The energy trends that will define 2026: AI, affordability and the future of power
Heading into 2026, energy news is heating up in the national conversation. From surging demand from data centers powering AI to increasing electricity bills and political fights over wind and solar power, Straight Arrow News’ fact-based journalism will explore these forces throughout the year, starting with three pressing questions: How many data centers will be […]
HHS freezes Minnesota child care funds; States move to ban soda from SNAP
The Trump administration has cut off federal child care funding to Minnesota, citing alleged daycare fraud. Gov. Tim Walz calls the move political, warning that families and providers could feel the impact quickly. Plus, several states are restricting SNAP purchases of soda and candy to encourage healthier choices. Critics argue the changes could complicate shopping […]
Measles resurgence: US cases top 2,000 as vaccine rates slip
The United States has crossed a troubling threshold: more than 2,000 measles cases have been confirmed nationwide, the highest total in over 30 years. Health officials say the surge is driven largely by declining vaccination rates and broader policy shifts in vaccine guidance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 2,012 measles […]
Five states to begin blocking soda and candy from SNAP benefits
Starting Thursday, grocery shopping will look different for millions of Americans who rely on food assistance. Five states are rolling out new limits on what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can buy, including soda, candy and other sweetened foods, after securing federal waivers. The changes mark the first wave of a broader push encouraged […]
MTG says stance on Epstein files fueled split with Trump; US murder rate sees sharpest decline ever
In this Media Miss Minute, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says her stance on releasing the Epstein files played a central role in her break with President Donald Trump. Plus, new data suggests the U.S. murder rate is seeing its sharpest annual decline ever. Media Miss by the right: MTG claims Trump yelled at her over […]
Americans lost more than $330 million on bitcoin ATM scams in 2025
Federal authorities say Americans lost a record $333 million in bitcoin ATM scams over the last year. The record-setting number is an increase from 2024, when scammers stole roughly $250 million using the same strategy, according to ABC News. According to new FBI statistics, fraudulent transactions using cryptocurrency kiosks show a “clear and constant rise” […]
Homes still unobtainable for most despite smallest price increase in nearly 15 years
U.S. home prices in October rose at the slowest annual rate in nearly 15 years, according to government data. While that’s a sign of more affordable housing, the vast majority of Americans still can’t afford a median-priced home. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home prices in October rose 1.7% from a year ago, […]
Forget California, billionaires could leave the US entirely amid wealth tax talk
How much could a state tax a billionaire before he decides to move his money elsewhere? California, whose voters will decide next fall whether to tax the state’s ultra wealthy to fund health care for low income residents, might find out as soon as the new year. Multiple news outlets are reporting on the machinations […]
Influencer’s video steers conversation on fraud investigations in Minnesota, Somali Americans
An influencer’s YouTube video is stirring up conversations from Republicans and Democrats about Minnesota’s history with fraud and where the investigations stand. In the days since the video was published, federal officials have redirected immigration enforcement to some of those same businesses while others have dispelled a number of claims the influencer — Nick Shirley […]
