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Recent data shows shifts in global trade patterns due to US tariffs and China's export growth. The US trade deficit shrank slightly in November, while China’s trade surplus hit a record high, despite ongoing tariffs and trade tensions. Countries are diversifying markets and rerouting shipments amid these tensions.
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The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the removal of books on race, gender, and sexuality from a rural Texas library. The lower court's decision, which sided with the county, allows the ban to stand, raising concerns about free speech and First Amendment rights amid ongoing book bans nationwide.
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The Supreme Court is hearing an Alabama case on how IQ scores are used to determine intellectual disability in death penalty cases. The case involves Joseph Smith, whose IQ scores range from 72 to 78, challenging the state's criteria for execution bans for the intellectually disabled. The ruling could impact future capital punishment laws.
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A U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled that President Trump likely has a constitutional right to deploy the National Guard in D.C., overturning a lower court decision that limited his authority. The ruling emphasizes the president's unique power over federal districts, but is not final. The case stems from ongoing legal disputes over military deployment and local authority.
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On December 12, 2025, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite a 2019 court order protecting him. The Trump administration's attempts to deport him to various African countries have been blocked due to procedural errors and lack of legal removal orders. Abrego Garcia faces human smuggling charges in Tennessee, which he denies, and is seeking asylum in the U.S.
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A Los Angeles hearing on California's new congressional map pits the state against the Justice Department in a legal battle over gerrymandering and race-based districting. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order before candidates can officially file for 2026 elections. The case highlights national tensions over redistricting and partisan control of Congress.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago and other cities, citing lack of legal authority. The rulings challenge the administration's use of military force in domestic law enforcement and set a precedent for future legal battles over federal troop deployments in Democratic-led cities. The decisions come amid ongoing legal disputes and resistance from state and city officials.
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Recent elections and legal challenges across the US highlight ongoing political shifts. Iowa Democrats secured a key Senate seat, preventing a GOP supermajority, while legal disputes threaten to reshape congressional districts nationwide. The Supreme Court's upcoming decision on race-based districts could significantly impact future elections.
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Abrego Garcia, deported to El Salvador and later returned to the US, faces a court hearing on January 28. The case highlights issues of immigration enforcement, alleged targeting, and legal proceedings surrounding his detention and charges in Tennessee.
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On December 31, 2025, President Trump announced the removal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland following multiple legal setbacks. Despite claiming crime reductions due to the deployments, courts blocked or limited troop presence, notably the Supreme Court halting Chicago deployments. Trump warned troops could return if crime rises.
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A new study from Yale and Columbia finds the Supreme Court increasingly favors the wealthy, with conservative justices more likely to side with the rich. Chief Justice Roberts emphasizes the enduring strength of the Constitution amid ongoing political and legal challenges, including cases involving Trump-era policies.
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The White House has delayed planned tariff increases on furniture and home goods until January 2027, citing ongoing trade negotiations. The move aims to ease inflation concerns ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, while maintaining tariffs as a national security measure. Market reactions are mixed.
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Virginia's legislature begins its session amid divisions over redistricting strategies, with Democrats aiming to expand their House seats and Republicans seeking to maintain control. The upcoming Supreme Court decision on voting rights could significantly influence district maps and political power in 2026.
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Block Communications announced the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will shut down on May 3, citing ongoing financial losses and a legal battle with striking union workers. The paper, with roots dating to 1786, will end after over 20 years of losses and a court ruling favoring the union.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Rep. Mike Bost has the legal right to challenge Illinois election rules allowing late mail-in ballots. The decision affirms candidates' standing to contest vote-counting laws, potentially impacting future election litigation nationwide.
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President Trump announced immediate tariffs of 25% on countries doing business with Iran, escalating economic pressure amid ongoing protests and geopolitical tensions. Oil prices surged, and responses from China and other nations highlight global economic risks. The move raises questions about legal authority and international fallout.
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Claudette Colvin, a civil rights pioneer who refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery in 1955, has died at age 86. Her act of defiance predated Rosa Parks and helped shape the legal fight against segregation. Her role was historically underrecognized but is now being acknowledged for inspiring the movement.
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The Supreme Court is examining Hawaii's law banning guns on private property open to the public without explicit permission. The case tests whether private property rights can override Second Amendment protections, with arguments referencing historical laws like the Black Codes. A decision is expected by late June 2026.
