Key Takeaways:
- President Trump has announced a plan to build a new class of warships named after him, with the first two ships to be built at a cost of billions of dollars.
- A federal judge has ruled that the deportations of over 100 Venezuelans to El Salvador were illegal, and has ordered the administration to return the men to the US or provide due process hearings abroad.
- The Heritage Foundation, a influential conservative think tank, is experiencing a division within the Republican Party, with over a dozen staff members leaving to join a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence.
- Socializing during the holiday season can be challenging, but psychologists offer tips on how to build social courage and make connections, including practicing low-stakes socializing and putting away your phone.
- A new children’s book, "And They Walk On," explores the concept of grief and loss, and how to cope with the death of a loved one.
Introduction to the News
The Up First newsletter brings you the latest news and updates to start your day. Today’s top stories include President Trump’s announcement of a new class of warships, a federal judge’s ruling on the deportations of Venezuelans, and a division within the Republican Party. Additionally, we look at tips for socializing during the holiday season and a new children’s book that explores the concept of grief and loss.
The New Class of Warships
President Trump has announced a plan to build a new class of warships, which will be named after him. The first two ships will be built at a cost of billions of dollars, and will have nuclear missile capability. The president did not provide a specific timeframe for the production of the ships, but said that production would ramp up to produce more of these ships. This announcement comes as the administration is also dealing with the issue of oil tankers, with the president discussing how US forces are chasing after a third massive oil tanker.
The Deportations of Venezuelans
A federal judge has ruled that the deportations of over 100 Venezuelans to El Salvador were illegal. The judge, James Boasberg, found that the government had violated due process and ordered the administration to return the men to the US or provide due process hearings abroad. The men, who were deported to a prison in El Salvador, have reported poor nutrition, unsanitary conditions, and sexual abuse while imprisoned. The government is likely to appeal the decision, but lawyers for the Venezuelans argue that the ruling makes it clear that the government cannot send people off to a brutal foreign prison without due process.
Division within the Republican Party
The Heritage Foundation, a influential conservative think tank, is experiencing a division within the Republican Party. Over a dozen staff members are leaving the organization to join a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. The group, Advancing American Freedom, is working to define the future of conservatism and hopes to bolster support for traditional concepts, such as free trade and a less isolationist foreign policy. This marks a significant shift within the Republican Party, as it works to determine who should represent the political movement and what it should stand for.
Socializing during the Holiday Season
Socializing during the holiday season can be challenging, especially for those who experience social anxiety. However, psychologists offer tips on how to build social courage and make connections. These tips include practicing low-stakes socializing, such as talking to a cashier or classmate, and setting small goals, such as talking to one person or asking two questions. Additionally, putting away your phone and creating an escape plan can help you feel more comfortable in social situations. By following these tips, you can build your social courage and make the most of the holiday season.
A New Children’s Book
A new children’s book, "And They Walk On," explores the concept of grief and loss, and how to cope with the death of a loved one. The book follows a little boy whose grandmother has died, and his journey to understand where she has gone. The story is illustrated with muted colors that become brighter and more vivid as the little boy starts to remember his grandmother. The book is a powerful exploration of grief and loss, and offers a way for children to process their emotions and understand the concept of death.
Other News
In other news, the ATX-VINyL program is bringing music to the bedsides of patients facing challenging diagnoses and treatments. The program, which uses vinyl records as a form of music therapy, has been shown to lift heavy moments for families. Additionally, Kansas lawmakers have approved a major tax incentives package to help the Kansas City Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium in the state. Finally, President Trump has recently endorsed kei cars, tiny vehicles popular in Asia that remain rare in the US. However, kei car enthusiasts doubt that much will change, as the vehicles fail to meet specific US safety requirements.
