Independent journalist receives death threats over Minnesota fraud video. $16M in improper child care payments found in 2012 audit. GOP demands organized crime investigation. CNN criticized for discrediting reporting. Washington Post calls for stricter SNAP qualifications post-scandal.
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Nick Shirley is facing increased harassment over a Minnesota daycare fraud investigation, with federal officials stopping child care payments after his viral video. The funding for Minnesota child care centers grew significantly from 2015 to 2025 despite a decrease in enrollment. Rep. Mike Haridopolos likened the alleged fraud to mafia-style crime, urging federal intervention. CNN faced criticism for attempting to discredit reporting by independent journalist Nick Shirley. The Washington Post editorial board urged the Trump administration to reform SNAP after Shirley exposed over $100 million in alleged fraud.
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Independent journalist says he's gotten death threats, told he'll be 'Kirked' over Minnesota fraud viral videowww.foxnews.com
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HHS audit for 2012 found $16M in ‘improper’ child care payments to Minnesota — and millions more has been sent to state sincenypost.com
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Threat to Suspend Aid for Minnesota Child-Care Centers Rattles Familieswww.nytimes.com
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Democrat mocks Comer Minnesota fraud hearingswww.washingtonexaminer.com
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What to know about Nick Shirley, the YouTuber alleging daycare fraud in Minnesotawww.npr.org
Zohran Mamdani pledges democratic socialist leadership with big government support. AOC praises his leftist vision. Fare hikes expected for NYC transit. Bernie Sanders swears him in.
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Newly inaugurated New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old former state representative and rapper, pledged to uphold his "democratic socialist" ideals in leading the city. During his inaugural address, he urged both supporters and opponents to work together to improve the city and hold him accountable. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised voters for electing Mamdani and emphasized their ambitious choice. Mamdani campaigned on making buses in New York City "fast and free," but a small fare hike is expected due to the MTA overseeing the bus system. Sen. Bernie Sanders will officiate Mamdani's public swearing-in ceremony, marking the start of his term as mayor.
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Mamdani vows to govern as ‘democratic socialist’ and embrace big governmentwww.washingtonexaminer.com
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The Full Transcript of Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration Speechwww.nytimes.com
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The road ahead for transit in New York City in 2026 includes fare hikeswww.foxnews.com
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NYC DSA leaders ready to go to war for Zohran Mamdani against ‘corrupt’ Albanynypost.com
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Zohran Mamdani sworn in as first Muslim New York City Mayorwww.bbc.com
California considers a wealth tax, but faces revenue concerns and potential billionaire exodus to Florida. Ackman warns of consequences.
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The left is advocating for a referendum in California that would impose a wealth tax, potentially generating billions in revenue. However, the state's Attorney General warns of negative long-term consequences. Billionaire Peter Thiel and others are reportedly considering leaving the state to avoid the tax, leading to concerns about the potential impact on Silicon Valley and the tech industry. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has issued a warning that the tax could have catastrophic effects on California, prompting successful individuals to relocate.
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Opinion | Gavin Newsom Has a Wealth Tax Dilemmawww.wsj.com
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California admits ‘billionaire tax’ would sink state revenues as advocates cleared to gather signaturesnypost.com
Patriots coach addresses criminal allegations against players before playoffs. Stars eligible to help team secure top seed despite serious charges. Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation charge and denies claims.
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New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed criminal allegations against players Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore, stating that the team was aware of the accusations. Both players are still eligible to play on Sunday despite facing assault allegations. Christian Barmore was charged with assault and battery on a family member in a domestic violence case, while Stefon Diggs has been accused of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault. Diggs denies the allegations, according to his lawyer.
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Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addresses criminal allegations against two players ahead of playoffswww.foxnews.com
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NFL player Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation chargewww.bbc.com
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New England Patriots player Stefon Diggs faces strangulation chargeabcnews.go.com
Southern California highways flooded on New Year's Day after a year of fires and floods in the region.
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On New Year's Day in 2026, the Los Angeles area experienced unusual rainfall, deviating from the typical rain-free weather. This event, following floods and wildfires in the region, highlights how extreme weather is becoming a defining factor in the lives of residents in L.A.
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New Year's Day downpour floods Southern California highwayswww.latimes.com
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A Year of Fires and Floods in Southern Californiawww.nytimes.com
Venezuela releases political prisoners while detaining more Americans amid increasing pressure from the U.S. on Maduro's regime.
