Key Facts

• EU ready to counter US pressure after Greenland threats: Brussels signals countermeasures in response to Donald Trump’s pressures over Greenland. European officials describe the bloc’s toolkit as a deterrence-focused set of options, with the Anti-Coercion Instrument at the core. The aim is to deter coercion rather than to escalate disputes. The move reflects a broader push to equip the EU with levers in its trade policy. [2][3][1][5]
• ACI aims to deter, not routinely used: The primary objective of the Anti-Coercion Instrument is deterrence. It would be most successful if there is no need to use it. Officials emphasize it as a last-resort tool to deter coercive actions. A Commission statement frames the approach as preserving stability in EU relations. [1][5]
• Measures could curtail trade and investment: The instrument contemplates blocking or restricting trade and investment from coercing countries, barring them from EU public tenders, or limiting foreign direct investment. In its most severe form, the bazooka would close off access to the EU’s 450-million consumer market. The scope highlights the potential economic impact of such actions. [5][1]
• Most EU members skeptical about using it: Despite the authority it could grant, most of the 27 EU states remain skeptical about deploying the instrument, citing concerns over economic fallout and diplomatic repercussions. The sentiment reflects caution about leveraging new coercion tools in ongoing trade discussions. [1]
• Activation would take at least six months: EU officials say bringing the Anti-Coercion Instrument online would require a multi-month process before any measures could be imposed. The timeline underscores that this is a prepared option rather than an immediate move. Officials stress careful consideration before deployment. [1]
• EU-US trade valued at 1.7 trillion euros in 2024: Trade between the EU and United States remains massive, totaling about 1.7 trillion euros in goods and services in 2024. Europe's top exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, and chemicals, while U.S. exports to the bloc feature services like payment systems and cloud infrastructure, among others. [1]

Who Said What

• European Commission, Commission: "The primary objective of the ACI is deterrence. The instrument will, therefore, be most successful if there is no need to use it." This underscores that the commission frames the tool as a deterrent rather than a trigger for immediate action. [1]

Key Facts

• Coney Island icon sold to Smithfield: Nathan’s Famous, a century-old hot dog stand, is sold to Smithfield in an all-cash deal valued at $450 million, announced on Wednesday. Smithfield will acquire Nathan’s outstanding shares for $102 each. The brand began as a 5-cent stand in Coney Island more than a century ago, and the sale marks a major transition for the company. [1]
• All-cash purchase price per share: Smithfield will buy all outstanding Nathan’s shares at $102 per share, consolidating control of the iconic brand. Smithfield has already held rights to produce and sell Nathan’s products in the U.S. and Canada since 2014, expanding its direct involvement with Nathan’s products. The deal reflects Smithfield’s strategy to broaden its footprint with a renowned consumer brand. [1]
• Board approves buyout and backs vote: Nathan’s board, which owns or controls about 30% of the company’s outstanding shares, approved the buyout and recommended shareholders vote in favor. The decision is framed as positioning the brand for continued growth under Smithfield’s ownership. [1]
• Closing expected in first half; $9 million savings: Smithfield expects to realize annual savings of about $9 million within two years of closing. The deal is expected to close in the first half of the year, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. [1]
• 2025 results show solid profitability: Nathan’s reported profit of $24 million on revenue near $150 million for fiscal 2025, illustrating a profitable but inflation-pressured business ahead of the transaction. [1]
• Contests to continue; ESPN broadcast: Smithfield said the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest, televised on ESPN with a large Coney Island crowd, will continue after the deal closes, preserving a key cultural centerpiece of the brand. [1]

Who Said What

• Eric Gatoff, CEO of Nathan’s Famous: "As a long-time partner, Smithfield has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to investing in and growing our brand while maintaining the utmost quality and customer service standards," Nathan’s CEO Eric Gatoff said. This reflects expectations that the partnership will sustain brand integrity during the transition. [1]

Key Facts

• Autoimmune diseases affect nearly every organ, including the brain: AP News explains these diseases can range from mild to life-threatening and include more than 100 distinct conditions. Symptoms often come and go and can mimic other illnesses, delaying a diagnosis. Diagnosis typically involves pattern recognition and antibody tests, sometimes taking years and multiple doctors. The brain can be involved in some forms, a condition known as autoimmune encephalitis. [3][4][1]
• Women account for most autoimmune patients, about four in five: Women are disproportionately affected, often at a young age. Hormones are thought to influence risk, and having two X chromosomes may play a role. Men can be affected too, with conditions such as VEXAS syndrome identified in recent years. [5][1]
• CAR-T therapy emerges as the most advanced autoimmune treatment: CAR-T therapy, a cancer treatment, is the furthest along in trials for autoimmune diseases. It aims to wipe out rogue B cells with the hope that regrowth leads to a healthier immune system and reduced disease activity. Early results show promise against lupus and other autoimmune conditions, though research is ongoing to confirm long-term benefits. [7][8]
• Epstein-Barr virus is linked to triggering autoimmunity: Researchers link Epstein-Barr virus to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. A study found the virus can hide in a subset of B cells and, in some people, push those cells into an inflammatory state that may spark an autoimmune cascade. While most adults carry EBV, only a minority develop autoimmune diseases. [10]
• Diagnosis and treatment are evolving, but remain complex and costly: Diagnosis relies on symptom assessment, antibody testing, and ruling out other causes, often taking years. National organizations are updating guidelines to streamline diagnosis for diseases like multiple sclerosis. New therapies target specific molecules rather than broad immune suppression, but many treatments remain lifelong and expensive. [1]

Who Said What

• Amit Saxena, rheumatologist at NYU Langone Health: "This is probably the most exciting time that we’ve ever had to be in autoimmunity," said Dr. Amit Saxena, signaling growing optimism about new treatments that could alter disease courses. [1]

Key Facts

• Pregnant patient in labor found after missing prenatal checkup: In Minneapolis, a nurse found a pregnant woman at home, already in labor after she had skipped a prenatal visit out of fear of enforcement during the crackdown. The case illustrates how fear of immigration enforcement can deter people from seeking essential care. Health workers warn such delays can jeopardize the health of mother and baby. [2]
• Kidney cancer patient denied medicine in detention: A patient with kidney cancer disappeared into immigration detention and did not receive his prescribed medicine. Legal intervention helped arrange shipment of the drugs, but doctors remain unsure whether the patient has been able to take them. The episode underscores how detention-related barriers can interrupt critical treatment. [1]
• Diabetic patient afraid to pick up insulin: A diabetic patient avoided collecting insulin due to fear of enforcement, and a treatable wound worsened to the point of requiring intensive care. Health care workers describe how fear translates into tangible health risks for patients who rely on timely medications and procedures. [1]
• Hospitals become tense fronts as encrypted communications emerge: At Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center, communications about the crackdown shifted to an encrypted group chat after reported run-ins with ICE. A nurse described plainclothes officers focusing on patients of color and requesting paperwork as they leave the hospital, illustrating frontline anxiety and operational pressures on care delivery. [1]
• National scope of crackdown expands with thousands arrested: The crackdown expanded beyond Minnesota, with federal authorities describing a large operation in the area and reporting thousands of arrests nationwide. Officials characterized the effort as among the largest immigration enforcement actions, reflecting a nationwide escalation that intersects with hospital care and patient trust. [1]
• Protests disrupt a church service; DOJ opens civil rights probe: Protesters interrupted a church service in St. Paul linked to the local ICE office. Separately, the Department of Justice announced it is opening a civil rights investigation into the protest, signaling how the crackdown has intensified political and community tensions. [8][1]

Who Said What

• Dr. Roli Dwivedi, Past president, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians: "Our places of healing are under siege." [1]
• Anonymous nurse, Nurse at Minneapolis hospital: "I can’t believe we’re having to resort to this." [1]
• Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokeswoman: "ICE does not conduct enforcement at hospitals—period. We would only go into a hospital if there were an active danger to public safety". "If anyone is impeding Minnesotans from making appointments or picking up prescriptions, it’s violent agitators who are blocking roadways, ramming vehicles, and vandalizing property." [1]
• Dr. Erin Stevens, Legislative chair, Minnesota section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "Our patients are missing," and she notes that requests for home births have increased significantly. [1]

Key Facts

• Dior Paris show features neon wigs after wobbles: Neon-yellow wigs read like a flag of authority planted in the Paris runway after a pair of runway wobbles from the new designer. The stripped-back set keeps the focus on the clothes, signaling a tighter, more confident Dior story. VIPs filled the front row, underscoring renewed confidence in the collection. [1][3]
• Rodin Museum annex hosts minimalist Dior show: The show took place in an annex of the Rodin Museum lined with curtain fabric. The décor was pared down to near-nothing, creating a stark backdrop that foregrounds tailoring and silhouettes. The minimalist setting aligns with Anderson's aim to sharpen the house's narrative. [4][1]
• Anderson becomes Dior's single creative head: Anderson is described as the first designer to oversee women's ready-to-wear, haute couture and menswear under a single creative hand at Dior. The move consolidates creative leadership and signals a unified direction for the house. [1]
• VIPs Pattinson, Hamilton and SZA attend: Robert Pattinson, Lewis Hamilton and SZA were among the notable guests seated in close proximity in the front row. Their presence highlights the show’s high-profile reception and Dior's cultural reach. [1]
• Masculine boots anchor a gender-bending collection: Footwear leaned into masculine boots and small-heeled lace-ups to ground the collection. Outerwear fused pragmatic pieces with dramatic silhouettes, including bomber styles and sculpted capes, while the palette stayed somber to sharpen the collection’s punctuation. [1]
• Dior strengthens LVMH position amid Kering slump: Industry context shows Dior as a flagship house within LVMH’s fashion engine, even as the wider luxury sector faces pressure. Kering has battled a slump at Gucci, and its major runway names were absent from Paris schedules during the week. [1]

Who Said What

• Front-row attendee, Front-row attendee: "Dior is back. It’s a good day for fashion." [1]

