Last year's not-totally-serious predictions were as forgettable as President Donald Trump's second inaugural address.

Undaunted, we look ahead to 2026:

January: In the State of the Union speech, Trump says "tremendous" tariff revenues will permit federal income tax cuts for all. He also promises he will soon present a new health plan. Donald Trump Jr. addresses GOP dinner in New Hampshire, raising questions about his political intentions. Another spending impasse forces shutdown of most federal agencies. Trump says he'll meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin "soon" to resolve Ukraine war.

February: In a surprise, Trump names Elon Musk as new Federal Reserve chair. With government shut, House Speaker Mike Johnson announces House members can go home and return after Easter. San Francisco 49ers defeat New England Patriots in Super Bowl. Kansas City's Travis Kelce announces retirement. Disputing Trump, Republican chairs of tax-writing committees say their estimates show tariff revenues won't permit tax cuts. White House says new health plan is coming "in two weeks." Trump renames the Washington Monument as the Trump-Washington Monument, commemorating "our first and last presidents." White House says he meant to say "first and most recent presidents."

March: Government reports inflation rate remains at 3 percent. Meeting with its new chair, Federal Reserve Board rejects cutting interest........

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