Impeachment trials officially begin... again
The Government Accountability Office said that Trump administration broke the law when it withheld US security aid to Ukraine last year. CNN reports that there will be no criminal charges filed, but Democrats are sure to use this in next week's impeachment trials (arguments start Tuesday).
There will, however, be an investigation into what may have been surveillance of former US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. Yovanovitch has been in the spotlight especially because of this inquiry and investigation and because of the President's criticisms of her.
Virginia on high alert
The FBI arrested three suspected members of a white supremacist group possibly heading to a pro-gun rally in Richmond. The pro-gun rally was set to take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and temporarily banned weapons on the state capitol grounds.
Iran attack
Even though the Pentagon said there were no casualties from last week's Iranian missile attack, eleven American service members are receiving treatment in Germany.
Food Stamp policy changes
The US Department of Agriculture attempted to make work requirement changes to the food stamp, or SNAP, program, but the changes have been met with criticisms. Fourteen states, New York City and the District of Columbia are suing the department.
The new regulations say that a person must work to receive benefits. The program requires that a working-age adult has a job, but states can waive the requirement in times of high unemployment. The policy could lead to 688,000 people losing access to food stamps.
Critics said the proposed policy is "heartless." The department believes it will help people become independent.
Thank you for getting your updates from Kayla's Morning Kickstart. We'll be back on Monday with your updates. Have a great weekend.