Key Facts

• Times launches Crossplay, first designed multiplayer game: The Times' Games unit unveils Crossplay, a Scrabble-like multiplayer feature that becomes the site’s 11th game. It marks the newsroom's push into multiplayer experiences, joining a catalog that logged 11.2 billion plays in 2025 across puzzle offerings. Crossplay can be downloaded as a standalone app and includes a postgame analysis tool called Cross Bot. [1]
• Digital growth underpins Times expansion: The Times notes it has about 3,000 journalists on staff, more than twice what it had a decade ago, and reports growing digital subscriptions. By last September, it counted 12.33 million subscribers, digital-only revenue was up 14%, and about half of subscribers purchase a $30 monthly bundle. [1]
• Industry pressures framed as a troubled time: The report situates Crossplay within a broader industry context described as a troubled time, citing data on U.S. newsroom counts from Northwestern University as part of the backdrop for Times’ digital strategy. [2]
• Leadership frames Crossplay as mission-driven: Jonathan Knight, the Times head of games, emphasizes a mission to advance truthful, independent journalism and notes that Crossplay is about sustaining that mission and engagement in a healthy daily habit rather than chasing constant usage. [1]
• Crossplay features and accessibility highlighted: Crossplay offers options to invite friends, play against a computer, and receive postgame analysis via Cross Bot. The feature is positioned as a distinct, downloadable app rather than a purely embedded web game. [1]

Who Said What

• Dan Kennedy, Northeastern University professor: "As remarkable as it’s been, I kind of scratch my head at the other news organizations that have tried to replicate it. It just seems like they were so thoroughly beaten to this idea that it’s hard for them to compete." [1]
• Jonathan Knight, Times head of games: "I now get out of bed in the morning knowing that the work I do is advancing the mission that we have as a company — seek the truth, understand the world, keep the journalists independent and well-funded. If I can play a role in that, that’s incredibly rewarding." He also said, "We’re respectful of your time. We’re not trying to get you in the app all day. We don’t want 24/7 engagement. We want a very healthy daily habit where you feel good about what you’ve done." [1]

Key Facts

• Love Letters exhibition spans five centuries at National Archives: A new show at Britain’s National Archives traces romance across half a millennium, from ad hoc scraps to formal documents. Curator Victoria Iglikowski-Broad says the exhibit includes royal, political, celebrity and espionage love stories alongside everyday expressions of affection. Visitors encounter items as varied as 20th century classified ads seeking same-sex romance, letters to soldiers, and a medieval song about heartbreak. The aim is to broaden what a love letter can be and show love in many places, not just in ordinary romance. [1][2]
• Iconic Elizabeth I letter from Robert Dudley highlighted: Among the items is a letter to Elizabeth I from Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, written days before his death in 1588. The missive speaks to a closeness with the Virgin Queen, who never married, and he signs as ‘your poor old servant.’ The note outside even bears a quirky spelling of ‘last lettar.’ The letter was reportedly found at the queen’s bedside when she died nearly 15 years later, underscoring the human dimension behind royal life. [1]
• Family and crime stories illuminate broad meanings of love: The display includes Jane Austen’s handwritten 1817 will leaving almost everything to her sister Cassandra, and a 1956 letter from the father of London gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray begging leniency for his sons. In both cases, love and duty cross social lines, revealing affection and responsibility as powerful forces in difficult circumstances. [1]
• Historical contrasts link petitions to abdication: An 1851 petition from an unemployed 71-year-old weaver pleading not to be separated from his wife sits alongside the Instrument of Abdication through which Edward VIII gave up the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. The curator notes a shared thread of personal sacrifice driven by love, spanning eras and social classes. [1]
• wartime reflections and espionage add tension to love letters: A 1944 letter from John Cairncross to his former girlfriend Gloria Barraclough contains a wistful line about what might have been. Barraclough would later learn Cairncross was a Soviet spy, adding a grim irony to a moment of intimate confession. [1]
• Exhibition location and timing underscore enduring appeal: Love Letters opens Saturday and runs to April 12, with free admission. The collection demonstrates how intimate correspondence can illuminate personal risk, political intrigue and enduring devotion across centuries. [1]

Who Said What

• Victoria Iglikowski-Broad, Curator: We’re trying to open up the potential of what a love letter can be. Expressions of love can be found in all sorts of places, and surprising places. [1]
• Neil Johnston, Archives historian: There is a lot of connection in these two items even though on the surface they seem very different. In common they have just this human feeling of love that makes the sacrifice seem worth it. [1]
• John Cairncross, British intelligence officer: Would we have broken off, I wondered, if we had known what was coming? [1]

Key Facts

• WNDB launches Unbanned Book Network: A grassroots organization announced a program to counter school and library bans by donating books from authors who have been banned and by appointing Author Ambassadors for districts facing bans. The rollout will begin with 20 under-resourced schools in states with frequent bans, including Texas and Florida. The effort frames literacy and access to diverse literature as a response to rising censorship. [1]
• Dhonielle Clayton frames censorship as students’ right to read: Dhonielle Clayton, WNDB’s chief executive, ties the fight against bans to a broader literacy crisis and argues censorship infringes on students’ right to read. The remarks underscore the network’s aim to counter bans through diverse literature and access. The initiative positions reading as a civil rights issue for students. [1]
• Ambassadors Ellen Oh, LeUyen Pham and Meg Medina named: Author ambassadors will include Ellen Oh, LeUyen Pham and Meg Medina, all of whom had their books banned or restricted in some districts. Their involvement signals a high-profile, diverse leadership layer for outreach to districts facing bans. The trio’s experiences underscore the real-world stakes of censorship. [1]
• Bans surged nationwide; certain titles are repeatedly challenged: PEN America and the American Library Association report rising bans over the past four years, with Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue among the most commonly challenged titles. The clout of these organizations frames the context for WNDB’s intervention. [4][5]
• Publishers respond with anti-banning actions: Publishers have launched or supported initiatives such as a Banned Wagon Tour by Penguin Random House and the coalition United Against Book Bans. They have also taken or supported anti-banning legal action in states including Utah and Iowa, signaling industry-wide pushback against censorship. [1]
• We Need Diverse Books originated in 2014 as a Twitter hashtag: We Need Diverse Books began as a Twitter hashtag in 2014 in response to a predominantly white book industry. A 2023 Lee & Low Books study found the publishing workforce still heavily white, at about 72%, down from 79% in 2015, suggesting progress but ongoing representation gaps. [1]

Who Said What

• Dhonielle Clayton, CEO, We Need Diverse Books: We’re not only facing an ongoing literacy crisis in the U.S., we’re also battling increased rates of censorship, which is infringing on our students’ right to read. [1]

Key Facts

• Former flight attendant posed as pilot to secure free tickets: Dallas Pokornik, 33, from Toronto, allegedly used fraudulent employee IDs to access tickets reserved for pilots and flight attendants on three other airlines after working as a flight attendant for a Toronto-based carrier from 2017 to 2019. Prosecutors say he fooled three U.S. carriers into providing hundreds of free tickets over four years. He was arrested in Panama after being indicted on wire fraud charges in Hawaii last October and pleaded not guilty Tuesday after his extradition to the United States. [1]
• Indictment names nothing specific about carriers; bases cited: The indictment did not identify any airlines by name, but said the U.S. carriers are based in Honolulu, Chicago and Fort Worth. Hawaiian Airlines declined to comment on the litigation, and United Airlines and American Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. [1]
• Safety experts question gate and credential checks: A retired pilot who runs an aviation safety firm questioned how the alleged impersonation could pass checks, suggesting the person may not have been shown as no longer employed by the company, leading gate checks to accept him as a valid employee. [1]
• Industry process for crew travel and cockpit access explained: The piece outlines how known crew member databases and crew IDs are used to confirm identity; leisure travel typically requires different procedures and is not allowed through the same channels. A cockpit jump seat is usually reserved for off-duty pilots with captain approval and proper licensing; flight attendants may ride in the cabin without the same cockpit requirements. [1]
• Context: previous aviation fraud cases and security tightening: The article places Pokornik’s case in a broader context, noting a 2023 incident involving an off-duty Horizon Air pilot and referencing post-9/11 security tightening on who can access cockpits and flight crews. [1]
• Air Canada correction noted: The update corrects Air Canada’s base to Montreal, not Toronto. [1]

Who Said What

• John Cox, Retired pilot and aviation safety firm owner: "The only thing I can think is that they did not show him as no longer employed by the airline. Consequently when the checks were made at the gate, he showed up as a valid employee." [1]
• Porter Airlines, Carrier based in Toronto: "Unable to verify any information related to this story." [1]
• Air Canada, Carrier based in Montreal: Air Canada said it had no record of Pokornik working there. [1]
• Hawaiian Airlines, Carrier based in Hawaii: A spokesperson said the company does not comment on litigation. [1]
• Representatives for United Airlines and American Airlines, US carriers: They did not immediately respond to requests for comment. [1]

Key Facts

• Designers' names stripped after Carmen restaging at Met: The production team requested that their names be dropped from the programs after a restaging altered the concept. Director Carrie Cracknell’s new staging moves Carmen to a contemporary American setting and changes Escamillo’s entrance. Set designer Michael Levine said he removed his name because the changes did not reflect the original artistic intent, calling the move unprecedented. Cracknell, Tom Scutt, Guy Hoare, rocafilm/Roland Horvath and Ann Yee joined in the request, leaving revival director Melanie Bacaling listed in the program. [1]
• Restaging removed Jaguar and trucks from Escamillo entrance: The Jaguar and two of the original pickup trucks were eliminated as part of the restaging. Escamillo now enters with his followers, some pushing a motorcycle, while one original pickup remains stationary on stage. The change was central to the new concept that provoked the credit dispute. [1]
• Met frames the move as a cost-saving measure: Met general manager Peter Gelb described the decision as economic, saying it was expensive to run and not particularly effective. The move was cited as saving more than $300,000. Gelb reiterated that the change was driven by financial considerations, not artistic intent. [1]
• Company plans to revive Richard Eyre’s 2009 Carmen later: A person familiar with Met planning said the company intends to bring back Richard Eyre’s 2009 production in a future year. Eyre’s staging premiered in 2009 and ran for many performances before ending its run in 2019, illustrating the Met’s willingness to revisit older productions when financially feasible. [1]
• Met announces layoffs and budget cuts to save money: On Tuesday Gelb announced 22 administrative layoffs and 4-15% temporary salary cuts for staff, part of a plan to save roughly $15 million this year and $25 million in 2026-27. The moves accompany the Carmen dispute as the company restructures operations. [1]

