not think the attack targeted the church for religious reasons.
The incident occurred during a time of heightened security due to recent attacks on religious places.
Salt Lake City's mayor expressed concern about the event happening at a place of worship.
About half of Utah's 3.5 million residents belong to the Mormon faith.
President Donald Trump plans to prevent large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes in the United States. He believes this will help make housing more affordable for Americans. Experts argue that these investors do not play a big role in the housing crisis.
Key Facts
President Trump announced his plan on Truth Social, his social media platform.
He aims to stop large investors from buying more single-family homes.
Trump plans to discuss his housing proposals at the World Economic Forum.
Experts say institutional investors own a small portion of single-family homes.
During the pandemic, investors bought a large share of homes, but their activity has decreased.
Institutional investors are not considered the main cause of the housing affordability issue.
Small investors, owning fewer homes, make up the majority of recent buying activity.
Trump's proposal targets a declining segment of the housing market.
Nevada is considering changes to its SNAP program that would prevent recipients from buying sugary drinks, energy beverages, and some candies with their benefits. The state plans to apply for federal approval to implement these changes and hopes to allow more purchases of hot, prepared foods like rotisserie chickens. Similar measures have been approved in 18 other states.
Key Facts
Nevada wants to stop SNAP recipients from using benefits to buy certain unhealthy foods and drinks.
About 505,500 people in Nevada use SNAP benefits.
Nevada aims to implement these changes by 2028, pending federal approval.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture runs SNAP at the federal level, but states can request waivers to modify certain aspects.
In 2025, 18 states received waivers to block candy and soda purchases with SNAP benefits.
Some states began enforcing these changes at the start of 2026, including Indiana and Iowa.
Supporters believe that the restrictions will help reduce diet-related diseases.
Critics argue that stopping purchases of some foods won't necessarily change eating habits.
Large waves and hazardous surf conditions have led the National Weather Service to issue warnings for the west coast of the United States. People in California, Oregon, and Washington have been advised to stay away from beaches and coasts until Thursday due to dangerous waves and potential flooding.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has issued high surf advisories for California, Oregon, and Washington.
Waves could reach up to 26 feet in parts of southern Oregon.
Similar conditions with waves as high as 25 feet are expected along the northern California coast and the South Washington Coast.
People are warned to stay away from shorelines and be cautious of dangerous conditions like rip currents and sneaker waves.
High surf can cause beach erosion and damage infrastructure like piers and walkways.
The advisories are in effect until Thursday, with the most significant waves expected in the morning.
Sneaker waves are powerful, unexpected, and can move farther up the beach than usual.
Beachgoers should avoid large, heavy objects on the shore, as moving water can dislodge or roll them.
President Donald Trump's approval rating on economic issues has dropped among independent voters according to recent polls. This decline in support may pose challenges for the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections, as independents are an important group of voters.
Key Facts
Three YouGov/Economist polls show a decline in Trump's approval on the economy among independent voters from early December to early January.
Approval among independents was 25% at the start of December, climbed to 26% later that month, then dropped to 20% by early January.
Disapproval ratings for Trump's economic handling among independents remained above 56% throughout these polls and rose to 63% in the latest data.
The surveys had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percent.
These polls were based on web-based surveys of U.S. adults from YouGov's opt-in panel, aiming to be nationally representative.
Broader trends from other polls, like Gallup and NPR/PBS News/Marist, also indicated low approval ratings for Trump among independents.
The polls suggest growing dissatisfaction with Trump's economic management among independents, a crucial voting group in elections.
A woman bought a new house and discovered a large amount of black mold behind the kitchen refrigerator. The video of the discovery was shared on TikTok, raising concerns about health risks and potential legal action against the former owners and inspector for failing to disclose the issue.
Key Facts
A woman found black mold hidden behind the refrigerator in her new home.
The discovery was shared on TikTok and has received over 1.3 million views.
Mold can cause health problems, including respiratory issues, according to the EPA.
The EPA advises cleaning mold from hard surfaces and replacing absorbent materials if infested.
Users on TikTok suggested legal action against the previous owners and the home inspector.
Commenters warned against trying to fix the mold issue without professional help.
Nine Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined Democrats to advance a vote on extending subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare. This measure will be voted on shortly and aims to continue financial help for health insurance that expired at the end of 2025. President Trump has not shown support for extending these subsidies, but he wants lawmakers to reach a healthcare agreement.
Key Facts
Nine Republicans voted with Democrats to force a House vote on extending Obamacare subsidies.
