Headlines

January 15, 2025

Politico

Hegseth's Highlight-Reel Hearing

At his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth deflected accusations of misconduct and controversial views by denying allegations, blaming the media, and framing himself as a redeemed figure targeted for being a "change agent."
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Associated Press

Eased SoCal Winds Bring Relief

Calmer winds provided a brief but much-needed reprieve for Los Angeles firefighters battling massive wildfires, though officials cautioned that strengthening gusts and dry conditions could reignite the threat by early Wednesday, keeping residents on high alert.
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The Wall Street Journal

Surge in Anti-Semitic Views Worldwide

An ADL survey found nearly half of adults hold antisemitic views, with 20% unaware of the Holocaust and 21% denying its occurrence or significance. Younger adults are more likely to hold such beliefs, as social media continues to spread antisemitism.
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CBS News

House Bans Trans in Girls' Sports

What was once a core campaign issue is now a passed Republican bill. If signed into law, transgender girls and women will not be allowed to play on school sports teams that match their gender identity, amending current Title IX rules.
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Miami Herald

Biden Removes Cuba From Terror List

Cuba was removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, following Cuba's agreement to release political prisoners in 2025. This and adjacent moves are part of efforts to better relations between the countries and ease economic pressures.
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538

Why Trump Is Getting More Popular

Trump's favorability rating is up 8 points from Election Day, a notable bump for such a short period of time, and nearly 10% more favorable than when he took office in January 2021. The boost could be due to Biden's unfavorabilty, a post-election glow, or an illusion.
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New York Magazine

Honig: Jack Smith Is the Paper Tiger

Though he may not be a fireball in the courtroom, give Jack Smith a pen and paper, and he crafts a factual, salient, and persuasive argument. Elie Honig delves into his past and analyzes Smith's overall impact—and where it falls short.
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ABC News

5 Falsehoods About the Wildfires

From Gov. Newsom's water policies and FEMA funding to claims about DEI influencing wildfire response, mis- and disinformation—much of it promoted by Trump—are affecting the lived experiences of Southern California residents.
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People

Michelle Won't Attend Inauguration

After a supposed scheduling conflict disallowed Michelle Obama from attending Jimmy Carter's funeral last week, she will reportedly also not be present at Donald Trump's second inauguration, though she was in attendance at his first one in 2017.
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Yahoo! Finance

Starbucks Reverses Open-Door Policy

People must now make a purchase from Starbucks if they want to use the cafe's patios, restrooms, and indoor seating areas. This stricter policy is meant to win back customers and reverses a 2018 policy allowing anyone to linger.
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New York Post

Offensive Eagles Fan Banned

An Eagles fan was banned from Lincoln Financial Field after a viral video showed him verbally attacking a Packers fan during a playoff game. Due to public backlash, he was fired from his job, and an investigation was opened by his DEI-based former company.
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NPR

Tracking Prices at a Georgia Walmart

A year-long analysis of 96 Walmart items and their prices found mixed results: some prices rose, others fell, and half the items didn't change. The average price increased only 0.7% over the year, but groceries were much more expensive than during the pandemic.
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BBC

Kate Is in Remission

The Princess of Wales announced she is in remission from cancer during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital. She expressed gratitude for the outstanding care she received and shared her experiences with patients currently undergoing treatment.
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Axios

Trump Team Is Relatively Young

Trump's second administration is notably younger than those of previous administrations, including his first one. Eight of his cabinet members are under the age of 50, showing a younger trend, though he will become the oldest president to be sworn in.
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CBS Sports

Coach Prime Has One Condition

As the Cowboys soon bid farewell to Mike McCarthy, Deion Sanders is a candidate to take his spot, though he hasn't interviewed yet. The University of Colorado coach said he's open to coaching in the NFL but insists on being able to also coach his sons.
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USA Today

Capitol Flags Will Be Full-Staff Monday

House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered U.S. Capitol flags be flown at full-staff during Donald Trump's inauguration, temporarily overriding Biden's directive to lower flags to half-mast for the traditional 30 days in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter.
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The New York Times

January Is Driving Me To Drink

"Dry January" may be more insidious than it seems. The movement may come with good intentions but it hides real progress in combating alcoholism under trendy talking points. Alcohol consumption has changed, not particularly due to this month.
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NBC News

Obesity To Be Less Reliant on BMI

A new global proposal suggests redefining obesity by combining BMI with waist measurements and health risk considerations associated with excess fat. The approach may improve diagnoses, reduce stigma, and provide more individualized care.
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The Hollywood Reporter

No, No, No, Ozempic

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to ban pharmaceutical advertising on TV—a multibillion-dollar industry—poses a potential financial shock for media networks while igniting legal and political debates over free speech and healthcare marketing.
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The Independent

Laser Scans Reveal Ancient Tattoos

Laser scans of 1,200-year-old Peruvian mummies reveal intricate tattoos crafted with remarkable precision, offering fresh insights into the artistic complexity and cultural practices of pre-Hispanic South America and ancient tattooing techniques.
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