The Bulletin

• Israel allows Gaza return: Israel on Monday began permitting thousands of Palestinians to return to the devastated northern Gaza Strip for the first time since the early weeks of the 15-month conflict. Find out how it will pan out.

• ICE raids across the US: Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested almost 1,000 undocumented immigrants on Sunday, with apprehensions reported across the United States. Here's a breakdown of the recent efforts.

• India's population challenge: India is set to join many other countries around the world that are heading toward a population challenge by 2050. Here are the issues it will face.

• Belarus elections: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, nicknamed "Europe's last dictator," is projected to secure victory in Sunday's election, securing a seventh term and extending his rule beyond three decades. Here's what's next.

• SNAP benefits: Republican lawmakers propose changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves millions of Americans, under the new administration. Find out what's changing.

• North Korea tests missile: North Korea on Sunday released photos of a strategic cruise missile test, aimed at enhancing its nuclear capabilities under the country's leader Kim Jong Un. See the images.

The rundown: The White House and Colombia reached an agreement Sunday night over the deportation of Colombian nationals who entered the U.S. illegally, averting threatened tariffs. Here's how they came to terms.

Why it matters: Trump kicked off his long-promised plan to deport undocumented immigrants within his first week in office, using military planes for the first flights last Friday. Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially denied flights with deported Colombians, prompting Trump to impose a series of punishments, including 25 percent tariffs (set to rise to 50 percent) and visa restrictions on Colombian officials. However, Colombia will now accept "unrestricted" returns of its citizens, "including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Read more in-depth coverage:
White House Celebrates Trump's Colombia Win: 'Respected Again'

TL/DR: Trump made immigration a central theme of his successful presidential campaign and Americans largely support his mass deportation plans.

What happens now? While tariffs and financial sanctions are now paused, Leavitt noted that visa sanctions against Colombian officials and stricter customs inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo ships ordered by Trump earlier Sunday will remain in effect "until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned."

Deeper reading Colombia Backs Down on Deportation Standoff, US Pauses Tariff Threat

The rundown: Los Angeles is currently set to host the 2028 Olympics, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the city. However, rising costs, housing shortages and recent wildfires raise questions about its readiness. Here's what experts said.

Why it matters: Known for its prior success hosting The Games in 1932 and 1984, L.A. has the infrastructure and experience to manage a global event of this scale. Although L.A.'s new public transit upgrades and iconic venues provide a strong foundation, some critics worry about the burden on local communities and the long-term impact of prioritizing the Olympic Games over rebuilding efforts. Experts argue that the city may not have the political, financial or ecological capacity to handle the event. Critics, like Professor Gerard Francisco Sandoval, warn that the Olympics could exacerbate housing issues, with thousands of visitors competing for limited accommodations.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Map Shows 2028 Olympics Venues Surrounded by Los Angeles Fires

TL/DR: Newsweek has reached out to experts to assess whether Los Angeles is prepared to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

What happens now? Dr. James K. Mitchell highlights risks from future wildfires, questioning the safety of the Games. Others, like Dr. Robert N. Stavins, believe the city has the physical capacity but may struggle emotionally due to ongoing crises.

Deeper reading Is LA Able to Host the 2028 Olympics?

The rundown: Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire after 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, and ended on January 15, 2025. The violence caused widespread destruction across Gaza, home to about 2.3 million Palestinians. Experts now weigh in on the timeline for rebuilding Gaza.

Why it matters: A United Nations report released in September 2024 estimated that by the end of January 2024, the conflict had inflicted $18.5 billion worth of damage on Gaza's infrastructure. The report also projected that, even with a ceasefire in place, restoring Gaza's GDP to its 2022 level would take approximately 350 years. The report also stated that 1.9 million people were displaced in Gaza as of October 2024, out of a population of 2.2 million people. Dr. Asher Kaufman highlights political obstacles, including Hamas's control and regional involvement. Professor Dawn Chatty notes the complexity of rebuilding amidst historical refugee tensions.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Post-Ceasefire, Gaza Rubble Mountains Expected to Take 15 Years to Clear

TL/DR: The report also stated that 1.9 million people were displaced in Gaza as of October 2024, out of a population of 2.2 million people

What happens now? Experts like Ghousson AL Lakoud believe reconstruction could take four to five years if global aid is provided, while others like Arif Lalani stress the need for immediate humanitarian aid before any rebuilding can occur and estimates that reconstruction would take at least 10 years and require tens of billions of dollars.

Deeper reading Israel-Hamas War: What it Will Take to Rebuild Gaza

The rundown: Swedish authorities have seized a ship suspected of sabotaging an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, shortly after NATO beefed up its presence in the area to shield its underwater infrastructure. Here's what we know.

Why it matters: This is the latest in a run of suspected sabotage incidents targeting vital undersea cables in the NATO-dominated Baltic Sea. It comes just weeks after the alliance launched a new initiative, dubbed "Baltic Sentry," to shield NATO critical infrastructure like undersea cables against a "growing threat" in the region. According to NATO, around 99 percent of the world's data runs through undersea cables, but they are vulnerable to attack, in what is known as hybrid warfare. Sweden's security service said on Sunday that Stockholm had seized a vessel on suspicion of "aggravated sabotage."

Read more in-depth coverage:
Baltic Sea Map Shows NATO Flotilla Deployed to Guard Undersea Cables

TL/DR: The Baltic Sea is largely surrounded by NATO member states, and is sometimes referred to as a "NATO lake," but Russia has a significant footprint there from its Kaliningrad exclave.

What happens now? Investigations will continue into the suspected sabotage, led by Swedish authorities.

Deeper reading NATO Ally Seizes Ship After Latest Baltic Undersea Cable Sabotage

The rundown: The wildfires that burned through much of Los Angeles County earlier this month wreaked havoc across the region, destroying more than 17,000 structures, many of which were homes. Here's what experts predict for the housing crisis ahead.

Why it matters: With tens of thousands displaced, experts warn this will drive up rental demand, pushing prices even higher in an already strained market. Before the fires, Los Angeles had a rental vacancy rate of just 5 percent, and now displaced residents are competing for limited accommodations. The housing crisis is further strained by reduced inventory, as many homes will not be available for sale due to damage. Additionally, insurance companies are increasing premiums or dropping coverage in high-risk areas, worsening the financial burden.

Read more in-depth coverage:
California Housing Market Update: 'Window of Opportunity' May Be Ending

TL/DR: Before the fires broke out on January 7, Californians were already struggling with both affordability and availability in the housing market, especially in Los Angeles County.

What happens now? Experts predict these factors will intensify the housing shortage, leading to higher rents, insurance costs and a growing exodus from fire-prone areas.

Deeper reading What Fires Will Do to California's Housing Market