latest news in politics
San Francisco Establishes Unfunded Reparations Structure Amid Billion-Dollar Deficit
San Francisco, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
San Francisco formalized a reparations vehicle referencing $5 million payouts, yet allocated zero taxpayer dollars due to a $1 billion deficit, leaving the fund entirely dependent on private donations.
New York City Inaugurates Zohran Mamdani Amid Pledges for Sweeping Economic Reform
New York City, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
Making history as NYC’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani took his oath in a defunct subway station, underscoring his mandate to tackle the city’s affordability crisis through bold economic intervention.
Rising Economic Pessimism Drives Sharp Decline in Trump Administration Approval Ratings
Washington D.C., Thursday, 1 January 2026.
As inflation drives President Trump’s net approval down 18 points among independents, Vice President J.D. Vance defies the trend, polling at historic highs for a 2028 succession bid.
Stephen Colbert Addresses Speculation Regarding Potential 2028 Presidential Bid
New York, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
Despite initially stating he “absolutely should not run,” Stephen Colbert admitted he will consult his faith leader regarding a potential 2028 campaign after his Late Show tenure concludes in May 2026.
Jack Smith Deposition Transcript Released: Insights on Trump Probes and Witness Testimony
Washington D.C., Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
The 255-page transcript reveals Smith defending his prosecutorial decisions while acknowledging that key witness Cassidy Hutchinson’s testimony relied on hearsay rather than firsthand evidence.
Federal Agencies Freeze Minnesota Childcare Funding Amid Escalating Fraud Investigation
Minneapolis, Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Citing potential fraud totaling $9 billion across state programs, federal officials froze Minnesota’s childcare funding and deployed FBI resources following viral allegations of misappropriation within migrant-run daycare centers.
Scrutiny Intensifies as Rep. Omar’s Family Wealth Reportedly Surges to $30 Million
Minneapolis, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
Financial disclosures reveal a 3,500% asset surge to $30 million for Rep. Omar’s family, driven by her husband’s firm, sparking inquiries amidst Minnesota’s ongoing welfare fraud scandal.
Arraignment Rescheduled for Florida Congresswoman Facing $5 Million COVID Relief Fraud Charges
Miami, Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick’s arraignment for allegedly diverting $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds—partially for a diamond ring—is delayed to January 20, as her defense alleges political targeting.
Five States Restrict SNAP Spending on Soda and Candy Starting Thursday
Charleston, Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Beginning Thursday, five states restrict SNAP purchases of sugary drinks. This regulatory shift forces retailers to absorb $1.6 billion in initial compliance costs to implement the new health mandates.
Federal Spending Rises Despite Efficiency Push as Data Security Risks Emerge
Washington D.C., Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
One year following the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a fiscal paradox has emerged: while federal employment has contracted by 9 percent, overall government spending has actually increased by approximately $248 billion as of November 2025. Analysis indicates that promised savings failed to materialize, with many claimed reductions found to be misclassified expired contracts or cuts subsequently reversed by litigation. Beyond the budgetary shortfall, the rapid deregulation has introduced significant operational risks; whistleblowers have revealed that millions of Americans’ sensitive data were compromised in unsecured cloud environments during the restructuring. With Elon Musk having departed the initiative in May 2025, the administration now faces the complex challenge of managing a rising deficit alongside critical vulnerabilities in agency infrastructure.