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The US has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand and Brazil, citing welfare concerns. Several cases of deportation despite court orders highlight ongoing enforcement issues. A college student deported to Honduras is now seeking to return through a legal recommendation for a student visa.
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The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Montana police acted reasonably when entering William Case's home without a warrant during a suspected suicide emergency. The court emphasized that emergency circumstances justify warrantless searches if police have an objectively reasonable basis for believing someone is in danger.
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Legal challenges to redistricting efforts are escalating in the US and California, with courts and the Supreme Court involved. Democrats and Republicans are contesting district maps that could significantly impact control of the House in the upcoming midterms. The cases highlight partisan disputes over district boundaries and racial considerations.
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A Federal Court judge has declared a six-month police search declaration in Melbourne invalid, citing failure to consider human rights protections. The declaration allowed warrantless searches and face-covering directives, but was lifted early amid legal challenges. The ruling emphasizes the importance of human rights considerations in law enforcement powers.
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On January 21, 2026, the US Supreme Court heard arguments over former President Trump's unprecedented attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing unproven mortgage fraud allegations she denies. The court appeared skeptical of the administration's request to lift a lower court injunction preventing her immediate removal, raising concerns about the Fed's independence and economic impact. A ruling is expected by June.
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One year into his presidency, the leader has taken sweeping actions that challenge traditional norms, including unilaterally restructuring agencies, issuing broad pardons, deploying military and law enforcement, and hinting at a third term. Experts see this as a move to expand executive authority, sparking debate over constitutional limits.
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Yale University announced a new policy increasing income thresholds for free tuition, effective this fall. The move aims to widen access for middle- and low-income students, aligning with similar initiatives at Harvard, Princeton, and MIT, amid ongoing debates on socioeconomic diversity in elite colleges.
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A Maricopa County judge invalidated several outdated Arizona abortion laws, citing they hinder women's autonomous decision-making. The ruling supports recent voter-backed constitutional protections for abortion rights, but the state's attorney general plans to appeal. The case highlights ongoing legal conflicts over abortion restrictions following Roe v. Wade's overturn.
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Steve Bannon, convicted of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the Jan. 6 attack, is now seeking to have his case dismissed after the Justice Department announced it would drop the charges. The move follows a pattern of the Trump administration's efforts to influence legal proceedings involving allies.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security faces a government shutdown over funding disputes, with Democrats demanding reforms to ICE following fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Congressional hearings are underway to investigate use of force by federal immigration agents amid protests and political tension.
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Virginia and Florida face legal challenges over redistricting efforts ahead of 2026 midterms. Virginia's map faces court delays, while Florida's governor's proclamation is challenged for violating separation of powers. California's courts reject GOP efforts to block Democratic-favored districts, amid nationwide partisan gerrymandering disputes.
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On February 12, 2026, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the repeal of the 2009 'endangerment finding' that classified greenhouse gases as threats to public health. Led by the Trump administration and EPA head Lee Zeldin, this marks the largest climate deregulation in US history, removing federal greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and threatening broader climate regulations. The rollback aims to reduce costs for automakers and fossil fuel industries but faces strong opposition from environmental groups and legal challenges.
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The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Harvard, demanding five years of admissions data to investigate potential race-based discrimination following a Supreme Court ruling. The case highlights ongoing tensions over affirmative action and federal oversight of university policies.
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Recent US deportation flights have sent migrants, including protected individuals, to Cameroon and other African nations under third-country agreements. Critics highlight concerns over legality, oversight, and human rights implications amid increased deportation efforts by the Trump administration.
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President Trump delivered a speech amid ongoing military tensions, highlighting recent foreign policy wins like Gaza ceasefire and Maduro's capture, while addressing concerns over Iran, Ukraine, and the economy. The speech aims to bolster his foreign policy record and influence upcoming elections.
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President Trump delivered a lengthy prime-time speech to Congress, aiming to rally support amid economic setbacks, Supreme Court rulings, and escalating tensions with Iran. He highlighted economic gains, border policies, and peace efforts, while facing criticism over tariffs and his tone towards the judiciary.
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Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking, nearly two-hour speech to Congress, claiming economic success and national strength amid low approval ratings. He highlighted achievements, attacked opponents, and awarded medals, but faced fierce Democratic opposition and questions about the substance of his claims.