On January 3, 1967, Carl B. Stokes, the first African American mayor of a major American city , was elected in Cleveland, Ohio.
1. Dallas Braces for Winter Chill: Arctic Blast Expected to Bring Freezing Temperatures
Got groceries, booze and firewood? If not, it might be time to run those essential errands. Dallas residents are being warned that they should brace for a significant temperature dive this weekend as an Arctic blast is expected to sweep through the region, bringing the season’s first wave of freezing temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are forecast to plummet into the low 30s beginning Saturday evening, January 4th, with some areas dipping well below freezing in the night and early morning hours. This sudden cold snap will likely impact outdoor activities, disrupt transportation, and increase the risk of hypothermia for vulnerable populations. City officials are urging residents to take precautions, such as protecting vulnerable plants, ensuring proper insulation for homes, and checking on elderly neighbors. The City of Dallas is also reminding residents to be mindful of homeless populations and to utilize available resources such as shelters and warming centers.
A list of warming centers, located around the city, can be found here.
2. DC Gripped by Political Gridlock as Debt Ceiling Deadline Looms:
Washington D.C. is currently embroiled in a tense political standoff as the deadline to raise the debt ceiling rapidly approaches. As of January 3, the U.S. national debt is approximately $36.1 trillion, well past the nation’s $31.4 trillion ceiling. The debt ceiling, or the legal limit on the amount of money the U.S. government can borrow, was suspended in June 2023 by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This suspension remained in effect until December 31, 2024. Now, President Elect Donald Trump is pressuring Congress to care for the issue before he re-takes office later this month, in order to avoid a government default, which would have severe economic consequences for the nation. The ongoing negotiations involve key figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties, including President Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and key congressional leaders. This political drama highlights the deep divisions within Congress and the potential for gridlock to cripple the federal government. It also raises concerns about the long-term stability of the U.S. economy and the impact on everyday Americans.
3. National Study Finds Gen Z More Anxious Than Previous Generations
A recent study by the National Social Anxiety Center found that Gen Z (roughly ages 18-25) experiences higher levels of anxiety than any previous generation. Factors contributing to this trend include the constant pressure of social media, the looming threat of climate change, and the increasingly polarized political climate. These findings have significant implications for mental health resources, educational approaches, and the overall well-being of young people. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a staggering 84% believe mental health is a critical issue in the United States. Studies consistently show that Gen Zers are significantly more likely to experience anxiety or depression compared to older generations, with some studies indicating an 80% higher prevalence. But, there may be hope yet. Professionals say that young people can take steps to care for their mental health by prioritizing self-care, seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals, and practicing healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness, and spending time in nature.
4. NASA Astronauts Face Extended Stay on International Space Station:
Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who traveled to the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024, are facing an extended stay in space. Issues with the Starliner spacecraft have delayed their return to Earth, with current estimates suggesting they may not return until at least March 2025. This unexpected delay highlights the challenges and risks associated with space travel and the importance of robust safety protocols. It also provides a unique opportunity to observe the long-term effects of extended space missions on the human body. NASA has contracted with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to return the astronauts to Earth using a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft which was partially funded through $396 million of federal NASA contracts through programs like the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) and the Commercial Crew Program.
5. TikTok Creators Say about Potential Ban That They’ll Believe it When They See It
TikTok is gearing up for a Supreme Court showdown, set for Jan. 10 as the highest court has agreed to consider the video sharing app company’s emergency request to stay a law that would ban the app in the United States. The law, which is set to take place on January 19 would mean the app’s 170 million American users would slowly be phased off the app unless TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance sells their American operation to a United States based company. Recently, the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the law, backing congressional claims that the app presented national security risks related to China’s potential influence over the platform. Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, operates under stricter content moderation and data privacy rules due to Chinese government regulations while content on Douyin often emphasizes education and live streaming, while the international version leans more towards entertainment.