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At least 80 people, including one with U.S. ties, have been released from detention in Venezuela for opposing President Nicolás Maduro's rule, but over 800 individuals still remain detained. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that 10 Americans were among those freed in a prisoner swap in July. President Donald Trump sent an envoy to Caracas, and the number of American citizens held in Venezuela has increased since the U.S. military and economic campaign against President Maduro began.
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Venezuela Frees Dozens of Political Prisonerswww.nytimes.com
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Venezuela arrests more Americans as Trump ramps up pressure on Maduro: reportwww.foxnews.com
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Venezuela Detains Americans Amid Growing U.S. Pressurewww.nytimes.com
Experts share 6 pillars for a healthier lifestyle in 2026, 6 financial resolutions for a secure future, and 10 cybersecurity tips for a safer year.
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An NFL neurosurgeon and a brain health expert share longevity secrets that go beyond typical resolutions, highlighting the benefits of not retiring early. Additionally, six practical financial strategies for 2026 are outlined, such as maximizing retirement contributions and cutting subscriptions. Tips on protecting against cybercriminals in 2026 include using two-factor authentication, updating software, and freezing credit.
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6 pillars of a healthier lifestyle in 2026 from experts on staying youngwww.foxnews.com
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6 kick-butt financial resolutions you should make today to protect tomorrowwww.foxnews.com
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10 simple cybersecurity resolutions for a safer 2026www.foxnews.com
Deadly fire at Swiss Alps ski resort bar on New Year's Eve kills multiple people, leaving hundreds injured and dozens feared dead.
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A fire broke out at a bar in a popular ski resort in the Swiss Alps during a New Year's celebration, resulting in around 40 deaths and over 100 injuries. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and Swiss law enforcement officials are investigating the incident.
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Swiss Alps Ski Resort Fire: What We Knowwww.nytimes.com
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Hundreds injured, dozens feared dead after fire at Swiss ski resort New Year’s Eve celebrationwww.washingtonexaminer.com
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Dozens presumed dead in fire at Swiss Alps bar during New Year's celebrationwww.npr.org
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'Several' dozen dead in fire at bar in Switzerland on New Year's Day, police sayabcnews.go.com
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Explosive fire kills multiple people at Swiss Alps bar during New Year’s celebrationswww.foxnews.com
Iran protests escalate with violence and anger spreading, entering fifth day. Demonstrators storm governor's office, chanting 'Death to Khamenei'. Iran in shutdown as government deals with protests and economy.
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Financial pressures have led to ongoing protests in Iran, with demonstrations spreading across Tehran and other cities. The protests have resulted in at least one death so far, with clashes between security forces and protesters reported in various locations. Businesses, universities, and government offices in 21 out of 31 provinces, including Tehran, remained closed due to the unrest.
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Iran Protests Turn Deadly as Violence and Anger Spreadwww.nytimes.com
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Iran protests turn deadly as anti-regime demonstrations enter fifth daywww.foxnews.com
Russia requests the U.S. to halt chase of fleeing oil tanker, now registered in Russian ship database with crew displaying Russian flag.
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A tanker sailing to Venezuela to pick up oil has claimed Russian protection, despite being labeled a stateless vessel by U.S. authorities. The ship is now flying the Russian flag, making it difficult for U.S. forces to board. The U.S. military attempted to intercept the tanker last week in the Caribbean Sea.
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Russia Asks United States to Stop Pursuit of Fleeing Oil Tankerwww.nytimes.com
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Oil Tanker Fleeing the Coast Guard Now Listed in Russian Ship Databasewww.nytimes.com
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Crew Paints Russian Flag on Oil Tanker Pursued by the U.S. Coast Guardwww.nytimes.com
Doug Burgum promotes America 250 celebration to highlight shared values. Washington Monument light show launches 250th anniversary festivities.
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum hopes that the United States's 250th anniversary commemoration will bring citizens together. President Trump has initiated wide-scale celebrations, starting with the illumination of the Washington Monument on New Year's Eve. The monument will feature patriotic projections telling the story of America's founding and future.
