The redistricting advisory commission in Maryland has recommended a new congressional map that could favor Democrats and eliminate the state's only Republican seat. The map must still be approved by the Maryland House and Senate. The change could impact upcoming elections by increasing Democratic representation.
Key Facts
Maryland's redistricting advisory commission voted to recommend a new congressional map.
The map could help Democrats win all eight U.S. House seats in Maryland.
Currently, Republican Andy Harris holds the only GOP seat in Maryland's congressional delegation.
The new map must be approved by Maryland's House and Senate.
There is opposition from some Maryland Democrats, including Senate President Bill Ferguson.
The state's congressional filing deadline is February 24, so a decision needs to be made soon.
Redistricting is part of a larger national effort by both parties to influence electoral outcomes.
An effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has gained support from 100 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. The charges against her include obstruction of Congress and misuse of funds. However, due to Republican majorities in Congress, it is unlikely the impeachment resolution will pass.
Key Facts
Democratic Representative Robin Kelly introduced three articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem.
The impeachment articles accuse Noem of obstruction of Congress and violating public trust.
Noem is also accused of misusing $200 million in taxpayer money for an ICE recruitment ad campaign.
100 House co-sponsors have signed the impeachment resolution.
Despite the support, Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate.
A DHS spokesperson dismissed the impeachment efforts as "silly."
Secretary Noem's actions are said to include unlawful entry to a DHS facility and directing ICE to make unlawful arrests.
Representative Kelly claims Noem's agency has been destructive and violated civil rights.
Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, announced she is expecting her fourth child at 40. A report by the CDC shows that women over 40 are now having more babies than teenagers in the U.S. The trend reflects a growing number of women choosing to have children later in life.
Key Facts
Usha Vance is pregnant with her fourth child at age 40.
Usha shared her pregnancy news on Instagram.
CDC data shows women over 40 are having babies more often than teenagers now.
The average age of first-time mothers in the U.S. rose from 26.6 in 2016 to 27.5 in 2023.
Delaying motherhood can allow for more education, career advancement, and finding a partner.
Older mothers might have a higher chance of living longer, according to some studies.
Pregnancy can have complications, but with good prenatal care, outcomes remain positive.
Usha Vance has a background in history and met JD Vance when both were students at Yale Law School.
People in parts of Georgia and Arizona have been advised to stay indoors due to high levels of fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that the air quality is "unhealthy," which can pose health risks, especially to sensitive groups like the elderly and children.
Key Facts
The advisory to stay inside was issued because of "unhealthy" levels of PM2.5 in Georgia and Arizona.
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which can be inhaled into the lungs and sometimes the bloodstream.
These particles can come from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and fires.
Sensitive groups like older adults, children, and people with health issues are at higher risk for health problems.
The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to monitor pollution and inform the public about air quality.
The AQI scale ranges from "Good" to "Hazardous," with "Unhealthy" indicating some general public health effects.
The EPA advises reducing outdoor activities when air quality is poor to minimize health risks.
Old social media posts from 2016 criticizing President Trump by several prominent Republicans have resurfaced during a viral online trend. The posts include comments from figures now in Trump's administration, like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These past criticisms have gained attention as part of a trend looking back at events from 2016.
Key Facts
Social media posts from 2016 criticizing Donald Trump have resurfaced among Republicans.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among those whose old posts are being shared.
In the past, Vance described Trump as "reprehensible" and asked Christians to consider their support.
Vance previously called himself a "never Trump guy" during a 2016 interview.
Rubio once labeled Trump as "dangerous" and a "con artist."
Posts from other Republicans like Texas Senator Ted Cruz and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham are also included in the compilation.
These posts have attracted more than 1.5 million views on social media platforms like Instagram.
The trend is part of a broader look back at political moments from the year 2016.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among Republicans has reached its highest level in the past three months according to a CBS News national poll. While Republican support for Trump remains strong, his approval rating among all adults shows less support and fluctuates around the low 40s.