Who Said What

• Michael Levine, Set designer: "We were furious," Levine said, adding that he did not want his name attached because the changes did not reflect the original artistic intent and that he had never come across anything on this level where they literally change the basic concept. This underscores the depth of the rift over authorial credit and artistic direction. [1]
• Peter Gelb, Metropolitan Opera general manager: "It was really an economic decision. We decided it was incredibly expensive to run, and it was not particularly effective. We decided to cut it," Gelb said. His words frame the move as a financial necessity rather than a critique of the artistry involved. [1]
• Peter Gelb, Metropolitan Opera general manager: "I consider Michael to be one of the greatest designers in the world. We’re very proud to have had many of his great designs on our stage," Gelb added, signaling a desire to repair the relationship despite the dispute. [1]
• Michael Levine, Set designer: "Now, of course, I don’t trust the Met," Levine said, highlighting ongoing tensions over the handling of the production and credit. [1]

Key Facts

• Three authors win $10,000 Science + Literature prizes: The National Book Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation announced the winners of the fifth annual Science + Literature awards. The winning books are Ancient Light by Kimberly Blaeser, Bog Queen by Anna North, and Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian. The awards recognize work that blends scientific research with literary storytelling. [1]
• Kimberly Blaeser wins for Ancient Light: Blaeser is recognized for a poetry collection inspired in part by the environmental destruction faced by Indigenous communities. Ancient Light uses natural imagery and Indigenous perspectives to explore ecological harm and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. [1]
• Anna North wins for Bog Queen: North's Bog Queen centers a forensic anthropologist and a 2000-year-old Celtic druid, blending scientific inquiry with myth and legend. The article later notes a correction to the title Bog Queen in its update. [1]
• Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian wins for Forest Euphoria: Kaishian's nonfiction work, Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature, examines nature through a queer lens and uses accessible science writing intertwined with lyrical storytelling. [1]
• Foundation leaders praise the winners and emphasize the mission: Doron Weber of the Sloan Foundation and Ruth Dickey of the National Book Foundation praised the winners, underscoring the awards' role in elevating science writing and diverse voices that enlighten, challenge, and engage readers everywhere. Daisy Hernández, the awards chair, stressed the need to elevate books at the intersection of science and literature. [1]
• Sloan Foundation’s history links to American Prometheus and Oppenheimer: The Sloan Foundation has a long history of supporting books that join science and the humanities, including Kai Bird’s and Martin J. Sherwin’s Pulitzer Prize winning American Prometheus, which director Christopher Nolan adapted into the Oscar winning Oppenheimer. [1][5]

Who Said What

• Doron Weber, vice president and program director, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation: "These gifted storytellers shine a scientific and poetic light on the beauties and terrors of nature and what they reveal to us about our deepest selves, our humanity, and our existence on this planet." [1]
• Ruth Dickey, executive director, National Book Foundation: "The new winners continue the awards’ mission to highlight diverse voices in science writing that … enlighten, challenge, and engage readers everywhere." [1]
• Daisy Hernández, chair of the awards committee: "At a time when science is under attack, it has become more urgent to elevate books that bring together the art of literature with the wonders of science." [1]

Key Facts

• Bell to host SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards again: The union announced Kristen Bell will emcee the March 1 ceremony, marking her third time hosting after doing the job in 2018 and last year. [1]
• Netflix to stream live from Los Angeles: Netflix will again carry the awards live from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. [1]
• One Battle After Another leads nominations with seven nods: The title leads with seven nods, including best ensemble, with Sinners, Hamnet, Marty Supreme and Frankenstein among other top nominees. [3]
• Showrunner welcomes Bell back: Jon Brockett, showrunner and executive producer, described Bell's return as like rejoining family and someone you want to hang out with. [1]

Who Said What

• Kristen Bell, host: "I've enjoyed hosting the show every time, so it was an easy decision to come back for a third." [1]
• Kristen Bell, host: "What I’m most excited for is the fact that I’ll be doing what every actor does best ... sing." [1]
• Jon Brockett, showrunner and executive producer: "Having Kristen return to host feels like welcoming back a member of the family. One you actually want to hang out with." [1]

Key Facts

• Public viewing window during Milan Olympics: Public access to Leonardo's Sala delle Asse is limited to a brief period tied to the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The window runs February 7 to March 14, during which visitors can view restorers at work atop six-meter scaffolding. After March 14, access will close again for about 18 months to complete the restoration. [1][2]
• Unfinished Leonardo mural rediscovered in 20th century: The vast ceiling and wall painting in Sala delle Asse is an unfinished Leonardo work that covers leaves and a pergola. Leonardo started it before fleeing Milan in 1498, and the piece was covered over during later periods. It was rediscovered early in the last century and restoration began. [1]
• Six-meter scaffolding conceals the work during restoration: A towering scaffold surrounds the mural as restorers work to remove salts with Japanese rice paper and demineralized water. The process proceeds centimeter by centimeter because the painting is delicate and prone to liftings. [1]
• Scholars questioned attribution after concealment: Luca Tosi says that concealment under plaster led some scholars to doubt the work’s status as a true Leonardo, describing it as a repainted Leonardo or a fake in common terms. [1]
• Restoration tied to Leonardo itineraries and local pride: Milan’s culture officials frame the project as part of broader efforts to highlight Leonardo’s legacy, including new itineraries inside the castle that showcase his work and influence. [1]

Who Said What

• Luca Tosi, heritage curator at Sforza Castle: "In 1498, he had to flee because the French arrived in Milan, and after that date it was covered over, hidden." [1]
• Luca Tosi, heritage curator at Sforza Castle: "As a result, Leonardo scholars no longer recognized them as a true Leonardo, but rather as a repainted Leonardo, somewhat a fake, to use a popular term." [1]
• Tommaso Sacchi, Milan’s top culture official: "It’s a thrill to know another Leonardo and to experience this extraordinary dedication to various forms of knowledge by this fundamental figure in our history." [1]

Key Facts

• City players will refund tickets for traveling fans: Haaland and a captains group pledged to reimburse the 374 supporters who journeyed to Bodø for the match, noting the fans' sacrifice and difficult conditions. [1][3][4]
• Haaland apologizes after the game: The striker apologized immediately after the loss, describing City’s performance as embarrassing. [1]
• Captains group led the refund pledge: The group, including Haaland, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Rodri, released the joint statement announcing refunds. [1]
• Statement emphasizes supporters mean everything: Players said supporters mean everything and covering ticket costs is the least they can do after a difficult evening on the pitch. [1]

Who Said What

• Erling Haaland, City captain: "We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away and we will never take it for granted. They are the best fans in the world." [1]

Key Facts

• FTC to appeal Meta antitrust ruling: The FTC said it will appeal the ruling in Meta's favor. It alleges Meta illegally maintained a monopoly in social networking by acquiring what it called significant competitive threats Instagram and WhatsApp. The move signals continued regulatory pressure on Meta amid ongoing antitrust scrutiny. The November ruling allowed Meta to avoid a forced spin-off of its apps, keeping the trio under one corporate umbrella. [2]
• FTC accuses Meta of monopoly through acquisitions: The FTC contends Meta has illegally maintained a monopoly in social networking for more than a decade. It points to Instagram and WhatsApp as the acquisitions enabling anti-competitive conduct. The agency's position remains central to the case as it pursues remedies and appeals. The statements in the article frame the accusations as part of the broader antitrust fight. [1]
• Meta prevails in existential challenge; no monopoly: U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled Meta does not hold a monopoly in social networking. The revived challenge could have forced a spin-off of Instagram and WhatsApp, but the court rejected the monopoly claim. The ruling was issued on Nov. 18 following the trial that ended in May. The FTC's challenge remains active as the case proceeds on appeal. [3]
• Meta ruling contrasts with Google's monopoly rulings: The article notes Boasberg's decision contrasts with two separate rulings that branded Google an illegal monopoly in both search and online advertising. The juxtaposition highlights ongoing antitrust actions impacting major tech platforms. The Google cases are cited through linked AP articles. [4][5]
• Meta says the decision is correct, will keep investing: Meta said the court's decision to reject the FTC's arguments is correct, recognizing the fierce competition Meta faces. The company added it will remain focused on innovating and investing in America. The statement frames the ruling as validation of Meta's competitive posture and its ongoing investment goals. [1]

Who Said What

• Meta Platforms Inc, Company: "The court’s decision to reject the FTC’s arguments is correct, and recognizes the fierce competition we face. We will remain focused on innovating and investing in America." Meta Platforms Inc. said, signaling that the ruling aligns with Meta's view of ongoing competition and commitment to investment. [1]

Key Facts

• 1776 Project Foundation sues LAUSD policy: The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday challenging a district policy that provides smaller class sizes and other benefits to schools designated as predominantly non-white. It ties the policy to desegregation orders dating from 1970 and 1976. The filing argues the policy constitutes racial discrimination and seeks a permanent injunction to bar race-based preferences in programs. [2][1]
• Lawsuit seeks injunction against race-based preferences: The filing requests a permanent injunction to prevent the district from using race in operating, funding, advertising or admitting students into school programs. [1]
• District comments and commitment reflected: A district spokesperson said they could not comment on pending litigation. The district later stated it remains committed to ensuring meaningful access to services and enriching educational opportunities for all students. [1]
• Policy affects over 600 LAUSD schools: The suit says more than 600 schools are classified as predominantly non-white, with fewer than 100 not designated that way. Designated schools receive magnet-program admission points, are required to hold at least two parent-teacher conferences per year, and have lower student-teacher ratios, capped at 25 to 1 or less, compared with higher ratios at other schools. [1]
• Foundation mission and PAC backing: The foundation says its mission is to promote academic achievement and push back against progressive pedagogy and DEI initiatives, supported by the 1776 Project PAC, which has financially backed related school-board candidates. [2]
• National context: desegregation orders and civil rights groups: The filing comes as federal officials push to lift Civil Rights Movement-era desegregation orders, while civil rights groups say these orders remain important to address the legacy of segregation and disparities such as student discipline. [4][5][1]

Who Said What

• Los Angeles Unified School District, district: "Los Angeles Unified remains firmly committed to ensuring all students have meaningful access to services and enriching educational opportunities." [1]

