The shutdown is over, but some aid programs Americans depend on still face delays

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the U.S. will lose their legal protections and work permits in February, requiring those without the right to stay to return to Haiti. This decision affects approximately 340,000 individuals who have been living under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

President Trump has announced that South Africa will not be invited to the 2026 Group of 20 Summit in Miami, citing the country's treatment of a U.S. representative during this year's summit as the reason for this exclusion.

During the holiday season, Scouts across the United States participate in an annual event known as Scouting for Food, which has been a tradition for over 40 years. This initiative involves young Scouts collecting food items to donate to local pantries, starting from its origins in St. Louis.

Norovirus cases have been on the rise in the U.S. since mid-October, with significant increases reported in states such as Louisiana, Michigan, and Indiana, according to data from WastewaterSCAN.

A Colombian man has been sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit $1.2 million for his involvement in a money laundering scheme that funneled drug proceeds from Mexico into U.S. bank accounts, which were then sent to Colombia.

The Trump administration has announced plans to re-vet all refugees admitted to the U.S. during the Biden administration, a move that has drawn criticism from immigration groups who view it as an affront to those fleeing persecution. This re-evaluation could impact the status of approximately 200,000 individuals who were granted asylum under Biden's policies.

The U.S. Interior Department has announced a significant increase in entry fees for non-residents at 11 of the most visited national parks, with a new charge of $100 per person for those without an annual pass, which will cost $80 for U.S. residents. This policy is set to take effect in 2026.

President Trump is actively pushing to end the war in Ukraine, driven by his desire for recognition and to solidify his legacy as a dealmaker. His focus on achieving a significant peace agreement appears to override specific policy goals, indicating a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine and Russia.