DOJ Targets Minnesota Officials; Harsh Ukraine Winter; AI Harmful In Child Education - Up First Recap

Podcast: Up First

Published: 2026-01-17

Duration: 15 minutes

Guests: Kat Lonsdorf, Joanna Kakissis, Corey Turner

Summary

The DOJ investigates Minnesota officials for allegedly impeding ICE operations, Ukraine faces a brutal winter amid ongoing power outages, and a new study warns of generative AI's negative impact on child education.

What Happened

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. They are accused of obstructing federal immigration officers' work, with tensions high in Minneapolis and protests continuing. A federal judge issued an injunction against federal agents retaliating during peaceful protests.

In Ukraine, citizens face a harsh winter as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure cause widespread power outages. Temperatures have dropped significantly, and families struggle to heat their homes, often seeking warmth in shelters or using generators. Energy workers are working tirelessly to restore power, but the repeated attacks make it a Sisyphean task.

The situation in Kyiv is particularly dire, with only about a quarter of the needed electricity available. Residents are trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the challenges, with some considering relocating to less affected areas. The Russian strategy appears aimed at making urban centers unlivable to pressure Ukrainians into concessions.

A new study from the Brookings Institution highlights the potential harm of generative AI in children's education. While there are some benefits for children with disabilities, the prevalent use of chatbots poses risks to cognitive and social-emotional development, as children are not learning critical thinking or empathy.

The report warns that reliance on AI could lead to future adults lacking in empathy and critical reasoning skills. It emphasizes the need for regulation and calls for AI to challenge rather than affirm children's preconceived notions.

NPR's Corey Turner discusses the lack of regulation in the U.S., with federal restrictions against state-level AI regulation and no comprehensive federal policies in place. This leaves parents and schools navigating a largely unregulated environment for AI use in education.

Key Insights

• The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal immigration officers. A federal judge has issued an injunction to prevent federal agents from retaliating during peaceful protests.
• In Ukraine, Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have led to severe power outages, with Kyiv receiving only about 25% of its needed electricity. The strategy appears aimed at making urban centers unlivable to pressure Ukrainians into concessions.
• A Brookings Institution study warns that generative AI in children's education may harm cognitive and social-emotional development. The report suggests that reliance on AI could result in adults lacking empathy and critical reasoning skills.
• The U.S. lacks comprehensive federal policies regulating AI use in education, leaving parents and schools to navigate an unregulated environment. Federal restrictions prevent states from implementing their own AI regulations.