Key Facts

• Roy memoir among NBCC finalists alongside Kang and Flournoy: The NBCC announced finalists across eight categories and three honorary winners. Roy's memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me is among the autobiography nominees, placing it with other notable entries from across fiction and non-fiction. The slate highlights a mix of voices and formats that the critics circle aims to recognize this year. [3][1]
• Eight categories and three honorary winners named: The organization said finalists span eight competitive categories and include three honorary winners. One of the honorary winners is a celebrated author-journalist who will receive a lifetime achievement award. The announcements set the field for the year’s NBCC prizes. [1]
• NBCC president Adam Dalva lauds finalists: Adam Dalva described the finalists as singular and striking after the review process. He said they interrogate the lives we lead, broaden our horizons, move us, and surprise us. He added that in difficult times every writer and translator deserves recognition and readership. [1]
• Fiction finalists include We Do Not Part and The Wilderness: In fiction, Han Kang's We Do Not Part is listed among finalists, joined by Karen Russell's The Antidote, Katie Kitamura's Audition, Solvej Balle's On the Calculation of Volume (Book III), and Angela Flournoy's The Wilderness. The lineup underscores a diverse set of works from different languages and genres. [2][1]
• Winners will be announced on March 26: The NBCC will reveal the winners across categories on March 26, completing the year's award cycle. [1]

Who Said What

• Adam Dalva, NBCC President: "Out of the many hundreds of titles that our organization carefully considered this year, these singular and striking finalists rose to the top. They interrogate the lives we lead, broaden our creative and social horizons, move us, and continually surprise us. Especially in this difficult time, every one of these writers and translators deserves to be celebrated - and to be widely read." [1]

Key Facts

• Pharrell Williams launches LV monogram anniversary show: Pharrell Williams opened a celebration year for Louis Vuitton's monogram with the Fall-Winter 2026 men’s show staged inside the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. The display fused brand spectacle with cinematic staging, centering on a glass-walled apartment that models moved through like characters in a movie. A celebrity-heavy front row reinforced LV's crossover appeal, with attendees including SZA, Usher, Future, Jackson Wang and BamBam making his runway debut. [2][4][5][1]
• Set design frames show as cinematic sequence: Inside the Foundation, the runway was encircled by guests; a glass-walled apartment sat at center, creating a living stage. The scene was accompanied by a gospel choir and orchestra performing from balconies, elevating the show beyond a standard presentation. Williams kept Vuitton's signature in view, with travel-inspired motifs and a focus on heritage goods. [4][1]
• Celebrity front row underscores cross-cultural pull: The front row blended music, film and online fame, with figures like SZA, Usher, Future and Jackson Wang in attendance alongside BamBam, signaling LV’s appeal across entertainment spheres as it marks the monogram anniversary. [5][1]
• Fall-Winter 2026 collection emphasizes 1970s ease with utility: The collection leaned into 1970s ease fused with practical details, featuring autumn-toned grays, browns, black, denim and cream, punctuated by pink, blue and emerald accents. Silhouettes were long and loose, with parka-topped suits and baggier trousers, complemented by glossy hardware and monogram cues that reinforced the house’s travel heritage. [1]
• Travel as culture object anchors anniversary: A stained-glass Art Nouveau travel case rolled through on a trolley, underscoring the idea of departure as luxury and the brand’s travel-oriented heritage as part of its anniversary celebration. [1][3]

Key Facts

• FAA warns on flights over eastern Pacific near Mexico: On Friday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration urged U.S. aircraft operators to exercise caution when flying over the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, citing military activities. The advisory underscored heightened scrutiny of movements in the region. Mexican authorities later said the FAA advisory had no implications for Mexico. [4][1]
• Sheinbaum cites lack of advance notice from the U.S: Sheinbaum said the administration waited a couple hours for written assurance that there would be no U.S. military flights over Mexican territory. She added that the U.S. government had not given Mexico a heads up about any military operations. The comments framed the events as matters being checked through official channels. [1]
• U.S. coordinates provided; Toluca sighting noted: The U.S. government provided precise coordinates for where it was operating. Mexican authorities issued a statement saying the FAA advisory had no implications for Mexico. Images of a U.S. military transport airplane on the Toluca airport tarmac circulated on social media. [1]
• Senator presses for explanation on foreign troop moves: Sen. Clemente Castañeda, of the Citizen Movement, posted on X asking for an explanation from the government, noting that Mexico’s senate must approve sending troops abroad or allowing foreign troops into Mexico. The episode highlighted sovereignty concerns amid security cooperation. [1]
• Officials describe the operation as logistical and within protocol: Sheinbaum described the operation as a 'logistical' move that did not require senate approval. Her security cabinet posted on X that such training operations occur in conformity with established protocols and bilateral agreements. Officials said the two governments would continue security cooperation while respecting sovereignty. [1]

Who Said What

• Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico: "Who authorized this? The Secretary of Defense." [1]
• Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico: "The United States plane landed, public servants got on that plane and they went (to the U.S.) for training." [1]

Key Facts

• Jury selected in Chicago murder-for-hire trial: A jury was selected on Tuesday for the trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, accused of murder-for-hire after prosecutors say he offered a $10,000 bounty for the life of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. The Border Patrol official has been the public face of immigration operations in states including California, North Carolina and Minnesota. Martinez has been in federal custody since October and pleaded not guilty. [1][3]
• Espinoza Martinez identified as Latin Kings ranking member: Prosecutors allege he is a “ranking member” of the Latin Kings. He is 37, born in Mexico and has lived in the United States for more than 30 years without legal permission. He is the first person to be criminally tried in connection with the crackdown in and around Chicago, and he remains in federal custody. [1][3]
• Judge Lefkow barred questioning on Latin Kings: Days before opening statements, prosecutors acknowledged they lacked evidence tying the suspect to the Latin Kings, prompting U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow to bar questioning about the gang. [9]
• Opening statements set for Wednesday after jurors seated: Opening statements were set for Wednesday after 12 jurors and two alternates were chosen. Much of the juror questioning occurred in private conversations between the judge and attorneys. [1]
• Prosecutors describe Snapchat bounty evidence: Prosecutors allege Espinoza Martinez sent a Snapchat message to other gang members reading “10k if u take him down,” along with a photo of Bovino, and offered $2,000 for information about the commander. [1]
• Potential sentence if convicted: If convicted, Espinoza Martinez faces up to 10 years in prison. [1]

Who Said What

• Andrew Boutros, U.S. Attorney: "Putting a price on the life of a law enforcement officer is a line that can never be crossed." [1]
• Jonathan Bedi, Defense attorney for Espinoza Martinez: "The evidence on Mr. Martinez’s intent is so weak." [1]

Key Facts

• Megadeth releases final self-titled album: Megadeth issues its 17th and final studio album, staying true to its aggressive roots while introducing a few lineup changes. The record is produced by Dave Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw, and marks Teemu Mäntysaari's studio debut with the band, with James LoMenzo returning on bass and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. A bonus track reimagines Metallica's Ride The Lightning as a tribute to the band's early roots. [1][4][5]
• Tipping Point opens with classic Megadeth thrash: The opening track blasts with blistering guitar solos, crunchy riffs and rapid-fire double-bass. Mustaine snarls with the line Today, I may bleed, but tonight you will die, before the pace shifts into a menacing slowdown. The sequence sets a furious tone for a farewell that remains faithful to Megadeth's history of aggression. [1]
• Mustaine announces final album in August: Mustaine said the project came at the perfect time to end Megadeth on their own terms. The leader described the decision as staying at the top of their game while delivering a definitive parting statement. The August announcement framed the album as a deliberate and ceremonial farewell. [4]
• Lineup changes enrich final record: The record features Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar for his Megadeth studio debut, James LoMenzo on bass for the first time since 2009, and Dirk Verbeuren returning on drums. The lineup retains Megadeth's fast tempo and shredding style while weaving in fresh textures. [1]
• Bonus track pays homage to Metallica: A reimagined, sped-up version of Metallica’s Ride The Lightning appears as a bonus track, a deliberate tribute to the band where Mustaine began his career. He co-wrote the original Metallica track before his departure in the early days of Megadeth. [5]
• Final track delivers reflective farewell: The Last Note closes the album with a 5 1/2-minute guitar-driven passage and a spoken-word sign-off from Mustaine, delivering the line I came, I ruled, now I disappear. The closing moment caps a lengthy catalog with a resolute exit. [1]

Who Said What

• Dave Mustaine, Megadeth frontman and founder: "Today, I may bleed, but tonight you will die." The line signals the album's aggressive opening and set the tone for the farewell. [1]
• Dave Mustaine, Megadeth frontman and founder: "So, here’s my last will, my final testament, my sneer. I came, I ruled, now I disappear." [1]
• Dave Mustaine, Megadeth frontman and founder: "perfect time" to release a final album [4]

Key Facts

• About 10,000 elephant seals visit Año Nuevo annually: Every winter the colony arrives to fight, mate and give birth, with the season running from mid-December through March. [2]
• Pupping season features massive bull battles: Bulls can reach up to 16 feet in length and weigh as much as 2.5 tons, clashing for breeding access while mothers nurse pups on the beach. [3]
• Año Nuevo is a major West Coast rookery: The park sits about 90 minutes south of San Francisco and draws thousands of visitors who join docent-guided walks to observe the seals. [1]
• Seals recovered from near extinction after protections: Hunting in the 1800s reduced numbers; protections in Mexico in 1922 and in the United States followed, and the population has rebounded to about 250,000. [1]
• Genetic bottleneck present but not harming yet: Scientists note many seals descend from a small ancestral group, creating a bottleneck, but the population is doing well so far. [1]

Who Said What

• Laura Stern, Park docent: "So most elephant seals come back to the same beach where they were born. They don’t all, but most of them do." [1]
• Laura Stern, Park docent: "There is a genetic bottleneck because they’re all coming from that same 30 to 60. But so far they’re doing really well, and we haven’t had any problems." [1]
• Carrie Kahn, Park visitor: "It’s awe-inspiring. And you just wonder, how do they move from point A to point B? They look like they’d be so slow. But they’re quick and big, and they’re honking and making noises." [1]

