Billionaire city, dog poo fines, and getting more sleep.

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Big Stories

Supreme Court considers weakening federal agency power

Supreme Court conservative justices began discussions on Wednesday that could reshape how rules about federal agencies’ powers are understood and used in the courts.

• The potential shift would have a significant effect on the way government agencies create and enforce rules across various sectors such as the environment and technology.

• The focal point of the discussions was the Chevron doctrine, a legal rule that guides judges to defer to federal agencies' interpretations of laws when the statutes are unclear. This doctrine has played a crucial role in empowering government administrations to regulate many aspects of daily life. However, some justices, particularly conservatives, are questioning its viability and considering whether it should be changed or narrowed.

• Opponents of the Chevron doctrine argue that judges use it too often to approve decisions made by government bureaucrats rather than interpreting laws themselves. The Biden administration defended Chevron, saying it values the expertise of government agencies. Environmental and civil rights groups also want the Supreme Court to keep Chevron in effect. The court’s decisions are expected to be made by the end of June.

Billionaires need voter approval for new city

A company supported by Silicon Valley billionaires has acquired over $800 million worth of rural land between San Francisco and Sacramento to build a new, walkable city.

• Led by former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek, the initiative aims to build an affordable, green city with housing and jobs. The project, named California Forever, now seeks approval from Solano County voters to bypass land use protections established in 1984.

• Sramek, along with other backers, envisions a walkable city with 20,000 homes for 50,000 residents, expanding to house 400,000 people if enough jobs are created. If the group can get 13,000 signatures from Solano County voters, the measure will be up for a vote in November. The proposed community plans to utilize $400 million to assist Solano County residents in purchasing homes.

• Many people are skeptical about the project, voicing concerns that include the project's location amid wind farms, gas fields, endangered species, and water supply issues in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Backers argue Solano County is an ideal housing solution that will attract employers and address the region's housing shortage.

Temperatures expected to rise across the US

The freeze-out that has affected much of the US looks to be easing up towards the end of the month.

• The US is currently experiencing an intense Arctic air mass, resulting in record-breaking cold temperatures and widespread snow and ice across more than half of the lower 48 states. The past two weeks have seen some of the coldest air in years.

• While the cold may feel like it’s here for good, there is a significant shift expected in the weather pattern next week that will bring a temporary warmup to much of the country. However, there will be one more Arctic blast affecting the Central US and Southeast.

• After that, the North American weather pattern is anticipated to be guided by a milder Pacific air flow, leading to above-average temperatures across most of the country. The end of January might see a "torch" pattern, with temperatures well above average for this time of year.

Little Stories

• In a recent study, researchers found that drinking an 8-oz serving of 100% fruit juice every day was linked to a small increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) in children. However, in adults, there wasn't a significant association between daily fruit juice consumption and weight gain. Researchers added that whole fruit with water as a drink is a better alternative than fruit juice. (More)

• The Biden administration has re-labeled Yemen's Houthi rebels a "global terrorist group" due to their repeated attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Shortly after, US forces conducted strikes on Houthi missiles in Yemen. The ongoing Houthi attacks have affected international shipping and supply chains. (More)

• Dog owners in Bolzano, Italy, are now required to have their pets undergo DNA tests to tackle the problem of dog poo in public spaces. Swab test results will be recorded in a database, helping authorities identify owners who don’t clean up after their pets. Offenders will be fined between $340 to $1,220. (More)

• The extreme cold temperatures from Chicago to northern Texas have caused challenges for electric vehicle (EV) owners, leading to reduced driving range and extended waiting times at charging stations. Studies show EVs experience a 10% to 65% decrease in range in cold weather. It’s so cold in Chicago that some Tesla owners couldn’t charge their cars at all. (More)

• A Maine judge has temporarily halted a ruling preventing former President Trump from being on the state's ballot until the US Supreme Court decides on a similar case in Colorado. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the Colorado case on February 8. (More)

Extra Credit

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