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Today’s Highlights
Up to 1,500 active-duty troops stationed in Alaska are prepared for potential deployment to Minnesota, according to a U.S. official speaking to NPR. This development follows the Trump administration’s increased pressure on the state, which includes the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act to curb protests in Minneapolis. Despite freezing temperatures, anti-ICE demonstrators continued their protests over the weekend.
Minnesota Army National Guard soldiers post up along a freeway ramp ahead of anticipated protests on Jan. 17, in Minneapolis. Protests have sparked up around the city after a federal agent fatally shot a woman in her car during an incident in south Minneapolis on Jan. 7.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
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Scott Olson/Getty Images
- 🎧 Democrats have limited options to counter the Trump administration, other than publicly opposing the deployment of over 2,000 federal immigration agents in Minnesota, as reported by Minnesota Public Radio’s Clay Masters on Up First. Attorney General Keith Ellison, alongside the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, has initiated a lawsuit against the administration, labeling the action as an unconstitutional federal invasion infringing upon the First and Tenth Amendments. Due to Democrats not holding a majority in Congress, they are seeking justice through the federal courts.
President Trump heightened tensions in Europe over the weekend by discussing the U.S. acquisition of Greenland. He stated that the territory is crucial for U.S. national security. On Saturday, he revealed plans to impose tariffs on eight NATO allies until an agreement is reached for the U.S. to purchase Greenland. On Sunday, these eight countries convened for an emergency meeting, cautioning that Trump’s tariffs could lead to a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations.
- 🎧 Lawmakers emphasized that they haven’t received any intelligence regarding an imminent threat to Greenland from Russia or China. They noted that the Kingdom of Denmark and the U.S. already collaborate, and the U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland. NPR’s Barbara Sprunt reported that on Saturday, thousands marched peacefully to the U.S. Embassy in Denmark, with many carrying Greenland flags and wearing red hats reading “Make America Go Away.”
Trump’s board of peace for Gaza, initially advertised as a means to aid regional reconstruction, appears more expansive and costly than initially described. The president aims to chair the board, with representatives from various nations. NPR obtained a copy of its charter, which reveals that the board seeks powers beyond Gaza. Trump has requested other nations contribute at least $1 billion for permanent representation.
- 🎧 The charter omits the term “Gaza,” suggesting it could serve as a rival to the United Nations Security Council for managing global conflicts, as reported by NPR’s Daniel Estrin. The charter emphasizes the need for a more effective international peace-building body, Estrin notes. Critics argue that the president may be attempting to undermine the U.N. to make diplomacy transactional. Israel objects to Trump’s inclusion of representatives from Turkey and Qatar, viewing these nations as primary Hamas backers. However, Israel admits it cannot block this move and remains skeptical that any international entity can disarm Hamas.
Life Insights
Introverts and extroverts can maintain strong friendships despite their different ways of interacting with the world. However, their relationships may suffer if these differences clash, according to Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of The Introverted Leader. She advises that the key is to address issues before they escalate into resentment. Kahnweiler shared tips with Life Kit on fostering deeper connections between these personality types.
- 👭 Avoid labeling someone strictly as an introvert or extrovert; their position on this spectrum can change.
- 👭 If a friend’s behavior bothers you, consider if it’s due to a personality difference and try to be understanding.
- 👭 Develop a code phrase or gesture to communicate your needs, like a hand signal to remind a friend not to interrupt silence.
For more insights on improving friendships between introverts and extroverts, listen to this episode of NPR’s Life Kit. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships, and more.
Today’s Listen
The Trump administration recently removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day from the list of free entry days at national parks. Dr. King’s image has also been used in racist AI-generated videos. For MLK day, Code Switch sat down with historian Nicholas Buccola, author of One Man’s Freedom, to re-examine the concept of “freedom” by comparing the legacies of King and conservative politician Barry Goldwater. Buccola reveals the gulf between Goldwater’s abstract view of freedom and King’s focus on daily dignity and liberty, showing what this historical battle teaches us about freedom today. Listen to the episode here or read the transcript.
3 Things to Know Before You Go
Artemis II will send a crew of four astronauts on a journey around the moon as the United States prepares to send American astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than five decades.
Derek Demeter/Central Florida Public Media
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Derek Demeter/Central Florida Public Media
- NASA’s Artemis II mission is making strides as its spacecraft arrived at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday evening, marking a significant step towards sending Americans to the moon for the first time in over 50 years.
- Florida experienced a rare snowfall for the second consecutive year yesterday, as freezing temperatures persist across the state into early this week.
- Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has secured another term, extending his 40-year rule following an election conducted under a government-imposed internet blackout.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
