Headlines

February 5, 2025

Reuters

“The Riviera of the Middle East”

President Trump proposed the U.S. take control of the Gaza Strip, rebuild it, and resettle its Palestinian population elsewhere, facing immediate criticism for violating international law. It aligns with some Israeli far-right views but has been rejected by Arab nations and human rights groups.
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USA Today

All 67 Bodies Recovered in DC Crash

Though recovery was slowed by cold waters, all 67 victims have been recovered from last week's DC collision. As the investigation continues, two airport employees have been arrested for leaking footage, and officials suspect that the helicopter exceeded its altitude limit. A report is expected in 30 days.
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Politico

Why Cassidy Said "Yes" to Kennedy

Sen. Bill Cassidy decided to support RFK Jr.'s health secretary nomination after receiving assurances that Kennedy would not undermine vaccine safety systems, despite initial concerns over his anti-vaccine stance. His decision reflects political pressure from GOP figures.
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The Local Sweden

Sweden's Worst Mass Shooting

A shooting at an education center in Örebro, Sweden, killed 11 people, including the gunman. Police are investigating, and the motive remains unknown. The event shocked the nation, prompting condolences from Swedish leaders and nearby schools to lock down for safety.
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CNN

FBI Says 5,000 Worked On Trump Cases

The FBI provided the Justice Department with details of employees involved in Jan. 6 investigations, prompting lawsuits from agents who fear retaliation and privacy violations. The move, seen as part of a potential purge, sparked legal challenges over due process and harassment risks.
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Business Insider

More Than 20,000 Have Taken Fed Buyout

Trump previously offered federal employees buyouts for those who won't return to in-person work, and more buyouts are expected before the Feb. 6 deadline. Democrats and unions have questioned the offer's legitimacy, while the DOGE supports it as a way to reduce the federal workforce.
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NBC News

Next Up: CIA Employees

The CIA has offered buyouts of eight months' pay and benefits to employees as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to downsize the federal government, though some high-priority personnel are ineligible, and Democratic lawmakers have raised legal concerns over the move.
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The Hill

Gabbard Nomination Heads to Floor

The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 9-8 along party lines to advance Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence, setting up a full Senate vote after she secured key Republican support despite earlier concerns over her stance on Edward Snowden.
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Fox News

First Migrants Sent to Gitmo

The Trump administration has begun flying detained illegal migrants to Guantanamo Bay from U.S. military bases. The move aims to house up to 30,000 migrants, particularly those who have committed serious crimes, though the facility is still being prepared to fully accommodate them.
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The Wall Street Journal

The Economic War Has Begun

A Columbia University global energy policy researcher explains how Trump's second term could escalate global economic tensions, as China and Russia prepare countermeasures. Without a unified U.S. strategy, tariffs and sanctions risk triggering retaliation and instability.
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NPR

Dept of Ed Next for Disruption

The U.S. Department of Education could see major cuts or even a potential shutdown, though this would require congressional approval. Trump's administration has already placed staff on paid leave as part of efforts to target diversity programs, with further restructuring and cuts expected.
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CBS Sports

All the Top Prop Plays

For Super Bowl LIX, the SportsLine AI PickBot suggests betting on Jalen Hurts to go under 8.5 carries (-104), Isiah Pacheco to go over 1.5 receptions (+188), and DeAndre Hopkins to go over 1.5 receptions (+126). It also has seven other 4+ star prop picks for the game. Read them here.
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Bergen Record

Murphy Says Not Harboring a Migrant

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy clarified that no immigrant is living above his garage after comments he made at a Montclair State University event sparked conservative backlash, with his office stating the individual in question is a legal resident and was never offered housing.
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Yahoo! Life

Aging Spikes at 44 and 60

A Stanford study shows significant health declines at two middle-age points. At 44, metabolism slows, bones weaken, and cholesterol rises. At 60, immune function drops, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Staying active, eating well, and regular check-ups can help.
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The Columbus Dispatch

Treasure Hunter Keeps Gold Hidden

Treasure hunter Tommy Thompson, 72, remains in prison for refusing to reveal the location of gold he recovered from the 1857 shipwreck of the S.S. Central America. Continuing to harbor information regarding the $100 million treasure resulted in additional fines and a two-year prison extension.
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BBC

Thousands Flee Santorini Earthquakes

Over 300 earthquakes were recorded near the island of Santorini in the last two days, leading thousands of residents to evacuate. No major damage has occurred. Authorities closed schools and advised against large gatherings, while also preparing for continued seismic activity.
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DNYUZ

What’s With All the Sex Parties?

Exclusive sex clubs for the wealthy, where erotic performances and parties are marketed as art and self-expression, blend privilege, boredom, and the pursuit of excitement. However, some are concerned about the blurred line between sexual freedom and exploitation.
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The Hollywood Reporter

"Emilia Pérez" Out of Oscar Campaign

Karla Sofía Gascón, Oscar-nominated for "Emilia Pérez," was set for a busy week of awards campaigning, but will miss key events due to controversy over her resurfaced social media comments, with Netflix pulling her from promotional efforts ahead of the final Oscar voting.
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U.S. News and World Report

Refs Call Chiefs "Favoritism" Insulting

Scott Green, head of the NFL Referees Association, called accusations of officiating bias toward the Chiefs "insulting and preposterous." He said officiating crews are rotated and highlighted that the Chiefs have been penalized more than opponents in recent seasons, debunking claims of favoritism.
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Associated Press

Monarch Butterflies at 30-Year Low

Western monarch butterfly numbers plummeted 96% in 2024, with only 9,119 recorded, due to habitat loss, pesticides, and extreme heat. The U.S. is considering listing them as a threatened species while conservation efforts continue to address the species' declining population.
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