US apologizes for mistake in deporting Massachusetts college student, but defends her removal

The U.S. government has apologized for erroneously deporting a Massachusetts college student but insists the removal was legally sound. This story is one of several major national headlines, alongside a troubling report of a component failure on a UPS plane in Kentucky; the part had allegedly broken on four other aircraft in previous years. In politics, former President Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act to quell protests, while the U.S. has suspended immigrant visa services for 75 countries due to public assistance regulations. A recent AP-NORC poll reveals public sentiment on Trump's first year back in office, with former adviser Stephen Miller defending the White House's actions.

On the global front, Venezuela's interim president has pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under the Maduro regime. Separately, tensions have emerged in discussions between the U.S. and Greenland, resulting in the deployment of European troops to the island following a "disagreement" over its status. In Iran, widespread demonstrations appear to have been quelled by a government crackdown and the disruption of internet services.

In the business and entertainment sectors, Verizon has rectified a major, hours-long service outage that disrupted its calling and data networks. Bilt is introducing new credit cards with a 10% interest rate, a move that aligns with bipartisan pressure for lower rates. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation has unveiled a $9 billion budget and announced plans for staff reductions. In music, streaming figures soared to 5 trillion in 2025, with Christian, rock, and Latin music driving the expansion of the U.S. market. John Mellencamp is on tour performing his classic hits, and the Golden Globes saw its viewership fall to 8.7 million, a decrease of almost 7% from the previous year.

In sports, the U.S. national champion skating pair will not compete in the Olympics due to a passport delay. In other news, former NCAA players and their associates are facing charges for allegedly fixing basketball games. Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-game suspension by the CAF, although the federation continues to voice its support for him.

Among recent scientific advancements, NASA conducted its first-ever medical evacuation from space, allowing an unwell astronaut to return to Earth early. Additionally, the discovery of mummified cheetahs in Saudi Arabian caves is yielding new insights into extinct populations. In health-related news, food manufacturers are now using 'GLP-1 Friendly' labels to attract consumers using weight-loss medications. Medical experts are advising against the trend of mouth taping at night, advocating for simpler skincare routines, and highlighting resistance training as crucial for postmenopausal women. New at-home STD tests are also providing more accessible avenues for screening and healthcare.

Finally, in lighter news, a California homeowner is dealing with a black bear that has moved in under their house. In Virginia, a raccoon caused a disturbance in a liquor store before being found unconscious. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that chicken wings advertised as 'boneless' are not legally required to be bone-free. For those interested, featured photo essays showcase a notable image of an armed woman on a motorcycle and the backstory of the viral kiss between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.