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Doug Burgum suggests America 250 celebration will help citizens ‘understand our shared values’www.washingtonexaminer.com
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WATCH: Washington Monument light show kicks off America's 250th celebrationsabcnews.go.com
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Washington Monument to become ‘birthday candle’ as US marks start of 250th yearwww.foxnews.com
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Washington Monument will glow on New Year’s Eve to kick off America’s 250th anniversaryÂnypost.com
Trump is ordered to return California National Guard troops to Newsom and drops plans to deploy National Guard in major cities.
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In 2025, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to several major cities, a move that was met with controversy. An appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration must return control of the California National Guard to the state after federalizing and deploying troops. President Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago. Governor Gavin Newsom of California stated that Trump has "admitted defeat." The decision to withdraw troops from these cities is seen as a retreat in one of the president's bold attempts to test his power. The ruling is considered a victory for Gov. Newsom, who has strongly opposed Trump's efforts to control California's National Guard. Courts have blocked troop deployments in Chicago and Portland, and the Los Angeles deployment was halted by a judge earlier this month.
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Here's the top US cities Trump could target with National Guard deployments in 2026www.foxnews.com
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Trump must relinquish California National Guard troops to Newsom, appeals court ruleswww.washingtonexaminer.com
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Trump Abandons Efforts to Deploy National Guard to 3 Major Citieswww.nytimes.com
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Trump will drop push for National Guard deployments in Chicago, LA and Portland, Ore.www.npr.org
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Trump says he is withdrawing National Guard troops from some US citieswww.bbc.com
Trump celebrates New Year with Netanyahu. 2026 crucial for his second term. Trump shares resolution. Ukraine troops skeptical of peace. C.I.A.: Ukraine did not target Putin's home.
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President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party, where they watched fireworks together. The two leaders also met earlier in the week in Florida to discuss finding a peace deal. Trump spent New Year's at Mar-a-Lago and is looking ahead to a potentially significant year in his second term in Washington, D.C. Trump expressed his New Year's resolution as "Peace on Earth." Amid concerns over Russian advances, one officer in eastern Ukraine emphasized the challenge of making plans for the year ahead. This assessment contradicted a claim made by the Russian leader in a recent phone call with President Trump.
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Trump rings in the new year with Netanyahuwww.washingtonexaminer.com
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President Donald Trump shares his New Year's resolutionwww.foxnews.com
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Another New Year at War: Ukraine’s Troops Doubt It Will Be the Lastwww.nytimes.com
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Trump calls for ‘peace on Earth’ at glittering Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve bashnypost.com
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Zelenskyy suggests Trump fly to Ukraine to help 'end the war'abcnews.go.com
Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins share their sobriety stories in 2025, with Hopkins celebrating 50 years sober after a near-fatal incident.
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Celebrities such as Bradley Cooper, Miley Cyrus, Tom Holland, and Anthony Hopkins are promoting sobriety during Dry January 2026. Anthony Hopkins, an Academy Award winner, recently shared an inspiring message on Instagram about his sobriety milestone, highlighting the connection between recovery and career success.
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Brad Pitt gets brutally honest as stars share sobriety stories in 2025, 'pretty much on my knees'www.foxnews.com
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Anthony Hopkins marks 50 years sober after near-fatal drunken driving blackout changed his lifewww.foxnews.com
California introduces new laws in 2026, including rideshare union rights, social media limits, cellphone restrictions in schools, and a ban on cat declawing.
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In 2026, new state laws are taking effect across the country, with California implementing bans on law enforcement officers wearing masks and requiring landlords to provide refrigerators. Other states are also introducing changes, such as lower income-tax rates in nine states, higher minimum wages, tourism taxes, and tighter SNAP restrictions. Additionally, new laws in various areas like artificial intelligence, healthcare, and climate are set to take effect as the year begins.
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Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1www.npr.org
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California rolls out sweeping new laws for 2026, from cellphone limits in schools to a ban on cat declawingwww.latimes.com
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Notable new state laws taking effect in 2026 cover hotels, AI and climateabcnews.go.com
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Opinion | Happy Tax Cut New Yearwww.wsj.com
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What to know about new state laws in 2026 on wages, SNAP benefits and climate taxwww.foxnews.com
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey share weight loss journeys in 2025. Oprah reveals quitting alcohol after consuming 17 tequila shots.
