PNS Daily Newscast: January 2, 2026

Minnesota families are rattled by threat to cut federal aid for child care; WI families watch coverage costs spike as ACA tax credits expire; IN businesses face new data rules in 2026; EPA delays coal wastewater standards for power plants in MO; Cost-of-living concerns could influence Ohio's 2026 elections.

Mamdani will be first N.Y.C. Mayor to use the Quran at his swearing-in; Some TN renters launch tenants' union to address complaints; More than 21,000 nurses authorize strike at NYC, LI hospitals; NV preps for higher health care costs in 2026; Wisconsin quilting group benefits seniors in memory care.

HHS says it's freezing child care payments to Minnesota after fraud allegations; Ohio civic group encourages engagement as New Year's resolution; AARP CT gets head start on 2026 legislative priorities; Study: 15% of pregnancies linked to cardiovascular complications.

SNAP bans on soda, candy and other foods take effect in five states Jan. 1; UT student loan borrowers in default could face collections; EPA delays tougher coal wastewater standards in Michigan, nation; Not much New Year's cheer for MT health insurance costs.

CIA carried out drone strike on port facility on Venezuelan coast; Report: Organic farming most reliable path to profitability; Ohio researchers address hidden concussion risks among police; Pennsylvanians to vote for the state's 2026 River of the Year.

Winter storm could become "bomb cyclone" over Great Lakes and Northeast; What Indiana shows the nation about Trump-era voting; New report offers roadmap for Michigan's Great Lakes in 2026; FL employers assist families with adoption policies, funding.

WV community protests closure of homeless encampment; a new report calls for greater investment in MA's public colleges and universities; video games are being used to teach Indigenous language; Trump Administration forces last WA coal-fired power plant to remain open; NM residents encouraged to comment on clean water rule change; and GA advocates work to end the death penalty nationwide.

Expert says it will take several election cycles to know what lies ahead for American politics; the federal government gets aggressive on student loans in default; President Trump says a Russia-Ukraine peace plan is almost done; 2025 saw a great deal of news but one group is highlighting stories that slipped through the cracks; Medicaid coverage could be lose as Missouri lawmakers gear up for another possible government shutdown and Ohio sees surge in immigration enforcement.

Nigeria averts unilateral US action by cooperating on airstrikes; More rain heading for southern California, Heightening flood risk; IL pushes clean energy forward; rural town reflects on community gains; CA Working Group fights for more oversight of AI; NYS advocates seek to improve clemency process, rates.

Another storm slams California on Christmas Day with flooding rain, high winds and mountain snow; Ohio wastewater data signals early flu surge; NM's LGBTQ+ community champions expanded data privacy laws; NYC immigration judges fired in justice system purge; MI researchers create lab-grown human hearts for breakthrough study.