Boost Your Morning Knowledge: December 19 Activities and Updates
Be the first to know what you need to know to kickstart your day with these 5 hot topics: immigration, Israel, nor'easters, volcanic eruptions, and student loans!
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Immigration
Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed new border legislation Monday, criminalizing illegal immigration, allowing local police to make arrests, and authorizing judges to issue orders for deportation . This move has caused panic within the 40% Latino community that comprises 40% of the state's population. The new law, which is set to take effect in March, is causing an uproar while Congress argues over immigration reform, with little progress on foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine .
Issues with Israel
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with high-ranking Israeli officials this past Monday to discuss achieving a "post-Hamas future in Gaza" and the need for urgent measures to improve stability in the West Bank . The widespread condemnation and criticism of Israel's military actions against Gaza continue, with almost 19,500 civilian casualties since October 2023, according to the Hamas-controlled healthcare ministry . Austin also announced a U.S.-led operation targeted at security challenges in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, following the recent Houthi attacks on commercial traffic in the region .
Nor'easters and Severe Weather
A powerful winter storm hit the Northeast on Monday, causing power outages impacting over 620,000 households and businesses from Connecticut to Maine. At least four people have lost their lives due to the storm. Over 60 million people are under winter warnings as the storm causes dangerous flooding, strands vehicles, triggers water rescues, and disrupts traffic across the region . In several states, there are threats of cold weather and heavy snowfall, while emergency teams continue to assess damage in flooded communities and reopen schools that have been closed .
Volcanic Eruption in Iceland
A volcano in Iceland erupted early Monday night, spewing lava and ash into the night sky, threatening the nearby Blue Lagoon spa city of Grindavik . Since evacuations took place last month in anticipation of the eruption, there were no casualties due to the blast . Experts predict that the ash cloud may have minimal effects on aviation, but future potential repercussions remain to be seen .
Student Loans Delinquencies
Almost 9 million student loan borrowers have failed to make their first payment since October, as a pandemic-related pause on collections ended . With 22 million borrowers now responsible for loan repayment, about 40% had not made a payment by late November . Federal officials say that they will not impose significant penalties during this transition period, as borrowers may require time to adjust to new repayment plans .
Caught Up in the News?
Did you catch the headlines about the suspension of NASA's Space X mission due to an urgent HMX-1 Marine Helicopter incident? Or how about the amazing discovery of three ancient Roman graves in Italy that contained intricate jewelry and rare skeletal poses?
Celebrity Corner
Learn about the latest celebrity news, from renewed hope for "Avengers: Reign of Kang" star Jonathan Majors' career to the international sale of one of Princess Diana's iconic 1980s dresses, which set a new auction record.
Your Thoughts on the News?
Share your opinions on the immigration, Israel, nor'easters, volcanic eruptions, or student loan delinquencies with us!
Enrichment Data:
Data on immigration policies in the United States:
- The Trump administration has taken specific actions to increase immigration enforcement, including expanding expedited removal procedures, implementing a formal registration and fingerprinting system, and prevent unauthorized immigrants from receiving public benefits.
- The Trump administration has also threatened to cut federal funding for "sanctuary" jurisdictions and revoke birthright citizenship for children born to noncitizen parents.
- These policy changes have sparked controversy and concern within immigrant communities, as well as spurring protests and grassroots efforts to protect those affected by these measures.
- Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the efforts to revoke birthright citizenship.