Key Facts

• USOPC mental health team redefines success: The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee operates a 15‑member mental health and mental performance staff, led by clinical psychologist Emily Clark, to shift focus from gold medals to process, resilience and wellbeing as Winter Games approach in Italy. [1]
• Most Team USA athletes will not win gold: Clark underscores that winning gold is not the sole measure of success for elite athletes. The program emphasizes the process and ongoing development, as the team prepares for a large Olympic and Paralympic slate. [1]
• Two-thirds of Olympians have only one Olympics: Dr. Bill Mallon notes that about 70.8% of Winter and Summer Olympic athletes compete in only one Games, highlighting the need for longevity and sustained performance supported by mental health services. [1]
• Alysa Liu champions psychology as part of training: The 2025 world champion says she works with a sport psychologist who is essential to her preparation and staying competitive, framing mental skills as a core part of her program. [7]
• Kendall Gretsch credits the mental health program: Gretsch, a four-gold Paralympian, says a sports psychologist travels with the team and that regular check-ins help remind athletes why they are competing and keep them focused. [1]
• Sleep is treated as a performance factor with guidelines: Clark describes sleep as a real performance factor and offers practical guidelines, including no caffeine after 3 p.m., reducing stress before bed, keeping a consistent schedule, sleeping in a dark room, and aiming for 7–9 hours a night. [1][3]

Who Said What

• Emily Clark, Clinical psychologist, USOPC: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Focus on the process. Savor the moment." [1]
• Emily Clark, Clinical psychologist, USOPC: "Your job is not to win a gold medal, your job is to do the thing and the gold medal is what happens when you do your job." [1]
• Kendall Gretsch, Paralympian athlete: "We have a sports psychologist who travels with us for most our season. Just being able to touch base with them ... and getting that reminder of why are you here. What is that experience you’re looking for?" [1]
• Alysa Liu, American figure skater: "She’s incredible — like the MVP." [7]

Key Facts

• Magic Mike Live debuts in New York Oct. 8 at Copacabana: The 425-seat immersive show will open at the former Copacabana on the corner of 47th Street and 8th Avenue. It features 13 male dancers and a female emcee, with songs, aerial acts and comedy, and audience participation optional as part of an evening described as a hybrid nightclub-theater experience. [1]
• Channing Tatum vows to turn up the heat for New York: Tatum tells the Associated Press he will dial up intensity for the city, saying, We’re going to turn the gas up a little bit and make it a little hotter, just pour some gasoline on it. It’s New York, so you’ve got to throw everything at it. The aim is to elevate the show for the city. [1]
• Women are placed at the center of the experience: Co-director Alison Faulk says there are few spaces made with women in mind and that this show is designed with women in mind to make her night happy, easier, and more fun, focusing on a female audience. [1]
• Song list blends film staples with original music: The lineup includes Ginuwine’s Pony, 50 Cent’s Candy Shop, Gallant’s Open Up, James Brown’s Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine, Ro James’s Permission, plus original music, all presented within a venue described as an evening of surprise and delight. [1]
• NYC version reflects a decade of development and city-specific tweaks: Creative director Vincent Marini says the New York production is the culmination of 10 years of work, watching audiences in different cities and noting how a host can shift the vibe. He says this version aims to be the best yet for New York. [1]
• Las Vegas origin and international expansion inform NYC version: The show began as a Las Vegas stage production in 2017 and has since expanded to London and Berlin, with Australia tours; the New York version is tweaked to reflect the city and creators say they have learned from other markets to refine the experience. [1]

Who Said What

• Channing Tatum, Actor and producer: We’re going to turn the gas up a little bit and make it a little hotter, just pour some gasoline on it. It’s New York. So you’ve got to throw everything at it. One of the biggest reasons why I wanted to make this show was to kill that old version of male entertaining, because I’ve worked in that version and it’s misogynistic and degrading to women. It’s just gross a little bit. I ain’t gonna lie. Like, I did it for like about 10 months and I was like, ‘Wow, this is crazy. This is nuts,’ Most of the people that end up loving our show, I think, the most are the people that kind of hate that type of thing the most. [1]
• Alison Faulk, Co-director and choreographer: There’s very few spaces that are made with women in mind. This is made with the woman in mind and making her whole night happy and easier and fun, just to like to take a load off. There’s few places like that. [1]
• Vincent Marini, Creative director and executive producer: What we really try to do is to create an evening of surprise and delight that gives you a bit of what you expect and then a whole bunch of things you never thought you’d ever get. [1]
• Vincent Marini, Creative director and executive producer: This New York production is the culmination of 10 years of work and thought and watching millions of people, men and women go to this show. We want to come to New York with the very best version of this that we’ve ever done. Audiences in different cities act differently — London’s were more staid than Vegas, for instance — and whoever is the emcee can really change the experience by setting the tone. [1]

Key Facts

• Be The People launches ahead of July 4: A privately funded effort aims to connect hundreds of millions of Americans with local problem-solving. The push unfolds as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The organizers project more than $200 million for the first year and plan a 10-year effort to shift behavior and culture. [1][2]
• Founding members span nonprofits, business and sports: Founders include GivingTuesday, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity and More Perfect, along with Imagine Entertainment, the National Basketball Association and the MacArthur Foundation. The coalition aims to operate under Be The People as a unifying banner rather than creating a new nonprofit. [1]
• Campaign acts as a banner, not a nonprofit: Be The People will not incorporate as a separate entity. Instead, it will connect groups to resources and ideas, using existing programs and partnerships to mobilize action. At a Atlanta Hawks game, MLK III and Arndrea Waters King linked their Realize the Dream initiative to the campaign, signaling alignment with local service efforts. [1]
• Pew survey cited as red alert on national problems: Leaders referenced a 2024 Pew Research Center survey showing widespread doubt that the United States can solve its most important problems. The finding is used to frame Be The People as a response to eroding public confidence and civic engagement. [3]
• Experts emphasize authentic participation and funding interest: Johns Hopkins political scientist Hahrie Han says people join efforts when they are invited to contribute meaningfully rather than merely donating time. Duke University professor Kristin Goss notes funders are increasingly concerned about democracy’s health, pluralism and inclusion, signaling growing philanthropic attention to civic issues. The campaign will also launch data collection to track engagement and outcomes. [1][3]

Who Said What

• Brian Hooks, Chairman and CEO of Stand Together: "to show people that they matter, that they have a part to play, and that the future is unwritten, but it depends on each one of us stepping up to play our part." [1]
• Brian Hooks, Chairman and CEO of Stand Together: "What we’re doing is we’re helping to lift up the story of Americans that is unfolding at the local level, but is not breaking through. So we’re holding up a mirror and a microphone to Americans to reveal to each other who we truly are." [1]
• Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday: "Our experience with GivingTuesday is that when people volunteer together, when people work together on something to do with positive social impact, they find it harder and harder to demonize each other." [4]
• Hahrie Han, Political scientist at Johns Hopkins University: "They’re more likely to be invited into things where people are asked to let professional staff do most of the problem solving and they show up and give their time or their money." [1]
• Kristin Goss, Professor, Center for the Study of Philanthropy and Voluntarism, Duke University: "Funders are getting more concerned about the health of American democracy, the future of the democratic experiment and pluralism and inclusion." [1]
• Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, King family members; Realize the Dream program leaders: "Our vision is that ‘Be The People’ helps lift up what is already happening in communities across the country and reminds people that service and shared responsibility are defining parts of the American story." [1]

Key Facts

• Voters decide Sapelo Island housing referendum: On Tuesday, McIntosh County voters will weigh a referendum organized by island residents to override a 2023 zoning change in Hogg Hummock. The vote centers on whether to allow larger homes, which advocates say would accommodate families and visitors, but critics warn could raise property taxes and threaten the community’s stability. The outcome is not expected to resolve the broader dispute, which has stretched over years. Supporters say the referendum is a needed check on outside influence and fiscal risk. [1]
• 2023 zoning change doubled home size: In 2023, county commissioners approved increasing the maximum size of homes in Hogg Hummock from 1,400 to 3,000 square feet. Proponents argued the change allowed more living space for families and did not aim to displace residents. Opponents warned that larger homes would attract wealthier buyers and drive up taxes. The move set the stage for the current referendum and ongoing tensions over land and development. [3]
• Outsiders buying land fuels tensions: Longstanding tensions have intensified as outsiders buy land in Hogg Hummock and build vacation homes. Island natives fear rising property values will translate into higher taxes and erode cultural ties. County officials have blamed shifting demographics on land sales by native owners selling to nonresidents. The referendum is presented as a way to protect the community’s economic and cultural fabric. [1]
• Petitions and court move push for special election: Residents gathered more than 2,300 petition signatures and challenged county officials in an effort to force a special election, including a push to take the matter before the Georgia Supreme Court. The court action underscores the depth of feeling in the community and the risk of further legal battles over zoning. Officials have signaled possible reconsideration of development limits depending on the vote. [4]
• Revaluation could significantly raise assessments: County assessors plan to revalue Hogg Hummock properties for the first time since 2012, with estimates that land values per half-acre could jump dramatically. The projection suggests even homeowners who do not build larger homes could see higher taxes due to increased assessed values. Island residents fear the financial impact could compound after any change in zoning, regardless of the referendum outcome. [1]
• Board may consider a moratorium on zoning: Commission Chairperson Kate Pontello Karwacki said there is a willingness on the board to consider a moratorium on zoning and building permits while next steps are decided. The statement signals potential pauses in development as legal and political processes unfold, though any move would require collective agreement from the board. The remark highlights how quickly the landscape could shift depending on the referendum and subsequent actions. [1]

Who Said What

• Jazz Watts, Hogg Hummock descendant and landowner organizer: "I strongly believe we’re going to win," [1]
• Jazz Watts, Hogg Hummock descendant and landowner organizer: This reflects optimism amid a legal and political process that remains unresolved. [1]
• Kate Pontello Karwacki, Commission Chairperson: "I do believe there exists a willingness by the Board to consider a moratorium on zonings and building permits," [1]
• Dana Braun, Attorney for Hogg Hummock landowners: "pushing this ludicrous argument" [1]

Key Facts

• ICE builds 24/7 token trading platform: The platform would run separately from the NYSE, enabling around-the-clock trading of tokenized assets, instant settlement, dollar-denominated orders and stablecoin funding, subject to regulatory review. [1]
• Tokenization uses blockchain for asset tokens: Digital tokens would stand in for stocks, bonds, real estate or fractional art ownership, with stablecoins helping fuel demand for tokenized assets. [1]
• New NYSE venue for tokenized shares possible: If it clears regulatory scrutiny, the platform would power a venue to trade tokenized versions of company shares and potentially tokenized collateral across ICE clearinghouses. [1]
• Citi and BNY Mellon in tokenized deposit plan: ICE is working with Citi, Bank of New York Mellon and other lenders to support tokenized deposits across ICE's six clearinghouses globally. [1]
• ICE aims to broaden 24/7 trading and clearing: The effort is part of ICE's bid to expand its transaction clearing capabilities to handle 24/7 trading of tokenized securities and related collateral. [1]

