Senators have unveiled a border deal.

Border Deal

The Story

Senators have unveiled a border deal.

What is it?

It’s a bipartisan approach to tackle the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border, which saw more than 2.4 million apprehensions in the last fiscal year. If passed, the $118 billion package would require President Biden to shut down the border as necessary and would tighten asylum requirements. The deal would also include money for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. President Biden urged Congress to get the bill to his desk. Still, the measure faces an uphill battle, with an initial vote expected this week. It comes as the Fed warns that the US needs to check its wallet.

What do you mean?

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave a “60 Minutes” interview in which he said the US is on “an unsustainable fiscal path.” Powell, who clearly has no respect for the concept of the Sunday Scaries, also indicated that Americans shouldn’t expect lower interest rates next month — but instead possibly sometime later this year. Powell made it clear that he wants inflation down to predictable levels so Americans can get groceries in peace before he loosens controls.

theSkimm

Americans have a range of issues they’re prioritizing for 2024, with polls showing the economy and immigration topping the list for many. Now, on the heels of one of the most unproductive years in Congress’s history, many are looking to see if lawmakers can deliver on something that's top of mind.

What had musicians singing a high note…

The Grammys. Yesterday, women took over the 66th Grammy Awards, dominating nearly every category. Miley Cyrus is probably surrounded by flowers after taking home her first two Grammys. SZA likely didn't want to hit snooze on the night, after winning best progressive R&B album. Billie Eilish learned she was made for song of the year. Victoria Monét won for best new artist. Taylor Swift took home album of the year again — setting a new record. Speaking of album of the year, Jay-Z had a word with the Recording Academy. Some of the other artists who had the crowd on their feet: Céline Dion, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman’s duet with Luke Combs. Cue: all the nostalgia.

…Oh and speaking of what else people are watching, much of California is experiencing an atmospheric river-fueled storm. More than a month’s worth of rainfall could hit the state in the span of days. Up to 37 million people in the state are under flood alerts and at least 800,000 people have lost power. 

What researchers are trying…

A new cancer treatment. Cancer patients in London became the first in the UK to receive an experimental treatment known as mRNA therapy. It’s part of a trial to assess the therapy’s safety and effectiveness in treating melanoma, lung cancer, and other solid tumors. The treatment works by using mRNA to show the patient’s immune system common tumor markers and train it to target cancer cells. Still, testing is in the early stages, and it could take years before the therapy reaches the market.

Where people are watching…

Chile. Over the weekend over 100 people died in fires across the country. President Gabriel Boric raised concerns that the death toll would “increase significantly.” There are currently 161 fires still burning. In order to aid firefighters in containing the spread of the fires, Chilean authorities put in a curfew for 9 PM in some areas. 

What people could be putting money on…

Usher’s Super Bowl performance.

Whose cold open was a talker…

Nikki Haley's.

What's coming to the Garden State...

The 2026 World Cup final.

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