Key Facts
Nine out of ten Republicans approve of President Trump, according to a CBS News poll from mid-January.
Republican support for Trump moved from 87% in early October to 90% in mid-January in the CBS News/YouGov polls.
Overall, approval of Trump among all adults was 42% in early October and remained around this level in subsequent months.
The CBS News polls had sample sizes ranging from about 2,100 to 2,500 U.S. adults, with a margin of error close to ±2.5 percentage points.
Outside CBS News, other polls have also shown Trump's overall approval in the low 40s.
President Trump stated on Truth Social that he believes his real approval rating is 64%.
The White House emphasized Trump's commitments, mentioning reduced inflation and stronger U.S. borders as achievements.
Kyle Rittenhouse compared himself to ICE Agent Jonathan Ross, who recently shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. This incident has led to protests and debates about ICE tactics and immigration enforcement under President Trump. Both Rittenhouse and Ross have faced public backlash and threats following these incidents.
Key Facts
Kyle Rittenhouse compared himself to ICE Agent Jonathan Ross during an interview.
Jonathan Ross shot Renee Nicole Good, prompting protests in Minneapolis.
The incident has sparked discussions about the methods used by ICE agents.
Critics say video footage suggests the shooting was unnecessary.
Rittenhouse and Ross both faced doxing and public threats.
Rittenhouse was acquitted in 2021 for a separate shooting during protests in Wisconsin.
The possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act to manage protests exists, but it has not been enacted.
A national survey shows that 71% of Americans believe the country is "out of control" under President Donald Trump. This sentiment crosses different racial, age, and political groups, with a significant number of citizens expressing unease with the current administration's actions, particularly in foreign policy and military interventions. These findings come as the midterm elections approach, with many people showing a preference for more restraint and oversight in government decisions.
Key Facts
71% of Americans think the U.S. is "out of control" under President Trump, according to a national poll.
Only 18% of those polled felt the country was "under control," with 11% unsure.
The feeling of being out of control is shared by 70% of white respondents, 79% of Black respondents, and 70% of Hispanic respondents.
Among Republicans, 50% believe the country is out of control, 38% think it is under control, and 13% are unsure.
The poll took place from January 16 to 19, with 1,722 participants and a margin of error of ±3.2%.
Separate surveys highlight that 56% feel Trump’s military interventions abroad have "gone too far."
The poll indicates a broad desire for congressional oversight on military decisions, with 70% supporting the need for presidential consent from Congress before military actions.
Broad demographic groups across the U.S. show unease and prefer more stable and deliberative government actions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly drew guns on an off-duty Minnesota police officer, increasing worries about racial profiling. This incident is part of a larger federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota that has led to legal actions by civil rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against President Trump's administration over alleged racial profiling during these operations.
Key Facts
ICE agents allegedly stopped an off-duty Brooklyn Park officer and drew their firearms.
The officer involved is a U.S. citizen and stated she was treated with aggression.
The officer attempted to record the incident, but agents reportedly knocked her phone away.
Concerns about racial profiling during ICE actions have led to public protests and legal challenges.
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, allege these ICE actions target minority communities disproportionately.
Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota is reported as the largest ICE enforcement action by DHS.
Local law enforcement leaders claim that such incidents damage trust between communities and police.
The ACLU's lawsuit against the Trump administration involves claims of unlawful arrests and racial profiling.
President Donald Trump held a 100-minute news conference discussing his administration's past year. During the conference, he mentioned various topics, including his achievements, immigration, baseball memories, and a proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico. The event took place before his planned trip to Europe amid international and domestic tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump held a press conference for more than 100 minutes at the White House.
He talked about his administration's accomplishments over the past year.
Trump showed a stack labeled "Accomplishments" and claimed his administration did more than any other.
He shared memories about playing baseball as a child in New York City.
Trump mentioned considering renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of Trump."
Clips from the news conference became popular on social media.
The conference occurred before Trump was to leave for Europe, amid tariff threats and troop readiness in Minneapolis.