Key Facts

• Ricky Martin and Hudson Williams front row Armani show: They joined a star-studded front row for Giorgio Armani's first menswear collection under Leo Dell’Orco after the iconic designer's death. The moment signals the start of a new era for the house. The show ran on the final day of Milan Fashion Week. [3][1][4]
• Dell’Orco leads first post-Armani collection: The collection is Armani's first under Dell’Orco's sole creative direction since Giorgio Armani's death. The presentation underscored a bridge between Armani's heritage and a modern, sharper sensibility. The lineup occurred on the final day of Milan Fashion Week. [1][3][4]
• New color story and modern craft blend heritage with sharpness: From the first look, the line embraces a fresh color story with a loden green top paired with a textured jacket and gray trousers. Iridescent jewel tones in purples and blues complement velvet, cashmere and chenille fabrics, signaling a contemporary update to Armani's soft tailoring. [1]
• Archival Armani staples feature in the collection: Blouson bomber jackets and belted trench coats reappear alongside simple white shirts and ties and pleated trousers. Slightly crumpled fedora hats complete the looks, tying the old and new styling together. [1]
• Dell’Orco bows as Armani era continues: Dell’Orco wore a double-breasted suit with no tie as he took a bow to long applause, contrasting Armani's more understated late-career uniform. The moment underscored a ceremonial handover of the brand's creative reins. [1]
• Martin cameras and crowd reaction: Martin filmed intently from the front row as the collection walked, and the audience responded with applause, signaling public interest in the new direction. [1]

Who Said What

• Alex Badia, WWD fashion and style director: "Somehow it feels more energetic, there is something about joy. It is not a new beginning but you can sense something new is happening, there is a sense of energy that is great." [1]
• Carlo Capasa, head of Milan’s fashion chamber: "the collection was very modern." "I found the true spirit of Armani," he said after the show. [1]

Key Facts

• Griffiths releases Flower Bearers memoir Tuesday: Rachel Eliza Griffiths’ memoir The Flower Bearers hits the market on Tuesday. The book centers on her personal trauma and how events surrounding Salman Rushdie and poet Kamilah Aisha Moon shape its narrative. She describes confronting pain rather than avoiding it, acknowledging that life events have changed her fundamentally and cannot be ignored while crafting new work. [1]
• Memoir links Moon’s death to Griffiths’s wedding: The Flower Bearers frames Moon’s death as inseparable from Griffiths’s marriage, an “uncanny Janus coin” that binds grief to joy. Griffiths uses Moon’s presence as a constant through the book, signifying how friendship and loss intersect with creative life. The memoir uses that intertwined history to explore resilience amid uncertainty. [1]
• Griffiths meets Rushdie at a PEN America event in 2017: The two first connect at a PEN America gathering in May 2017. A comic mishap on a terrace—a plate glass door collision—becomes a memorable moment, after which Griffiths offers Rushdie a ride home and helps tend to his wounds. They talk and laugh for hours, laying the groundwork for a lasting bond that informs the memoir. [1][4]
• Rushdie’s past fatwa and 2022 stabbing reshape Griffiths’s outlook: Griffiths writes about Rushdie’s 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini and how she believed his danger was behind him until the 2022 stabbing at Chautauqua. The assault hospitalized Rushdie and left him with lasting injuries. The attacker, Hadi Matar, has since been sentenced to 25 years in prison, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by literary figures. [5][3][6][7]
• Griffiths foregrounds trauma, healing, and a shift to art forms: She describes being a survivor of sexual violence and living with daily PTSD, noting how trauma reshapes her brain and life. The memoir signals a shift toward poetry and visual art, including photography, as paths of healing, and culminates in a sense of gratitude and renewed joy for life and connection. [1]

Who Said What

• Rachel Eliza Griffiths, author and multimedia artist: "You cannot pass through these kinds of personal life events and ask your brain and your being to go back to who you were because you’re not the same." [1]
• Rachel Eliza Griffiths, author and multimedia artist: "Please don’t take him away from me yet." [1]
• Rachel Eliza Griffiths, author and multimedia artist: "I am strong." [1]
• Rachel Eliza Griffiths, author and multimedia artist: "I might want a break from language for a bit and plant myself a little bit more into my photography." [1]
• Rachel Eliza Griffiths, author and multimedia artist: "It’s reconciled. It’s realigned. It’s immediate and it’s joyous." [1]

Key Facts

• IMAX film spotlights Ohio’s park system and conservation: The documentary Ohio: Wild at Heart was produced with a $2.5 million budget funded by information and education funds. It was filmed over more than a year to highlight wildlife conservation and the restorative power of outdoor recreation. The film has drawn crowds at state science museums and is headed to classrooms next year. [1]
• Archie Griffin narrates sweeping Ohio landscapes: Ohio State football great Archie Griffin serves as the narrator, guiding viewers from Lake Erie's northern shores to the limestone formations of the Hocking Hills in the south. The narration aims to convey the breadth of the state's natural resources and conservation efforts. [1]
• Cuyahoga River fire spurred modern environmental movement: The 1969 Cuyahoga River fire helped ignite the modern environmental movement and contributed to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The film places this history in context as Ohio pursues its current environmental comeback. [2][3]
• River fish deemed safe to eat ahead of anniversary: Ahead of the fire’s 50th anniversary, the river’s fish were declared safe to eat, marking a milestone in environmental recovery and signaling broader reforms. [4]
• Conservation successes highlighted: swans and eagles: The film features a former Blackhawk pilot’s work relocating rare trumpeter swans to Ohio marshlands and a wildlife biologists’ program to repopulate bald eagles, underscoring ongoing conservation gains. [1]
• Governor DeWine and Fran promote storybook trails: Ohio’s governor and his wife appear in the film to showcase family-friendly nature paths lined with pages from children’s stories known as storybook trails. [5]

Who Said What

• Naturalist on screen, naturalist on screen: "People feel like you have to go far away to experience nature." This underscores the film's message that nature is accessible locally and can benefit mental health. [1]
• Volunteer, volunteer: "We restore nature, nature restores us." This highlights the reciprocal relationship the documentary emphasizes between people and the outdoors. [1]
• Mary Mertz, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources: "a love letter to the mission of protecting our natural resources and expanding opportunities to explore." This frames the film as an endorsement of conservation goals and public access to nature. [1]

Key Facts

• Lip balm seen as antidote to dry, cracked lips: The AP piece frames lip balm as a common, simple remedy for dry lips, especially in winter when cold air and low humidity drain moisture. It notes that a tube can feel like the easiest fix for many people. The narrative also suggests that effectiveness varies by individual, and some may still experience symptoms despite use. This sets up the broader discussion of when lip balm helps and when it does not. [2][3]
• Lip balm seals moisture into the lips: Dr. Jenna Lester says lip balm acts as a barrier that keeps moisture in. For most, it is a worthy ally in the fight against chapped lips. The article notes this barrier helps against wind and dry air, particularly in cold winter conditions. It also acknowledges that balm alone may not address all causes of dryness. [1]
• Some balms trigger allergies from fragrances and preservatives: The piece notes that fragrance additives and preservatives in popular balms can sting instead of soothe for some people. Dermatologists warn that reactions can occur at any time and after any number of uses, sometimes lasting months. This underscores why fragrance-free options are often recommended for sensitive individuals. [1]
• Allergic reactions can last months after exposure: Mann explains that immune system–driven allergies can appear after varying numbers of uses and persist for extended periods. This highlights the potential long-term impact of sensitivities to balm ingredients and the importance of ingredient awareness. It also explains why some people may discontinue balm use despite initial relief. [1]
• Fragrance-free petrolatum balm may be safest for sensitive lips: Dermatologists recommend a fragrance-free, petroleum-based balm, commonly listed as petrolatum, as a safer option for those with sensitivities. This guidance aims to minimize exposure to potential irritants while still providing a protective moisture barrier. The emphasis is on choosing simple formulations. [1]
• Other soothing steps include scarves, humidifiers and hydration: The article suggests ways to ease dry lips without relying solely on balm, such as covering lips with a scarf outdoors and running a humidifier indoors. It also notes that dehydration can cause dry lips, so drinking water is a safe, complementary step. These tips help create a moisture-friendly environment during dry conditions. [1]

Who Said What

• Dr. Jenna Lester, Dermatologist, UCSF Health: "That is a good barrier for the external forces." [1]
• Dr. Caroline Mann, Dermatologist, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis: "Those are the people who will say, 'I tried these things. I thought my lips would get better, but they just keep getting worse,'" [1]
• Dr. Caroline Mann, Dermatologist, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis: "If you do these things, you’ll get through the winter with soft, supple lips." [1]

Key Facts

• MOL to buy 56.15% stake in Serbia's NIS: MOL Group signaled a binding Heads of Agreement with Gazprom Neft to acquire a 56.15% stake in Naftna Industrija Srbije, with completion contingent on U.S. OFAC approval and a sales pact planned by March 31. [1]
• NIS sanctions; OFAC license to negotiate sale by March 24: NIS operates under an OFAC license to negotiate the sale by March 24 as part of a U.S. crackdown on Russia’s energy sector, with final completion still subject to OFAC sign-off. [3]
• Serbia to gain 5 percentage points in NIS stake: Serbia’s Energy Minister said the deal would raise Serbia’s stake in NIS by 5 percentage points from 29.87%, increasing its ownership. [1]
• MOL aims regional expansion; ADNOC may join as minority shareholder: MOL’s leadership framed the move as strengthening its regional presence, and MOL is in talks with ADNOC about a possible minority stake for the UAE national oil company. [1]
• US sanctions frame the sale as part of crackdown on Russia’s energy sector: The sale is embedded in a broader U.S. effort against Russia’s energy sector, with sanctions having taken effect in October of the previous year. [1]
• Serbia maintains Moscow ties and resists Western sanctions: Serbia continues to maintain strong ties with Moscow and has refused to join Western sanctions tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while pursuing EU membership. [4]

