Somali day care centers threatened, Trump may save Obamacare subsidies, Minnesota fraud sparks citizenship debate, right-wing influencer's claim leads to threats, child care funding freeze impacts families.
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Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota are facing threats after being accused of fraud in a viral video. The alleged fraud has sparked a federal review of denaturalization for naturalized citizens who obtained citizenship fraudulently. A right-wing media influencer has targeted Somali daycare operators, resulting in threats and a freeze on federal child care funding. The Trump administration's freeze on federal funding for child care assistance to low-income families is also being discussed. Nick Shirley, involved in the Minnesota daycare fraud investigation, is facing harassment as federal officials halt child care payments.
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Somali day care centers face threats. And, how Trump could save Obamacare subsidieswww.npr.org
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Minnesota fraud scandal intensifies debate over stripping citizenshipwww.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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WATCH: HHS freezing child care payments to all states after Minnesota fraud allegationsabcnews.go.com
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Threat to Suspend Aid for Minnesota Child-Care Centers Rattles Familieswww.nytimes.com
Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesters amid escalating tensions. Top headlines include threats exchanged between Trump and Iranian officials over protests in Iran.
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The US president has vowed to come to the rescue amid escalating protests and clashes in Iran over economic hardship. President Trump and an Iranian security official have exchanged threats as protests continue over the government's handling of currency devaluation and rising prices.
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Trump warns US will intervene if Iran starts killing protesters and more top headlineswww.foxnews.com
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Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesterswww.bbc.com
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Trump Says U.S. Is ‘Locked and Loaded’ if Iran Kills Protesterswww.nytimes.com
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Trump, top Iranian security official exchange threats over protests now roiling Iranabcnews.go.com
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Trump says U.S. will intervene if Iran 'violently kills' protestorswww.cnbc.com
Trump asserts he is in good health, excelled in cognitive exam, takes more aspirin than advised, and addresses bruising concerns.
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The president responded to a report by the Wall Street Journal about his health at the end of his first year of his second term. In an interview, he expressed concerns about having "thick blood pouring through my heart" but insisted that his health is perfect.
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Trump doubles down, insists he is in ‘perfect health’ and he ‘aced’ cognitive examnypost.com
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Trump says he takes higher daily dose of aspirin than doctors recommendwww.bbc.com
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Trump finally explains mysterious bruising — and says he’s sick of speculation over ‘perfect’ healthnypost.com
February Social Security payment of $994 will be sent in 28 days. January payments will be sent in 12 days.
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In February 2026, Supplemental Security Income payments worth up to $994 will be issued to recipients, with payments going out on January 30 instead of the first of the month. The first round of January Social Security payments for retirees, capped at $5,108, will be issued in 12 days. Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on January 14, with the second round of payments going out on January 21.
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February Social Security direct payment worth $994 goes out in 28 dayswww.washingtonexaminer.com
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First round of January Social Security payments goes out in 12 dayswww.washingtonexaminer.com
Economists underestimate Trump's economic success, attributing it to AI push over failed tariffs. Rising unemployment highlights AI competition threat.
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Summary: Despite predictions of weaker performance and higher inflation rates, Donald Trump's economy saw a 4.3% GDP growth in the third quarter. His first year back in the White House has been marked by sweeping tax legislation, aggressive trade policies, rising borrowing costs, and legal challenges. However, there are concerns about the job market, with descriptions of the search for white-collar work as "brutal" and "traumatic." Unemployment in the U.S. reached a four-year high of 4.6% in November 2025. The inflation crisis inherited from former President Joe Biden has made the cost of living a significant concern for voters.
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STEPHEN MOORE: Economists keep missing the Trump boom — and they won't admit itwww.foxnews.com
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Rising unemployment puts threat of AI competition in stark reliefwww.washingtonexaminer.com
Maduro is willing to negotiate with the US on drug trafficking and oil after military strikes. Venezuela open to discussions.
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has expressed willingness to negotiate a drug trafficking agreement with President Donald Trump following US military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels. Maduro's announcement comes after months of military pressure and he also avoided addressing a question about a US-claimed attack in Venezuela.
