From CNN, I'm Fez Jamil with the five things you need to know for Monday January 1st.

We're learning more about the damage caused by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan today.

Officials are still on alert for more aftershocks and possible tsunamis on the country's

west coast after the quake tore through highways and some buildings,

along with disrupting communications and power.

CNN's Hanako Montgomery in Tokyo

says the full extent of the damage still being uncovered.

We also know that 33,000 homes in Ishikawa Prefecture are experiencing blackouts.

We also know that bullet trains, train lines are being suspended and that there are just so many cracks in the

road that it's difficult for emergency personnel to get to Ishikawa Prefecture.

We're also seeing really just scary footage of just fires roaring in Ishikawa prefecture as people try to escape their homes.

According to Japan's public broadcaster, officials in Suzu City report multiple people have contacted them, saying they were trapped

in their houses because of damage from the quake.

The U.S. is wringing in the new year with a wave of new laws from gender affirming care bands to

minimum wage increases.

CNN's Raphael Romo has the details.

Among the most polarizing new laws that take effect with the new year are those related to gender affirming care for minors with several Republican led states moving to enact restrictions.

For example, in Idaho physicians or practitioners who provide puberty blocking medication, gender-affirming

surgeries or other treatments to minors could face a $5,000 fine and a felony charge.

On the other hand, Maryland, along with several other Democratic-led states, passed protections

for gender-affirming care for all ages, and as of January 1st, the state will require Medicaid

to cover them.

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