Who Said What

• Zsolt Hernadi, Chairman and CEO, MOL Group: "As a reliable regional energy provider, we would like to contribute to the development of Central and Southeastern Europe." This reflects MOL's aim to expand influence in the region. [1]

Key Facts

• Two days after Renee Good shooting, DHS posts image: On Jan. 9, the Department of Homeland Security shared an image depicting a rider on a horse in a snowy landscape with the caption 'We’ll have our home again.' The post connects to a chorus used by far-right and white supremacist groups, including a folk-punk act later cited in criticism. [3][4]
• Labor posts 'One Homeland, One People' on X: The Department of Labor posted the slogan 'One Homeland. One People. One Heritage. Remember who you are, American.' Critics on X drew parallels to a Nazi slogan; the broader framing is discussed within the article. [5][1]
• White House posts dog-sled meme 'Which way, Greenland Man?': A post shows a dog sled toward a fork in the path leading to an American flag or toward Russian/Chinese flags, echoing a meme tied to white supremacist framing. The episode also recalled a lectern sign at a press conference linked to the Good shooting that SPLC said could not be traced to Nazi slogans. [6][7][1][16]
• Administration’s framing echoes earlier immigration messaging: The piece notes prior uses of similar framing in ICE recruitment and describes a broader pattern of immigration messaging seen as aligning with far-right imagery. [7][1]
• Elon Musk recirculates a post calling for white solidarity: Musk shared content urging white solidarity and added a '100' emoji, illustrating continued involvement by high-profile supporters in propagating white nationalist framing around immigration policy. [15]

Who Said What

• Abigail Jackson, White House spokesperson: It seems that the mainstream media has become a meme of their own: The deranged leftist who claims everything they dislike must be Nazi propaganda. This line of attack is boring and tired. Get a grip. [1]
• Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokesperson: It was a reference to 20-plus million illegal aliens invading the country. I don’t know where you guys are getting this stuff, but it is absurd. [1]
• Hannah Gais, SPLC researcher: They know their base is this overly online right-winger who they know will go nuts if they say 'Which Way, Western Man?' [1]

Key Facts

• Philippines finds new gas deposit near Palawan: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the discovery on Monday, calling it significant and located northwest off Palawan near an existing gas field by a critical waterway. The find could eventually power more than 5.7 million households or nearly 200,000 schools for a year. Further tests and another drilling are planned to pursue additional gas resources in the area. [1]
• Malampaya East 1 holds about 98 Bcf of gas: The undersea reservoir is estimated to contain about 98 billion cubic feet (2.7 billion cubic meters) of gas. Initial tests showed about 60 million cubic feet (1.6 million cubic meters) could be extracted daily. The site lies roughly 5 kilometers east of the main Malampaya gas field, with no timetable given for commercial production. [1]
• Discovery strengthens Malampaya supply and includes condensate: Marcos said the find would strengthen Malampaya’s contribution to the grid and bolster domestic gas supply for years. The discovery also includes condensate, a high-value liquid fuel, enhancing the potential energy value of the site. The deposit is located near the existing Malampaya field. [1]
• Malampaya facility fuels Luzon and contract extended: The Malampaya gas-to-power facility has generated more than 20% of Luzon’s electricity. In 2023, Marcos extended Malampaya’s exploration contract by 15 years. The offshore field lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, underscoring the country’s rights to explore resources there. [1]
• Regional tensions complicate South China Sea exploration: Philippines faces ongoing regional disputes as Reed Bank exploration has been stalled for years due to Beijing’s opposition. China has also opposed Vietnam’s oil and gas exploration in the disputed region, while Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan are involved in broader standoffs. [2][3][4]

Who Said What

• Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Philippines: "We’re proud that Filipinos led this drilling and, more importantly, they completed it without any accident or environmental incidents." [1]
• Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Philippines: "This helps Malampaya’s contribution and strengthens our domestic gas supply for many years to come." [1]
• Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Philippines: "Aside from the natural gas, the discovery also includes condensate." [1]

Key Facts

• Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine: AP's review notes Johnson's potent performance while the film doesn't fully grapple with MMA's violent world. The movie debuts on HBO Max on Jan 23. [1][5]
• Springsteen biopic streams on Hulu and Disney+ on Jan 23: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere stars Jeremy Allen White as The Boss during the Nebraska era. Mark Kennedy described it as an endearing portrait of an icon and noted its mirroring of the album's mood. [7][1]
• The Beauty tackles beauty standards in FX series: The FX series is co-created by Ryan Murphy and features a star-studded cast. It premieres on Hulu and Disney+ internationally. [17]
• Megadeth to release final self-titled album: American thrash legends Megadeth will issue a final album ahead of a farewell tour, continuing their legacy with intricate guitar work. [11]
• Louis Tomlinson releases How Did I Get Here? third solo album: The former One Direction member drops his third solo album How Did I Get Here?, continuing to draw on Britpop influences. [1]
• La Grazia lands on Mubi after Venice win: Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia arrives on Mubi on Jan 23; star Toni Servillo won Venice’s best actor prize for his portrayal of a fictional Italian president. [14]

Who Said What

• Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer: "the potency of Johnson’s performance is let down by a movie that fails to really grapple with the violent world around Mark, resorting instead for a blander appreciation of these MMA combatants. What does resonate, though, is the portrait of a human colossus who learns to accept defeat." This highlights the tension between Johnson's performance and the film's broader narrative scope. [5]
• Mark Kennedy, AP Entertainment Writer: "an endearing, humbling portrait of an icon," and "almost a mirror of the album itself, 'unexpected, complicated and very American gothic'." This shows how the film resonates with Springsteen fans and mirrors the album’s mood. [7]

Key Facts

• Baotou steel plant explosion kills two: The blast struck the Baogang United Steel plant in Baotou around 3 p.m. local time on Sunday. Officials confirmed two fatalities and 84 hospitalisations as a result of the blast, and residents reported tremors in surrounding areas. Rescue teams were dispatched to the site as part of the ongoing response. [1]
• Eight workers remain unaccounted for: A rescue operation was underway on Monday morning as authorities searched for eight missing workers. A Baotou city Information Office representative said the missing people were being sought at the plant where the explosion occurred. [1]
• Authorities detain plant leadership: Police detained those in charge of the steel factory as part of the investigation into the cause of the blast. The move indicates investigators are examining safety and management practices at the facility. [1]
• Baogang United Steel described as major state-owned company: State media described Baogang United Steel as a major state-owned company, underscoring the government ownership of the plant at the center of the incident. [1]
• Explosion caused tremors in surrounding area: The explosion rattled nearby communities, with tremors felt in the surrounding region as emergency crews responded to the scene. [1]

Key Facts

• Cuban donates millions to Indiana football: As an Indiana alumnus, Cuban has long backed the program, including a $5 million gift in 2015 for a sports media center. He has recently said he has donated more money for the current transfer cycle, underscoring ongoing commitment to help Indiana compete for a national title. [1][4]
• Cignetti’s leadership fuels Indiana rise: Curt Cignetti took over the football program in 2024 and has helped transform Indiana into a national contender. His work, supported by Cuban’s backing, coincides with the Hoosiers’ dramatic ascent. [1][3]
• Indiana No. 1 entering CFP championship: Indiana heads to Monday’s CFP championship as the No. 1 team, riding a 26-2 record under Cignetti with a perfect 15-0 season this year. The Hoosiers have claimed their first Big Ten title and defeated Alabama and Oregon in the CFP to reach the final. [1][7][8][9]
• Cignetti stresses donor impact and visibility: Cignetti described Cuban as a visible donor whose backing and recognition help the program, noting the positive effect of having a high-profile supporter. [1]
• Cuban highlights NIL-era collaboration with Indiana leadership: Cuban praised Cignetti and athletic director Dolson for redefining how to win in the NIL era, underscoring the role of donor support in Indiana’s rise. [1]

Who Said What

• Mark Cuban, Indiana alumnus and donor: "I’ve literally had Centenarians tell me how unimaginable this has been. Players on the ’68 Rose Bowl team tell me the same thing. It’s just all unreal." This shows the emotional resonance of Indiana’s rise for generations of Hoosier alumni. [1]
• Mark Cuban, Indiana alumnus and donor: "CigGPT. He and (athletic director) Scott Dolson have redefined how to build a winning team in the NIL era. To IU fans this is everything." This underscores Cuban’s view of Indiana’s leadership and the modern landscape of college athletics. [1]
• Curt Cignetti, Indiana head coach: "We kind of hit it off right off the bat. He’s got instant recognition, which only helps." This highlights the practical and reputational benefits Cuban brings to the program. [1]
• Curt Cignetti, Indiana head coach: "If Mark Cuban wanted to give $10 million, that would be like me donating $10,000. But we’re glad that he’s involved. If he keeps doubling his donation, it’ll be big one day." This shows his view of the scale and impact of Cuban’s generosity. [1]
• Mark Cuban, Indiana alumnus and donor: "As someone who has lost (two) NBA Finals and won one, I can tell you losing hurts a lot more than winning is fun." This reflects a perspective on the motivation to sustain success. [1]

Key Facts

• Green Day to open 60th Super Bowl ceremony: The NFL announced Green Day will perform the opening ceremony at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, marking the 60th anniversary of the game. The performance is part of a celebration of six decades of Super Bowl history and aims to welcome MVPs onto the field. The band, rooted in the East Bay area, consists of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool. [1]
• Armstrong praises hometown Super Bowl opener: Billie Joe Armstrong says the band is thrilled to perform in their backyard and to welcome MVPs who have shaped the game. He described the moment as an honor and urged fans to have fun and make noise. The remark underscores the Bay Area roots meeting the national stage. [1]
• Live broadcast timing and networks: The opening ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Pacific and will be broadcast on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock and Universo. It will take place before the pregame entertainment. The schedule sets the stage for the national broadcast of the game. [1]
• Pregame lineup includes Puth, Carlile and Jones: Charlie Puth will perform the national anthem, Brandi Carlile will sing 'America the Beautiful,' and Coco Jones will deliver 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' as part of pregame festivities. The opening ceremony comes before these performances as the broader pregame showcase unfolds. [1]
• NFL executive frames significance of opening: Tim Tubito, the league's senior director of event and game presentation, described the ceremony as a powerful way to kick off Super Bowl LX while honoring NFL legends. He noted the collaboration with NBC Sports to deliver the celebration to fans in the stadium and around the world. [1]
• Ceremony builds toward the game's spectacle: The opening ceremony is designed to set the tone before the pregame acts, linking the anniversary celebration to the broader spectacle of the game and its broadcast. [1]

