January

Beginning January 1, 2025, California public libraries will be prohibited from banning books addressing topics such as race, gender identity, or sexual orientation under the Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial was postponed on Monday under special circumstances, sparking speculation about critical developments regarding either a hostage deal with Hamas or a potential military strike on Iran.

President Joe Biden assured Vice President Kamala Harris of her continued importance to the Democratic Party during remarks at the Democratic National Committee’s holiday party on Sunday. Turning to Harris, Biden declared, “You’re not going anywhere,” while praising her integrity and purpose throughout her career.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has joined the growing list of tech leaders visiting President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a strategic effort by Silicon Valley executives to build ties with the incoming administration.

Rachel Henry, a Phoenix woman accused of killing her three young children, has changed her plea to guilty in court.

The FBI reportedly monitored the communications of Kash Patel, a key Trump ally and nominee for FBI Director, according to a Justice Department Inspector General report.

Workers in San Diego will see a modest pay increase as the city implements a new minimum wage starting January 1.

Two members of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party sent letters to the CEO's of TikTok, Apple, and Google, reminding them of their need to comply with the recent court ruling that upheld the ban against TikTok.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly turned down President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump’s outreach to Xi was part of an effort to establish dialogue with not only allied nations but also with competitors and adversaries.

A 2023 whistleblower has alleged that FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate instructed subordinates to conceal the identities of at least 25 confidential informants who were present at the January 6, 2021, protests. According to investigative journalist Kerry Picket, Abbate reportedly stated that revealing the informants’ involvement would be too embarrassing for the agency, prompting the decision to keep their existence hidden from the public.