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Amid a government shutdown, the Trump administration claims to use tariff funds to sustain the WIC program, which supports low-income women and children. This move raises legal questions about executive authority and congressional funding, with experts warning it may undermine constitutional checks and balances.
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Recent fossil studies reveal a close link between extinct Australian carnivorous marsupials and koalas, while conservation efforts in Nigeria and Okinawa show signs of success. Meanwhile, Thailand's artificial reefs are aiding marine ecosystems, and Hong Kong seeks to expand marine protected areas amid biodiversity concerns.
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The US government ended its 43-day shutdown after Congress passed funding through January 30. Federal workers will receive back pay, and agencies are resuming operations. The shutdown caused widespread disruptions, including furloughs, service closures, and economic impacts, especially in the Washington D.C. area.
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The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending ash clouds across Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan. No casualties reported, but villages are covered in ash, affecting livestock and travel. The eruption is the first in 12,000 years, with ongoing regional impacts.