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In 2025, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, Meghan Trainor, and Lizzo have turned to GLP-1 medications for significant weight loss. Oprah Winfrey discusses her journey in her new book "Enough," highlighting how these medications aided her in overcoming long-standing issues with obesity and food fixation.
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Oprah joins wave of celebrities who revealed dramatic weight loss in 2025www.foxnews.com
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Oprah Winfrey admits she drank 17 shots of tequila in one night before giving up alcohol due to GLP-1www.foxnews.com
Democrats saw gains in 2025, but face challenges for 2026. Joe Concha emphasizes the need for a new strategy. Nate Silver criticizes Democrats for not acknowledging past mistakes.
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Democrats celebrated a victory in a closely watched Iowa special election, capping off a year of positive election results. This, along with gains earlier in the year and historical trends, suggests potential success for them in the 2026 midterm elections. However, both parties' strategists have advised against overinterpreting these results. Despite facing challenges, Democrats achieved significant wins in the 2025 elections. The DNC chair remains optimistic as the party gears up for the crucial midterms. Washington Examiner's Joe Concha warned that the Democratic Party could face losses in 2026 if recent reports accurately reflect its status. Pollster Nate Silver expressed surprise at some Democrats' unwillingness to acknowledge mistakes from the 2024 election, criticizing the party in a recent interview.
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Off-year Democratic gains send mixed signals ahead of 2026Âwww.washingtonexaminer.com
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Democrats had major election victories in 2025, but wins don’t erase party’s critical weaknesseswww.foxnews.com
Fireworks light up iconic landmarks worldwide as cities celebrate the new year.
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Several cities around the world celebrated the New Year with spectacular fireworks displays. Egypt marked the occasion with fireworks over the pyramids in Giza, while Scotland saw fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. Paris and London also had impressive fireworks shows, with Paris lighting up the sky above the Arc de Triomphe and London celebrating with fireworks over the River Thames as Big Ben chimed midnight.
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WATCH: Fireworks over the Pyramids of Giza as Egypt celebrates new yearabcnews.go.com
US military targets and destroys alleged drug boats, resulting in casualties. Coast Guard conducts search-and-rescue operations for survivors.
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The U.S. military conducted strikes on five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days, resulting in the deaths of eight people. The attacks targeted a convoy of three boats in the eastern Pacific on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday as part of the Trump administration's campaign against drug trafficking. The U.S. Southern Command did not disclose the exact location of the attacks. Some individuals jumped overboard and may have survived.
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U.S. military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8www.npr.org
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Coast Guard Searches for Survivors After More Boat Strikeswww.nytimes.com
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US military confirms 5 killed in Dec 31 kinetic strike on reported narco-terror vesselswww.foxnews.com
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US strikes 3 vessels and leaves survivors -- now a search-and-rescue operationabcnews.go.com
Miami's upset victory over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff ends Buckeyes' championship hopes. Fans criticize ESPN's score bug.
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In a hard-fought College Football Playoff quarterfinals match, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes battled it out, leaving fans confused by a crucial part of the ESPN score bug during the game.
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Miami upsets Ohio State for shocking CFP win, ends Buckeyes' back-to-back national title hopeswww.foxnews.com
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College football fans sound off on ESPN score bug during Ohio State-Miami playoff gamewww.foxnews.com
France plans to ban children under 15 from social media in 2026, supported by President Macron.
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France is considering a ban on social media for children under 15, inspired by Australia's actions. President Macron is advocating for new digital restrictions due to concerns about youth violence. Lawmakers will discuss the proposal next month, with Macron reaffirming his support for limiting children's access to social media in his recent address.
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France reportedly planning to ban children under 15 from social media starting 2026www.foxnews.com
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Emmanuel Macron Backs Social Media Restrictions for Childrenwww.nytimes.com
Jack Smith testifies to Congress that Capitol riot wouldn't have occurred without Trump's influence. Defends indictment decision. Cites lack of evidence from key witness.
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Former special counsel Jack Smith testified to the House Judiciary Committee that President Trump was the most culpable person in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results. Smith claimed to have evidence to convict Trump in both cases and accused him of exploiting violence during the January 6th Capitol riot. Smith also mentioned that witnesses provided different perspectives on Trump's actions on that day compared to Cassidy Hutchinson.
