President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the U.S. Department of Education. This move raises questions about the future of education policy under the new administration, as Trump has previously suggested closing the department and redistributing its services to state-level officials. The potential dissolution of the Education Department could impact funding for public schools and federal student aid programs.
In other news, a powerful winter storm is brewing near the Pacific Northwest, with the potential for damaging gusts, heavy rain, and snow in parts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This storm, known as a “bomb cyclone,” is expected to bring significant precipitation to the region.
Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv has closed due to threats of a potential air attack, amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. President Vladimir Putin has lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to conventional attacks, raising concerns about the potential for further conflict.
Immigration policy shifts under the new administration are expected to disproportionately impact children, with advocates warning of potential challenges such as family separations and deportations.
In sports news, Oregon remains at the top of the College Football Playoff rankings, with Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Indiana rounding out the top five teams. SpaceX successfully completed the sixth test launch of its Starship vehicle, with President-elect Donald Trump in attendance.
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