Morning news brief

Iran has closed its airspace to most flights amid escalating tensions with the U.S., coinciding with President Trump's claims that the killing of protesters in Iran has ceased, despite reports of impending executions. This development raises concerns about the stability in the region and the safety of air travel.

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.

President Trump has reiterated threats to cut federal funding to California and Los Angeles over their sanctuary city immigration policies, with potential implications starting February 1. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and California's leadership regarding immigration and funding issues.

Recent discussions have seen U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, assert the necessity of acquiring Greenland for national security, leading to a rejection of this claim by envoys from Greenland and Denmark, who plan further talks. Trump's comments have raised concerns among Greenland's residents, particularly children, about the implications of U.S. intentions.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that he does not support abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while expressing criticism of the agency's operations under the Trump administration during an interview on Fox News. This statement comes amid rising tensions in Minneapolis following a series of incidents involving ICE.

The House of Representatives passed a two-bill spending package on Wednesday, securing funding for the Treasury and State departments with a significant bipartisan vote of 341-79. This legislative action aims to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month, showcasing cooperation among lawmakers from both parties.

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.

President Trump has signed a new law that will allow whole milk to be served in school lunch cafeterias, reversing previous restrictions on milk options for students. This change aims to provide schools with more flexibility in their milk offerings, promoting whole milk as a nutritious choice for children.