The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

The White House recently posted a cartoon on social media depicting Greenlandic mush teams, which has drawn criticism for its association with neo-Nazi and white supremacist imagery. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the use of racially charged language by the Trump administration.

A federal appeals panel has upheld California's Proposition 50, allowing temporary changes to congressional district maps aimed at benefiting Democrats, amidst a Republican effort to block these changes. This decision comes as a response to gerrymandering actions in Texas, where Republican leaders sought to redraw maps to increase their representation in the US House.

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a burglary reported on January 8 at the Mooresville home of late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, where cash, guns, and memorabilia were stolen. This incident follows the tragic death of Biffle and his family in a plane crash on December 18, 2025, which has left the motorsport community in mourning.

Donald Trump signed a bill on January 14, 2026, allowing whole and 2% milk to be served in US school cafeterias, effectively overturning the Obama-era restrictions on higher-fat milk options. This legislation, known as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, also opens the door for non-dairy drinks like fortified soy milk to be included in school menus in the near future.

A 550-pound black bear that had been living in the crawlspace of a home in Altadena, California, was successfully removed by the Bear League, a wildlife non-profit organization. This bear had been a source of concern for local residents, particularly homeowner Ken Johnson, who had been dealing with the bear's presence since late November. However, reports have emerged of other bears appearing under different homes in the area, suggesting a growing trend.

The Trump administration has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries, effective January 21. This decision is part of a broader strategy to limit legal immigration pathways to the United States, targeting applicants deemed likely to become public charges.

Journalist Laura Jedeed has reported being offered a position with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a brief interview that lasted less than six minutes and did not require her to complete any agency paperwork. This claim has sparked controversy, with the Department of Homeland Security labeling her assertions as false.

California’s Highway 1 has reopened after a prolonged closure due to landslides that disrupted access to the scenic coastal route through Big Sur, a region heavily reliant on tourism. The reopening marks a significant milestone for local businesses and travelers eager to experience the breathtaking views along this iconic highway.