Headlines

January 17, 2026

AP News

Judge Bars Arrest of Peaceful Protesters

U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez ruled that federal officers in Minneapolis-St. Paul cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters, following tensions from a recent immigration enforcement operation and the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
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The Conversation

US-Greenland Talks Hit the Wall

Prof. Testoni examines the current stalemate in US-Greenland negotiations, proposing renewed diplomatic efforts, international mediation, or maintaining the status quo as potential resolutions to prevent further diplomatic strain.
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CNN

Trump’s Economy Approval Dips

Public opinion on nearly every aspect of President Donald Trump’s first year back in the White House is negative, with a majority of Americans saying Trump is focused on the wrong priorities.
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CBS News

Record Number of ICE Detainees

The number of detainees in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody has reached a new record high, surpassing 70,000 for the first time in the deportation agency's 23-year history.
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Minnesota Reformer

DOJ Subpoenas for Walz, Frey

The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey as part of a criminal investigation into whether they’ve impeded federal immigration enforcement.
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SCOTUSblog

Gun Rights vs. Private Property

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on a Hawaii law that restricts firearm carrying on private property without owner consent, with the Trump administration supporting challengers who argue it lacks historical backing.
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PBS

Roundup Weedkiller Headed to SCOTUS

he Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear an appeal from global agrochemical manufacturer Bayer to block thousands of state lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller could cause cancer.
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New York Post

Mets Sign Bo Bichette

The New York Mets have signed shortstop Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays, aiming to bolster their infield and improve their offensive lineup as part of a strategy to rebound from last season's challenges and contend in the upcoming MLB season.
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The New York Times

New Evidence Against Social Media

In “The Anxious Generation”, Haidt lays out a framework for protecting children from the worst harms of social media. It caught the attention of regulators and world leaders and fueled momentum for phone bans and laws governing children’s use of social media around the world.
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The Washington Post

Rise of Stay-at-Home Sons

The Washington Post examines the trend of adult men, termed 'stay-at-home sons,' choosing to live with their parents. This phenomenon, highlighted by media and social discussions, is supported by cultural insights indicating that it's a norm in various communities.
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The Wall Street Journal

There’ll Never Be Another Seinfeld

The Wall Street Journal explores the unique cultural impact of 'Seinfeld,' emphasizing its innovative comedy and the 1990s media landscape, while arguing that changes in audience preferences and media consumption make replicating its success unlikely in today's era.
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ABC News

DOJ Making Progress on Epstein

Justice Department officials said in a letter submitted to two federal judges Thursday that they are making "substantial progress" reviewing items related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein -- but gave no indication when additional material would be released.
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Politico

Dissenters Are Canceled at Austin

The University of Austin, co-founded by journalist Bari Weiss to champion free speech, faces internal conflicts among faculty and administration about its direction and governance, leading to public resignations and questioning its commitment to its founding principles.
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NBC News

Trump Ties Tariffs to Greenland Proposal

President Donald Trump said Friday that he could impose tariffs on countries that don’t accept his goal of having the U.S. take control of Greenland. The president didn’t elaborate further, including which countries he could target.
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The Atlantic

What Trans Lawyers Didn’t Answer

The Supreme Court is grappling with cases challenging state bans on trans women in women's sports, highlighting disputed scientific views on testosterone advantages and the potential for states to decide their own policies, which could maintain bans in many areas.
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We will NEVER SELL YOUR DATA. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Smerconish.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Aweber