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Following the Talibans takeover of Kabul in 2021, bipartisan efforts to expand Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans who aided U.S. forces were thwarted after a shooting incident involving an Afghan evacuee. The incident led to a call for a full review of Afghan immigrants and stricter vetting processes, halting the push for visa expansion and shifting focus to better oversight of those already in the U.S.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares optimistic updates on peace talks with Russia, highlighting productive discussions with U.S. negotiators. He presents a streamlined twenty-point draft peace plan, emphasizing the need for direct talks with President-elect Donald Trump to address territorial disputes. The Kremlin confirms review of the documents, and back-channel talks led by figures like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner show potential for breakthroughs.

Istanbul Police Thwart ISIS Plot: 124 Raids, 115 Arrests Amid Christmas-New Year Threats

Texas officials are ensuring the new school choice program doesnt fund extremist or foreign-linked schools. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock seeks AG Ken Paxtons legal opinion on private schools tied to terrorist groups or hostile governments joining the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). The program, launching in early February, offers eligible families $10,474 per child for private tuition and expenses. Hancock raised concerns about two schools accredited by Cognia, one linked to CAIR, recently labeled a foreign terrorist organization by Governor Abbott. The other school might be controlled by a group connected to a Chinese Communist adviser. TEFA requires pre-approval for accredited spots with physical campuses for at least two years. However, affiliations could disqualify them under broader state laws. Paxtons opinion could clarify safeguards as applications open soon.

Georgetown University severes ties with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese amidst controversy over her alleged support for terrorism and antisemitism. Critics accuse her of downplaying the October Hamas attack and pushing antisemitic rhetoric. The US and other countries have imposed sanctions on her, leading to her removal from Georgetowns website. Albanese blames the sanctions for the split, but experts suggest universities may no longer shield controversial UN voices.

President Trump champions tiny, affordable kei-style vehicles for American roads, inspired by their popularity in Japan. These pint-sized cars and trucks could be a smart, cost-effective option for everyday use, especially in crowded cities and for short urban trips. Despite regulatory hurdles, the idea is sparking a fresh debate on what Americans truly need from their vehicles.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman advocates for a statewide halt on new battery storage facilities, labeling them hazardous and unsafe. He attributes the surge in these projects to Governor Kathy Hochuls green energy initiatives, which he claims are endangering New Yorkers and escalating utility costs. This call for a moratorium comes after a lithium-ion battery fire in Warwick, the second such incident at the site since 2023. These battery systems, used to store power from solar and wind projects, have sparked a nationwide wave of dangerous fires. Blakeman, a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2026 and a Trump endorsee, argues that first responders are unprepared to handle such incidents, particularly near homes and gas stations. New York has seen a boom in these projects since the 2019 Climate Leadership Act, with over 6,000 approved for 440 megawatts, and another 1.3 gigawatts under contract, aiming for 6 gigawatts by 2030. Critics link this growth to rising bills and grid concerns. Governor Hochuls team counters that the state has stringent safety regulations, supported by fire experts, and storage is crucial to prevent shortages as early as next year. The debate highlights the delicate balance between clean energy objectives and ensuring the safety of everyday communities, especially in light of federal pauses on offshore wind impacting New York.

Trumps team celebrates a significant economic surge, with U.S. GDP growth skyrocketing from 2.4% to 4.3% in just a year. They attribute this to Trumps policies, including tax cuts, higher tariffs, deregulation, and efforts to lower energy and interest rates. Stocks are up, oil prices have dropped, and Federal Reserve rates have fallen. As the 2026 election approaches, these economic gains will be a major focus in the midterm debate.

Trumps team celebrates a 79% GDP growth since 2024, attributing it to policies like tax cuts, tariffs, deregulation, and energy independence. Critics warn of potential price hikes and retaliation, but the economy shows strength with falling oil prices, lower interest rates, and stock gains. As the 2026 election approaches, this economic narrative will shape debates and influence voters decisions.