Trump assured Washington, D.C. would be safer due to his anti-crime measures.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Minnesota officials, including the governor and attorney general, to see if they blocked federal immigration officers from doing their jobs. This comes after Minnesota officials sued the federal government over immigration raids in the state. The investigation highlights tensions between Minnesota leaders and the administration of President Donald Trump regarding immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
The DOJ is investigating Minnesota's governor, attorney general, and Minneapolis mayor.
The investigation focuses on whether these officials tried to stop federal immigration officers from working.
Minnesota officials had sued the federal government over immigration raids.
An ICE operation in Minnesota included the shooting of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, by an ICE agent.
Governor Walz called the DOJ investigation "political theatre."
Attorney General Ellison said the DOJ subpoenaed his office for documents related to immigration enforcement.
A grand jury will review the DOJ's findings on February 3.
President Trump has prepared to send troops to Minnesota in response to potential protest violence.
A woman in Texas bought a bag from a Goodwill store and found a Percocet pill inside. She shared her discovery on Reddit, sparking discussions about similar finds. The pill is thought to have originated from a hospital setting.
Key Facts
Jill Lawson Mandoza, from Oklahoma City, bought a leather bag for $6.99 at a Goodwill store in Katy, Texas.
Inside the bag, she found a pill, identified as Percocet, a prescription painkiller combining oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Mandoza discovered the pill while inspecting the bag for imperfections.
Goodwill staff might not have noticed the pill due to its common packaging.
Mandoza shared her find on Reddit, getting over 6,000 upvotes and similar stories from other users.
A Reddit user suggested the pill likely originated from a hospital, possibly stolen by someone with access to hospital medication.
Mandoza has kept the pill and put the handbag for sale on eBay.
Congressional leaders are working to pass a new budget plan to stop a government shutdown in January. House Speaker Mike Johnson has a strategy to combine various funding bills into one large bill for the Senate to vote on. Some Senators are opposing parts of the plan, but it is still moving forward.
Key Facts
Congressional leaders aim to prevent a government shutdown at the end of January.
House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to merge multiple funding bills into one big bill for the Senate.
The current plan includes funding for several departments like Defense and Homeland Security.
Democrats have concerns about missed opportunities to reform ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Senate opposition is led by Senator Chris Murphy, who is critical of funding decisions related to Homeland Security.
The House passed a bill last week for Treasury, State, IRS, and Federal Trade Commission funding.
Some Senators wanted additional legislation included, but it wasn't part of the final bill.
President Trump has chosen not to endorse some incumbent Republican senators that Senate Majority Leader John Thune supports, such as Sen. Bill Cassidy from Louisiana. Cassidy is facing a challenge from Rep. Julia Letlow, who has Trump’s backing. Key Republican leaders and committees are focused on supporting incumbents, but Trump's influence and endorsements do not always align with them.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans support Sen. Bill Cassidy, but Trump's endorsement is with Rep. Julia Letlow.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been unable to secure Trump's endorsements for certain GOP incumbents.
Cassidy stated that his campaign is focused on bettering Louisiana and the U.S., rather than endorsements.
NRSC Chair Tim Scott supports all Republican incumbents, regardless of other endorsements.
The NRSC is concentrating its resources on eight battleground states, not including Louisiana.
Trump has declined to endorse Sen. John Cornyn and has opposed Sen. Susan Collins.
The Senate Leadership Fund, linked to Thune, is unlikely to spend on the Louisiana race.
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is spending $10 million to support a MAGA candidate in Kentucky.
House Democrats are undecided about a vote on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after an incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some Democrats want to constrain ICE's actions, but others feel they should fund DHS to keep the government running smoothly. The bill's outcome is uncertain as Democrats discuss their positions.
Key Facts
House Democrats are deciding how to vote on funding the Department of Homeland Security.
The vote comes after a recent incident involving ICE officers and a shooting.
Some Democrats agree the bill doesn't do enough to limit ICE and Customs and Border Patrol.
The House Minority Leader has not given clear guidance on the vote yet.