The proposal is for a three-year extension of these subsidies.
A discharge petition, a tool to bring a stalled bill to a vote, was approved with 221 in favor and 205 against.
Without these subsidies, healthcare costs could increase significantly for many Americans.
Democrats argue that enhanced subsidies, first increased during the pandemic, help reduce insurance costs.
Four Republican senators previously supported a similar measure that failed to pass in the Senate.
President Trump has not backed the extension of these subsidies.
The actual vote on extending the subsidies is expected soon, and passage in the Senate remains uncertain.
In Minneapolis, an ICE agent shot and killed a U.S. citizen named Renee Nicole Good while she was in her car. President Trump and others are calling the incident self-defense, while Democrats label it as murder. Videos of the event have sparked debate, and a federal investigation is promised.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis.
The shooting happened near where George Floyd died in 2020.
President Trump called the shooting self-defense; some Democrats called it murder.
Homeland Security Secretary described the incident as domestic terrorism.
Videos circulating online contradict some initial claims by officials.
A federal investigation into the shooting has been promised.
The incident has intensified debate over immigration enforcement.
Voters in the U.S. are showing increased concern about the economy under President Donald Trump, according to a new survey. The study reports a decrease in "fiscal confidence" and highlights worries about the national debt. Many voters believe these economic issues could influence this year's midterm elections.
Key Facts
A recent survey by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation shows a decline in fiscal confidence among U.S. voters.
The fiscal confidence index is at 51, down from 57 a year ago, with a neutral score being 100.
Voters are concerned about the $38 trillion national debt, with 77% saying their fears have grown.
79% of surveyed voters believe addressing the national debt should be a top priority for the President and Congress.
58% of voters expect America's fiscal health to worsen in the next few years.
"One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a tax legislation under President Trump, is viewed as deficit-increasing.
Concern over economic issues could impact Republican chances in the midterm elections.
A fundraiser for the family of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, has raised over $350,000. The incident happened during a traffic stop where officials claim Good tried to run over an officer. The city's mayor and others have criticized the shooting.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop in Minneapolis.
The shooting has received criticism, with the Minneapolis mayor calling it "reckless."
The Trump administration and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem supported the ICE officer’s actions.
A fundraiser for Good’s family has gathered over $363,000.
The money is to support Good’s wife and son.
The fundraiser was set up by someone named Mattie Weiss.
The incident is still developing, with more details expected to follow.
A shooting took place outside a church in Salt Lake City, Utah, resulting in two deaths and six injuries. The incident occurred during a funeral at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse. Police are searching for the suspects involved.
Key Facts
The shooting happened outside a church in Salt Lake City.
Two people died in the incident.
Six other people were injured, three critically.
The shooting took place during a funeral service.
Police have solid leads on the suspects but have not found them yet.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are responding differently to fraud allegations in their states. Walz has stopped his re-election campaign while addressing fraud issues, but Newsom is actively denying the claims and criticizing his opponents. Allegations of fraud in both states have become a significant political topic, with responses impacting public trust.
Key Facts
Allegations of fraud have been reported in both California and Minnesota.
Governor Tim Walz has decided not to run for another term to focus on addressing fraud issues in Minnesota.
Walz has announced measures to strengthen fraud prevention in Minnesota.
Governor Gavin Newsom is publicly denying fraud claims in California and criticizing those making the allegations.
Newsom's office claims he has prevented over $125 billion in fraud since taking office.
Allegations are politically charged, with Republicans and Democrats blaming each other.
President Donald Trump called California "more corrupt than Minnesota," leading to more investigation claims.
Fraud allegations in Minnesota initially emerged from a welfare scam worth $250 million, leading to federal investigations.
President Donald Trump has supported a bill that would impose sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, like China and India. Senator Lindsey Graham announced that Trump has approved the bipartisan bill, which aims to reduce funding for Russia by targeting its energy sector. The bill gives Trump the power to tax imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil.
Key Facts
President Trump backs a bill to sanction countries purchasing Russian oil, including China and India.
The bill allows imposing tariffs up to 500% on imports from countries doing business with Russia’s energy sector.
Senator Lindsey Graham, along with Democrat Richard Blumenthal, crafted the bill.
China and India remain major buyers of Russian oil, even with existing US and European sanctions.
The US aims to pressure Russia due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Brazil increased its purchase of Russian oil after the 2022 Ukraine invasion but has since reduced imports.
The Trump administration also backs European security guarantees for Ukraine amid ongoing peace talks with Russia.