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Maduro says Venezuela is ready to discuss an agreement to ‘combat drug trafficking’www.washingtonexaminer.com
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Maduro says Venezuela is 'ready' to make deal with US on drugs and oil after military strikeswww.foxnews.com
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Maduro says Venezuela open to US talks on drug traffickingwww.bbc.com
Extreme weather hits US coasts with New Year's Day downpour flooding Southern California highways amid a year of fires and floods.
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A storm is bringing heavy rain to Southern California, marking a wet start to the new year and causing flooding concerns. This unusual weather pattern is a departure from the typical rain-free New Year's Day in the Los Angeles area. The recent floods, occurring just before the first anniversary of the January wildfires, highlight the impact of extreme weather on life in the L.A. region.
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WATCH: Extreme weather slams both coasts in USabcnews.go.com
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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
Californians consider billionaire tax proposal; wealthy criticize. Golfer Phil Mickelson comments on California fraud allegations.
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Economists suggest a tax on California's wealthiest residents to fund healthcare services, but billionaires like Bill Ackman and Phil Mickelson are against the idea, with Mickelson specifically citing fraud issues that need to be addressed before implementing new taxes.
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Billionaire tax proposal sparks soul-searching for Californianswww.latimes.com
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Threat of California Billionaire Tax Draws Criticism From Ultrawealthywww.wsj.com
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Golf legend Phil Mickelson weighs in on alleged fraud in Californiawww.foxnews.com
About 40 people died in a fire at a Swiss ski resort bar. Trump has abandoned the National Guard push in three major cities.
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A New Year's party at a Swiss Alpine bar ended tragically as a fire broke out, resulting in the death of around 40 people and injuring approximately 115 others, many of whom were in their teens to mid-20s. The incident occurred in a popular bar in a resort town in the Swiss Alps. Mourners gathered for a vigil to honor the victims of the fire, which was described as a place where young people could enjoy hot chocolate and affordable drinks before turning into a scene of death. Authorities reported that the victims were celebrating at a ski resort bar when the tragedy struck.
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Dozens Killed in New Year’s Fire, and Trump Abandons National Guard Push in 3 Major Citieswww.nytimes.com
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A fire in an Swiss ski resort bar has left about 40 people deadwww.npr.org
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WATCH: Vigil held for victims of New Year's bar fire in Swiss Alps resort townabcnews.go.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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Explosive fire kills multiple people at Swiss Alps bar during New Year’s celebrationswww.foxnews.com
New York Magazine features Mamdani's team, but one aide is missing from the cover.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office in New York City with a large crowd in attendance. However, a member of his inner circle, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, resigned the next day due to controversy over past antisemitic statements on social media.
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Images From the Dawn of the Mamdani Erawww.nytimes.com
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New York Magazine Put Mamdani’s Team on Its Cover. One Aide Was Erased.www.nytimes.com
New NYC Mayor Mamdani revokes Adams' pro-Israel orders, focuses on housing issues, and intervenes in a private bankruptcy case. Inauguration takeaways.
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Former Mayor Eric Adams and conservative-leaning Jewish leaders criticized the revocation of his executive orders by the new Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani tackled the housing crisis on his first day with executive orders targeting landlords and bankruptcy case intervention. Mamdani signed multiple executive orders aimed at protecting tenants and revoking some of Adams's past orders. He reaffirmed his governance as a democratic socialist and assured all New Yorkers that he is their mayor. Thousands of New Yorkers gathered outside City Hall to witness Mamdani take office.
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Mamdani Revokes Executive Orders That Adams Signed to Support Israelwww.nytimes.com
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Hours after taking office, NYC Mayor Mamdani targets landlords, moves to intervene in private bankruptcy casewww.foxnews.com
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WATCH: Zohran Mamdani speaks at public inauguration as New York City mayorabcnews.go.com
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Mamdani vows to govern as ‘democratic socialist’ and embrace big governmentwww.washingtonexaminer.com
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Social media fuelled Mamdani's rise. Can he keep the momentum as New York mayor?www.bbc.com
New laws in New York and California for 2026 include rideshare union rights, social media limits, cellphone restrictions in schools, and a ban on cat declawing.
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In 2026, several new state laws have taken effect, including benefits for minimum wage workers, cancer patients, and parents of young children. California has implemented laws such as banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks, reducing the cost of insulin, and requiring landlords to provide refrigerators. Additionally, new laws across the country cover areas like artificial intelligence, healthcare, climate, and income tax reductions in nine states.
