Key Takeaways:
- Democrats introduce a bill to limit the Trump administration’s ability to appoint temporary immigration judges
- The Trump administration has fired at least 14 immigration judges in the last two weeks
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, sparking congressional investigation
- Republicans win special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, but Democrats claim victory due to narrow margin
- The Trump administration has fired or attempted to fire federal staff members at the U.S. Department of Education who manage and enforce federal disability law
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox promotes nuclear plants to supply data centers for artificial intelligence, while acknowledging the dangers of AI technology
Introduction to Today’s Top Stories
The Up First newsletter brings you the latest news and updates to start your day. Today’s top stories include the introduction of a bill by Democrats to limit the Trump administration’s ability to appoint temporary immigration judges. The bill, introduced by California’s Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Juan Vargas, would allow the attorney general to appoint temporary immigration judges who have served on appellate panels, are administrative judges in other agencies, or have at least 10 years of experience in immigration law. This legislation comes after the White House authorized up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, while eliminating the requirement for them to have prior immigration law experience.
Immigration Judges and the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has fired at least 14 immigration judges in the last two weeks, according to the union that represents them. This move has sparked concerns among Democrats, who argue that the administration is attempting to stack the deck with judges who will be more favorable to their immigration policies. The introduction of the bill by Sen. Schiff and Rep. Vargas is seen as an attempt to push back against the administration’s efforts to reshape the immigration judiciary. The bill would ensure that temporary immigration judges have the necessary experience and expertise to make informed decisions on complex immigration cases.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Caribbean Strikes
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny for his role in authorizing strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. Hegseth said yesterday that he authorized and observed the first round of strikes, but didn’t personally make the call for the second strike that killed two survivors. Congress is now investigating the details of what happened, with some lawmakers suggesting that the orders could leave servicemembers facing eventual prosecution. The incident has raised questions about the administration’s authority to conduct such attacks and whether they constitute a war crime.
Special Election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District
Republican Matt Van Epps won the special election for a U.S. House seat in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, but Democrats are claiming victory due to the narrow margin of victory. Van Epps won by 9 percentage points in a district where President Trump claimed victory with roughly 60% of the vote last year. The election showed that Republicans were able to motivate their base voters to head to the polls without Trump being on the ballot, while Democrats were able to persuade independents that Republicans won’t solve key issues.
The Trump Administration and Disability Law
The Trump administration has fired or attempted to fire numerous federal staff members at the U.S. Department of Education who manage and enforce federal disability law. While Secretary Linda McMahon assures that special education funding is secure, concerns have been raised among parents, educators, disability rights advocates, and subject matter experts. They fear that reducing federal staff and oversight may result in a return to pre-1975 conditions, when schools denied access and services to children with disabilities.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Artificial Intelligence
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is promoting nuclear plants to supply data centers for artificial intelligence, while acknowledging the dangers of AI technology. Cox sees the U.S. in a race with China to dominate AI and believes that Utah is doing all it can to encourage the expansion of nuclear power. However, he also expressed concerns that AI could supercharge the damage from social media, addiction to devices, and disconnection from reality. Cox wants states to preserve their power to regulate AI, but some in Congress have tried to ban states from limiting the technology.
YouTube’s 2025 Annual Trends Report
YouTube released its annual list of trending videos, songs, creators, and cultural moments yesterday. The list features a variety of topics, from a 1960s pop song to a must-have soft toy. The report provides insight into the most popular content on the platform and what’s trending in popular culture. Additionally, NPR staff and contributors have compiled their favorite games of 2025, including indie games like Blue Prince and major console exclusives such as Donkey Kong Bananza. A new study also shows that raccoons may be showing early signs of domestication, making them a potential pet in the future.