Longest US government shutdown ends after 43 days as Trump signs funding bill
President Trump signed a government funding bill ending the record 43-day shutdown, providing backpay for federal workers and funding SNAP benefits through September 2026, though ACA subsidy extensions remain unresolved.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Thousands of Epstein documents released revealing connections to influential figures
Congress released approximately 20,000 documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including emails detailing his connections with powerful individuals and allegations about Trump's knowledge of Epstein's activities.
Sources: AP News
Starbucks workers stage 65-store strike on Red Cup Day
Sources: AP News
California revokes 17,000 commercial driver's licenses from immigrants
California plans to revoke 17,000 commercial driver's licenses after discovering expiration dates exceeded legal residency periods, sparking criticism from the Trump administration about immigration enforcement.
Sources: AP News, NPR
US Catholic bishops ban gender-affirming care at Catholic hospitals
U.S. Catholic bishops voted to formally prohibit gender-affirming medical care for transgender patients at Catholic hospitals, affecting one in seven patients treated daily at Catholic medical facilities.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Over 1,000 musicians boycott Israel with 'No Music for Genocide' campaign
More than 1,000 artists including Lorde and Björk are geo-blocking their music from Israel in protest of the Gaza conflict, citing inspiration from anti-apartheid cultural boycotts.
Sources: NPR
Israel deports Palestinian prisoners to Egypt in hostage exchange deal
Israel deported 154 Palestinian prisoners to Egypt as part of a hostage exchange, with security experts warning that past deportees have returned to militant leadership roles.
Sources: NPR
US Mint ends penny production after 230 years
Sources: AP News
Trump administration proposes 50-year mortgage plan to address housing affordability
The Trump administration is proposing government-backed 50-year mortgages to help homebuyers, though critics warn it would significantly increase total interest payments and delay equity building.
Sources: NPR
Hailstorms driving up home insurance costs across central US
Increasingly severe hailstorms in the central U.S. are causing skyrocketing home insurance premiums, with Nebraska now having the highest average insurance costs in the country at nearly $6,400 annually.
Sources: NPR