U.S. suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns
The State Department announced it will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, due to concerns they may require public assistance while in the U.S. The suspension begins Jan. 21 and is part of broader efforts to tighten U.S. entry standards.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Federal court upholds California's redistricting plan, allowing Democrats to counter GOP efforts
A federal court upheld California's new congressional map, which voters approved to flip Republican-held seats to Democrats. The ruling allows Democrats to respond to Republican-led redistricting in states like Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Sources: NPR
Trump administration slashes funding for substance abuse and mental health programs nationwide
The Trump administration terminated federal grants supporting mental health and addiction services, affecting roughly $2 billion in funding. The cuts could force many front-line providers to shut down immediately, impacting overdose prevention and recovery services.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Denmark says there is a 'fundamental disagreement' with Trump over Greenland
Danish officials stated a fundamental disagreement remains with President Trump over his desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. While a working group was formed to address U.S. security concerns, Denmark emphasized it will not cede control of the territory.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Scientists report another near-record hot year, warning of accelerating climate change
Earth's average temperature in 2025 was among the three hottest on record, with the past three years indicating warming may be accelerating. The trend intensifies extreme weather events and brings the planet closer to breaching the 2.7°F warming limit set in the Paris Agreement.
Sources: NPR
Supreme Court rules candidates have legal standing to challenge election laws before voting
The Supreme Court ruled that political candidates can challenge election laws before voting begins, even without proving immediate harm. The decision could lead to more pre-election lawsuits but aims to settle rules in advance of elections.
Sources: NPR
War powers resolution fails in Senate as Republicans bow to Trump pressure
Sources: AP News
Proposed ban on engineered stone countertops amid deadly lung disease epidemic among workers
Regulators are considering banning engineered stone countertops due to a surge in silicosis cases among workers. Meanwhile, a congressional bill seeks to ban lawsuits against manufacturers, sparking debate over accountability and worker safety.
Sources: NPR
MLK Day concert relocates from Kennedy Center amid Trump administration's anti-equity stance
The annual Let Freedom Ring concert celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. is moving from the Kennedy Center to the Howard Theatre. The shift follows Trump's criticism of 'woke' programming and the dissolution of the center's social impact division.
Sources: NPR
Senator Elissa Slotkin under investigation for video urging military to refuse illegal orders
Sen. Elissa Slotkin confirmed federal prosecutors are investigating her for a video she participated in that urged military members to refuse illegal orders. The video drew criticism from President Trump, who called it 'treasonous,' and led to threats against the lawmakers involved.
Sources: NPR