Headlines

January 17, 2025

BBC

Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Deal

Pending Israel cabinet approval, a ceasefire agreement signed by Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and the U.S. will go into effect Sunday. The deal involves a six-week ceasefire and the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
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Associated Press

Biden Won't Enforce TikTok Ban

President Joe Biden will not enforce a TikTok ban set to take effect just before he leaves office, instead leaving its fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to keep the platform available in the U.S.
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CNN

Trump's More Positive Vibes

The president-elect is entering office with better ratings than when the beginning of his first term — 56% of Americans expect him to do well in his second term compared to 48% in 2017, though his favorability rating remains just as divided as before.
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Stock Titan

Mortgage Rates Top 7%

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the U.S. rose to 7.04% after five back-to-back weeks of increase, marking its highest level since May 2024. High home prices and limited housing creates significant challenges for prospective buyers.
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MSN

Real Estate Vultures Enter LA

As wildfires devastate Altadena, CA, real estate speculators are circling the historically middle-class, majority-minority community, threatening its character and sparking fierce resistance from residents determined to rebuild and preserve their neighborhood.
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Fox News

Trump, Vance Portraits Released

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance unveiled their official portraits ahead of their inauguration next week. Trump's portrait features a stern expression without a smile, drawing comparisons to his 2023 mugshot.
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The Wall Street Journal

Biden/Harris Rift Reported

Tensions between Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have surfaced in their final days in office after Biden suggested he could have defeated Donald Trump in the 2024 election, a remark Harris and her team found dismissive following her loss.
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Florida Today

DeSantis Names Moody To Replace Rubio

Meet future Sen. Ashley Moody. She is currently Florida's attorney general and is hopeful to take strong stances on illegal immigration, the state's fentanyl crisis, and supporting conservative judges and justices. Gov. DeSantis' chief of staff will replace her.
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New York Post

Wolf to Blitz the Mornings?

As CNN rearranges its daily news lineup, veteran anchor Wolf Blitzer will join Pamela Brown for a mid-morning slot, allotting him an hour more of air time and giving younger talent such as Kasie Hunt and Jake Tapper more prime-time attention.
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The Hill

Fetterman Approach to Trump Vexes Some

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman's openness to engaging directly with president-elect Trump has sparked debate within the Democratic Party as some members question his motives and express concern over potential shifts in party loyalty.
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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Beloved Brewers Broadcaster Passes

Bob Uecker, or "Mr. Baseball," died at 90 after battling small cell lung cancer. The Milwaukee native was a catcher in the MLB, Baseball Hall of Famer, broadcaster/commentator, actor, and philanthropist. Read more about his accomplished life here.
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The Atlantic

Is Moderate Drinking Ok?

The debate over moderate drinking remains complex, with conflicting studies suggesting both health risks, such as increased cancer risk, and potential benefits, like longer life expectancy, while highlighting the challenge of balancing enjoyment and caution in alcohol consumption.
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The Hollywood Reporter

David Lynch Dies at 78

David Lynch, the visionary director behind films like Eraserhead and Blue Velvet and the groundbreaking series Twin Peaks, passed away at 78, leaving a legacy of haunting, dreamlike works that reshaped American cinema and television.
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KTLA 5 Los Angeles

State Farm Pulls Super Bowl Ad

State Farm announced it will pull its planned Super Bowl commercial and shift its focus to supporting Los Angeles wildfire victims, committing resources to aid in recovery efforts, including helping residents with insurance claims and rebuilding.
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Fox 5 Atlanta

Rudy Can Keep His Series Rings

Rudy Giuliani has settled a defamation lawsuit with former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, agreeing to undisclosed compensation and a promise to cease defamatory statements, allowing him to retain his homes and prized possessions.
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USA Today

Warning Won't Change Drinking Habits

Despite warnings from the U.S. Surgeon General about alcohol’s links to cancer, moderate drinking remains deeply embedded in American culture as a social ritual, even as shifting attitudes and declining alcohol sales hint at changing behaviors.
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Fox News

FBI Closed Its DEI Office in December

The FBI confirmed the closing of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion last month. The agency shifted its priorities, saying DEI "overshadowed" national security efforts. Efforts to shut down DEI initiatives have increased following Donald Trump's election.
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Axios

Bipartisan Support for Cell Phone Bans

With bipartisan support, a growing number of states are enacting school cellphone bans to reduce distractions, foster socialization, and protect students’ mental health, though parents remain divided over accessibility and safety concerns.
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NPR

Biden Commutes Sentences for 2,500

President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug crimes, setting a new record for clemency actions and highlighting the importance of addressing sentencing disparities and correcting historic wrongs.
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Politico

SCOTUS Litigator Indicted

Tom Goldstein, the publisher of SCOTUSblog and seasoned Supreme Court attorney, was indicted on tax evasion charges for underreporting millions in gambling winnings, filing false tax returns, and submitting erroneous statements and mortgage applications.
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