The funding package includes money for other departments and aims to prevent a government shutdown.
Some progressive Democrats have publicly opposed the DHS funding bill.
Centrists are torn between supporting border security and sending a message to President Trump.
The vote's outcome remains uncertain as discussions continue within the Democratic caucus.
An Indian couple, Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya, won a $200,000 settlement from the University of Colorado, Boulder, after filing a lawsuit for racial discrimination. The couple claimed that mistreatment started from an incident involving heating Indian food in a campus microwave and led to losing their research funding and positions. The university denied any wrongdoing but settled to avoid a prolonged legal case.
Key Facts
Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya are Indian students who sued the University of Colorado, Boulder, for racial discrimination.
The issue began when a staff member objected to Prakash heating his palak paneer lunch in a campus microwave due to the smell.
The couple alleged this led to ongoing harassment, including loss of research funding and teaching roles.
The university mentioned privacy laws prevented specific comments but stated it aims for an inclusive environment.
The lawsuit was filed in May 2025, and the settlement was reached in September 2025.
The settlement amount was $200,000, but the university maintained there was no liability.
The case has sparked broader discussions on "food racism," where people face discrimination based on their food choices.
Measles cases are surging in South Carolina, with 88 new cases recently reported and a total of 646 infections since October. The outbreak is causing concerns that the United States may lose its measles elimination status, which it achieved in 2000. Vaccination rates have fallen, contributing to the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Key Facts
South Carolina reported 88 new measles cases recently, with a total of 646 infections since October.
Over 500 people are in quarantine in 15 schools due to exposure to the virus.
The current outbreak is centered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and has affected two universities.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through air from coughs and sneezes.
The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, but vaccine hesitancy has led to new outbreaks.
Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing the disease.
To prevent measles spread, about 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated, but Spartanburg County's rate is around 90%.
There have been over 2,000 measles cases in the U.S. in the past year, with three deaths reported in Texas.
President Donald Trump made several claims about the US economy during a recent media address. Many of these statements, including those about inflation rates and drug prices, were found to be inaccurate. Economic data shows different figures than those presented by President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed there is "no inflation" in the US, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported inflation at 2.7% compared to the previous year.
Trump mentioned drug prices dropped by up to 600%, but such reductions are mathematically impossible.
Trump discussed a Supreme Court case about tariffs, suggesting funds may be returned if the court rules against his administration.
He incorrectly stated that former President Joe Biden "did not do tariffs"; Biden imposed multiple tariffs during his term.
The federal government cut 277,000 jobs since January 2025, yet private sector growth has been limited.
Trump claimed gas prices are $1.99 per gallon in some states, but the average price is $2.82, with the lowest at $2.31 in Oklahoma.
A U.S. citizen named ChongLy Thao was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota. The agents were searching for two convicted sex offenders and took Thao, who was later released the same day. The incident occurred amid a lawsuit by Minnesota officials against ICE's immigration crackdown.
Key Facts
ICE agents detained ChongLy Thao, a U.S. citizen, in Minnesota.
Thao was taken from his home at gunpoint and left outside in his underwear in freezing temperatures.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the agents were looking for two convicted sex offenders.
Thao was released later that day with no explanation or apology.
Minnesota officials have filed a lawsuit to challenge ICE's immigration practices.
The Trump administration argues that the federal government has broad authority to enforce immigration laws.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Lindsey Halligan is leaving her role as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. A federal judge had previously ruled that Halligan's appointment was unlawful. This situation highlights a conflict between the Department of Justice and federal judges regarding Halligan's appointment.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi is the U.S. Attorney General who announced Lindsey Halligan's departure.
Lindsey Halligan was serving as the interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia.
A federal judge ruled Halligan's appointment was unlawful.
The Department of Justice had disagreed with the judge's ruling.
Halligan was named acting U.S. attorney in September 2025.
Democratic Senators were accused of using a procedural tactic called the "blue slip process" to end Halligan's term.
Halligan had no prior experience as a prosecutor before her appointment.