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Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congresswww.npr.org
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Jack Smith says 'no historical analog' for Trump's actions, denies being influencedabcnews.go.com
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In Hearing Transcript, Jack Smith Defends Decision to Indict Trumpwww.nytimes.com
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Congress releases Jack Smith's testimony about Trump prosecutionswww.bbc.com
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Jack Smith says key Jan 6 witness relied on hearsay, lacked firsthand evidencewww.foxnews.com
Stock markets globally end 2025 positively, with the US market finishing strong, European markets opening lower, and Asia-Pacific markets trading flat.
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Despite facing challenges such as tariffs, a government shutdown, and fears about artificial intelligence, the stock market has had a roller coaster year. The S&P 500 is on track to end the year up about 17%, marking the third consecutive year of double-digit gains. European stocks are expected to open lower on the last trading day of the year, while Asia-Pacific markets are poised for modest gains on the final trading day of the year. European stocks are also expected to open flat on Tuesday as markets grapple with direction in a holiday-shortened trading week.
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Stock market ends 2025 with double-digit gainsabcnews.go.com
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US stock market ends 2025 on a high note after volatile yearwww.bbc.com
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European markets head for lower open on last trading day of 2025www.cnbc.com
Trump conducted airstrikes globally in 2025 to protect the US, with Rebecca Grant highlighting his top 8 national security achievements.
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President Donald Trump, known for presenting himself as a peace president, has also authorized lethal rocket strikes against U.S. enemies when he deems it necessary. His presidency is highlighted by eight major national security achievements, such as military actions, funding for the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, and securing the border.
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Here’s where Trump launched airstrikes around the world in 2025: 'Protect the homeland'www.foxnews.com
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REBECCA GRANT: Trump’s 8 biggest national security wins of 2025www.foxnews.com
Crowds gather in Times Square and around the world to celebrate New Year's Eve 2026. Dubai's Burj Khalifa and the UAE also mark the occasion.
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The New Year's Eve celebration for 2026 attracted spectators from various countries, with people gathering to watch fireworks and countdown together despite the cold weather. Cities worldwide, including Dubai, marked the occasion with impressive fireworks displays, such as the one at the Burj Khalifa. The UAE welcomed the new year with a dazzling show of fireworks.
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New Year’s Eve Crowds Brave Cold at NYC’s Times Square to Ring in 2026www.nytimes.com
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Photos: The world welcomes the new yearwww.npr.org
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WATCH: Burj Khalifa lights up as Dubai rings in the new yearabcnews.go.com
Trump vetoed bipartisan Colorado water act, drawing criticism from Lauren Boebert. Boebert expresses concerns over retaliation.
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President Trump is pressuring Colorado leaders to release Tina Peters, a convicted election denier, from state prison. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert criticized Trump's veto of a Colorado water project bill, questioning his political motives. Boebert also criticized Trump's veto of the bipartisan Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, which aimed to lower water payments for residents.
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Trump’s Veto of Water Project Is His Latest Targeted Hit on Coloradowww.nytimes.com
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Trump issues 1st vetoes of 2nd term, including bipartisan Colorado water actabcnews.go.com
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Trump vetoes first bills of his second termwww.bbc.com
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Lauren Boebert rips Trump for using first veto of second term on her bipartisan water bill: ‘This is not over’nypost.com
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Boebert hits back at Trump after veto of Colorado water bill, raises retaliation concernswww.foxnews.com
NYC mayor Adams shares memorable quotes from a coffee mug on his last day, showcasing his influence.
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NYC Mayor Eric Adams marked his final day in office by reading his memorable quotes from a staff-gifted coffee mug. Despite having only one public appearance scheduled, he named a third charter commission in the final hours of his administration.
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Adams reads his 'greatest hits' quotes from coffee mug in farewell tribute as NYC mayorwww.foxnews.com
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On His Last Day, Adams Drops From View but Still Flexes His Musclewww.nytimes.com
Chief Justice emphasizes court independence and role in checking political power despite criticism for Trump-related rulings in Annual Report.
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Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. discussed judicial independence in his year-end report, but did not specifically mention the tensions between the Trump administration and federal judges who have blocked the president's agenda. The report comes as the court faces criticism for being seen as deferential to Trump.
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In Chief Justice’s Annual Report, a History Lesson and Embrace of Independencewww.nytimes.com
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Under Fire for Trump Rulings, Chief Justice Says Courts Still Check Political Powerwww.wsj.com