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Five Laws Going Into Effect for New York in 2026www.nytimes.com
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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
Americans face tough choices as Obamacare premiums rise, leaving many without healthcare in the new year.
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Many Americans covered under the Affordable Care Act are facing challenges paying for insurance as enhanced subsidies expire, leading to steeper healthcare costs for over 20 million people in the New Year.
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With Obamacare’s Higher Premiums Come Difficult Decisionswww.nytimes.com
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Americans brace to start New Year without healthcarewww.bbc.com
Key 2026 House and Senate races could determine Congress control. Democrats face challenges despite 2025 wins. Pollster criticizes Democrats' strategy for 2026.
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Senate Republicans are fighting to maintain their majority in the 2026 midterm elections, with key races in Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan being crucial. Democrats have seen encouraging results in recent elections, including a victory in a closely watched Iowa special election. Despite challenges, Democrats scored major wins in 2025 and are gearing up for the upcoming midterms. However, there are warnings against overconfidence from both parties. Some analysts suggest that Democrats could face losses in 2026 if they do not address certain issues highlighted in recent reports. Pollster Nate Silver has criticized the Democratic Party for not acknowledging mistakes made in the 2024 election.
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Here are the key 2026 House and Senate races to watch that could decide control of Congresswww.foxnews.com
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Off-year Democratic gains send mixed signals ahead of 2026Âwww.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump faces challenges before 2026 midterms, celebrates New Year with Netanyahu, shares resolution. Ukraine's troops prepare for another year at war.
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President Donald Trump faces challenges in maintaining control of Congress after the midterm elections, with history working against him. He has been pressuring state Republicans to redraw congressional districts in favor of the GOP. Trump recently hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago for New Year's Eve, aiming to find a peace deal. Despite celebrating the New Year in Florida, Trump is gearing up for a significant year in Washington, with Republican majorities in Congress. Trump expressed his New Year's resolution as "Peace on Earth" amidst uncertainties, including Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.
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What can Trump do to change the tide before the 2026 midterm elections?www.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
Switzerland's burn centers overwhelmed post-New Year's fire, leading to patients being sent abroad for treatment.
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Patients have been transferred to hospitals in Germany, Italy, and France, with France confirming that 11 injury victims will be hospitalized there.
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Switzerland’s Burn Centers Are Overwhelmed After New Year’s Firewww.nytimes.com
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Switzerland’s burn centers are so overwhelmed that fire victims are being sent to other countries.www.nytimes.com
BYD's EV deliveries in China dropped in December but are expected to surpass Tesla's sales by 2025.
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In 2025, BYD was the top electric vehicle (EV) seller in China, but its December sales were impacted by a price war and low domestic demand. This achievement marks a remarkable success for BYD, a company that was once ridiculed by Tesla's Elon Musk for its products.
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BYD's China EV deliveries sharply decline in December, but lead overall sales in 2025www.cnbc.com
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China’s BYD poised to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller for the first timewww.cnbc.com
"Stranger Things" is likened to "Happy Days" for the COVID-19 era. The series finale of "Stranger Things" is discussed.
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"Stranger Things" was originally planned as a limited series but continued for five seasons over nearly 10 years. The show was given two extra hours to wrap up its storyline, and major events are highlighted in the conclusion.
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Stranger Things is the Happy Days of the COVID-19 erawww.washingtonexaminer.com
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‘Stranger Things’ Has Ended. What Happened in the Series Finale?www.nytimes.com
European stocks set to begin 2026 positively, while gold and silver prices rise. Asia-Pacific markets start the year with mixed performance.
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European markets are starting the new year on a positive note, while some Asian markets like Japan and mainland China remain closed for the holidays.
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European stocks poised to start 2026 in positive territory; gold and silver prices rallywww.cnbc.com
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Asia-Pacific markets set to start 2026 on a mixed notewww.cnbc.com
Trump clarifies he did not have an MRI in October exam, receiving a CT scan instead.
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President Donald Trump clarified that he did not receive an MRI but underwent a CT scan at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October. This information was shared in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal.
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Trump says he did not receive MRI during October exam, contradicting earlier claimwww.washingtonexaminer.com
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Trump says he got a CT scan instead of an MRIabcnews.go.com