Who Said What

• Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer, Green Day: "We are super hyped to open Super Bowl 60 right in our backyard! We are honored to welcome the MVPs who’ve shaped the game and open the night for fans all over the world. Let’s have fun! Let’s get loud!" [1]
• Tim Tubito, senior director of event and game presentation, NFL: "Celebrating 60 years of Super Bowl history with Green Day as a hometown band, while honoring the NFL legends who’ve helped define this sport, is an incredibly powerful way to kick off Super Bowl LX." [1]

Key Facts

• Sönmez halts play to aid wobbling ballkid: The interruption occurred in the ninth game of the second set during her upset win over Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Australian Open. She raised a hand to suspend play and moved toward the ballkid, wrapping an arm around the ballkid’s waist and guiding her toward shade. Officials quickly intervened as medical staff prepared to treat the ballkid in the shade, and the moment unfolded under sunny conditions with surface heat on the hard court. [2]
• Sönmez consoles ballkid and guides to shade: Sönmez personally helped the ballkid toward a shaded area and stayed nearby as medical staff assessed her. The act demonstrated sportsmanship under pressure, with the players pausing while the ballkid received attention. The ballkid’s condition was monitored as officials assisted, and play continued once care had been provided. [1]
• Seven-minute pause for care before resumption: Officials paused the match for about seven minutes while medical staff treated the ballkid in the shade. Sönmez remained beside the scene as the ballkid stabilized, and the players waited for clearance before resuming the contest. [1]
• Sönmez advances to the second round after three-set win: Sönmez went on to win the match with a three-set scoreline, advancing to the second round in Australia. The victory marked her first time reaching the second round at the Australian Open, continuing her momentum from the day’s drama. [1]
• Wimbledon was her best Grand Slam prior to this year: The article notes that her best previous Grand Slam performance was a run to the third round at Wimbledon last year. [3]

Key Facts

• Moutet uses underarm serve on match point: Corentin Moutet delivered an underhand serve on match point to seal a 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-3 victory over Tristan Schoolkate, with Schoolkate's forehand return long. The moment occurred at Kia Arena and the crowd booed after the point. The win advances the No. 32 seed in the Australian Open first round. [1]
• Crowd boos as tactic unfolds: The crowd reacted with heavy boos at the decision, underscoring how unconventional the shot was for a high-stakes moment. Moutet did not waver, later explaining he trusted his instinct in the moment. [1]
• Move described as instinctual and not disrespectful: Moutet said the serve was instinctive and meant to win the point, insisting there was no disrespect. He stated, I did it because I thought it would be ... I could win the point, and I won it actually. Of course, no disrespect or anything. [1]
• Underarm serves are legal but rare at top level: The underarm delivery is allowed by the rules but uncommon in men’s tennis, especially on match point. The incident drew attention to other high-profile underarm serves in major matches. [3]
• Moutet faced heat and a leg issue, with health factors noted: Moutet had a rough match in the heat and later required a medical timeout for what appeared to be a leg problem. He described a broader issue of sickness and lack of sleep over the prior days and said he was trying to manage it the best way possible. [1]
• seed and possible third-round meeting with Alcaraz looms: As the round progresses, Moutet, seeded 32, remains in play and could meet top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the third round if both win their next matches, highlighting a potential marquee matchup in the next phase. [1]

Who Said What

• Corentin Moutet, French professional tennis player: "I did it because I thought it would be ... I could win the point. I won the point actually. Of course, no disrespect or anything." [1]
• Corentin Moutet, French professional tennis player: "I decided to do this, so I thought it was the better option in the moment." [1]
• Corentin Moutet, French professional tennis player: "We all have some kind of pain every day that we have to deal with," he said. "So, yeah, I was trying to handle it the best way possible." [1]

Key Facts

• 3,563-carat purple star sapphire unveiled in Colombo: The round gem, named Star of Pure Land, was unveiled at a ceremony in Colombo on January 17, 2026, by its anonymous owners who plan to sell it. It is described as the world’s largest documented natural purple star sapphire and features a six-ray asterism. The stone was found in a gem pit near Rathnapura in 2023 and was purchased with other gems that year, with certification from two laboratories. International valuers estimate its value at $300 million to $400 million. [1]
• Found near Rathnapura in 2023: One owner says the gem was discovered in a Rathnapura gem pit, a district famed as the city of gems. It was bought with other gems in 2023 and later recognized as a special stone, prompting certification by two labs. The owners have requested anonymity for security reasons as they prepare to sell. [1]
• Value estimated by international valuers: International valuers peg the stone's worth at roughly $300 million to $400 million, highlighting its rarity and Sri Lanka's renowned sapphire trade. [1]
• Anonymous owners plan to sell gem: The Star of Pure Land is owned by a team that wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons, even as they display the stone publicly and pursue potential buyers. [1]

Who Said What

• Ashan Amarasinghe, consultant gemologist: "This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind. It shows a well-defined asterism. It has six rays asterism. That’s something special out of all the other stones." [1]

Key Facts

• Ventura finishes second, advances to runoff: With near-complete results, André Ventura's Chega captured 24% of the vote, trailing center-left Socialist António José Seguro who led with about 31%. They will face off in a runoff on Feb. 8. The outcome marks a milestone for Europe’s growing far-right movements as populist parties gain ground in several countries. [1]
• Seguro leads first-round vote; runoff set: Seguro netted roughly 31% and will meet Ventura in the February runoff. Nine other candidates ran in a crowded field, but none came close to forcing a first-round victory. [1]
• Chega rises to second-largest national party: Ventura and Chega rose rapidly since the party’s founding, becoming the second-largest party in Portugal’s parliament last year. The surge reflects a broader shift toward nationalist, anti-establishment politics in parts of Europe. [1]
• Immigration focus defines campaign, slogans draw attention: Ventura highlighted immigration as a central issue, portraying Portugal as a country being reshaped by foreign workers. He organized billboards with messages such as This isn’t Bangladesh and Immigrants shouldn’t be allowed to live on welfare. [1]
• Presidency remains largely ceremonial but influential powers exist: The president is mainly a figurehead, but can veto legislation and dissolve parliament to trigger early elections. The office holds symbolic weight in stabilizing politics and mediating disputes. [1]
• Runoff will shape Portugal's political future: The February runoff between Ventura and Seguro will determine who serves a five-year term as president and who will occupy the riverside pink palace in Lisbon. [1]

Who Said What

• André Ventura, Leader of Chega party and presidential candidate: "Portugal is ours." This statement signals the nationalist framing of his immigration stance and his appeals to voters wary of demographic change. [1]
• André Ventura, Leader of Chega party and presidential candidate: "This isn’t Bangladesh." The billboard message illustrates the provocative anti-immigrant rhetoric shaping his campaign. [1]
• André Ventura, Leader of Chega party and presidential candidate: "Immigrants shouldn’t be allowed to live on welfare." The remark underscores the emphasis on immigration controls in his platform. [1]

Key Facts

• Taiwan journalist detained over bribery allegations: The Qiaotou District Prosecutors Office said a district court ordered the detention of a television reporter surnamed Lin and five current or retired military officers. The statement did not identify the journalist by name. CTi TV confirmed the detention of its reporter Lin Chen-you and called for a fair judicial process, adding God bless Taiwan. [1]
• Prosecutors allege payments for information: Prosecutors say Lin paid amounts ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of Taiwan dollars to current military officers in exchange for information to Chinese individuals; the office did not identify the recipients or whether they were linked to the Chinese government. [1]
• Raids tied to national security investigation: Authorities raided the reporter's premises and nine current and retired military personnel on Friday as part of an investigation into violations of Taiwan's national security and corruption laws and disclosure of confidential information. [1]
• CTi says offices were not raided: CTi said its offices were not raided. [1]
• China drills and arms sales context: Beijing has stepped up pressure on Taiwan. Last month China conducted large-scale drills around the island for two days after a Washington announcement of large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. [4][5]
• Lin's background on social media: Lin Chen-you was described on his Facebook page as a political reporter and anchor covering Taiwan's legislature. [1]

Who Said What

• CTi TV, television broadcaster: "God bless Taiwan." [1]

Key Facts

• Foster anchors film as Dr. Lilian Steiner in France: Jodie Foster delivers a controlled, commanding turn as an American expat psychoanalyst whose unwavering composure begins to crack after a patient dies by suicide. She records sessions on meticulously organized CDs, underscoring a methodical but emotionally distant approach. The performance grounds a film that blends noir, romance and memory, setting the tone for a story that resists easy answers. [1]
• Lilian investigates Paula's death, suspects murder: After Paula dies, Lilian questions the suicide narrative and replays the tapes to search for hidden motives. Her amateur sleuthing pulls her deeper into Paula’s life and relationships, suggesting dark secrets and a potential crime. The investigation centers on Paula’s circle, including her daughter Valérie and husband Simon. [1][4]
• Gabriel returns as Lilian's ally and ex-husband: Gabriel, played by Daniel Auteuil, re-enters Lilian’s life to support the sleuthing and share the wine-fueled conversations that accompany the investigation. Their rekindled bond provides warmth and a touch of humor, anchoring the film’s more tender moments amid its twists. [1][5]
• Film blends noir, remarriage comedy, and past-life twist: The story moves from noir mood to a sly comedy of remarriage and a Freudian memory-dream framework, culminating in a past life reveal that ties Lilian and Paula to a WWII-era orchestra and lovers torn apart by jealous exes and Nazis. The tonal shifts drive the film’s originality, even as they risk overreach. [1]
• Opening needle drop signals lighter tone amid grave themes: The opening features a cheeky use of the Talking Heads song Psycho Killer, setting a playful tone that contrasts with the weight of themes like loss and self-discovery. That tonal contrast is a throughline in Foster’s navigation of the material. [1][3]
• Sony Pictures Classics releases the film; running time and rating: A Private Life is released by Sony Pictures Classics in theaters, runs 105 minutes, and carries an R rating for language, nudity, violence and some sexual content. The review highlights Foster’s bold, uncompromising look at a woman rethinking her rules. [1]

Key Facts

• Veteran prosecutor Ben’Ary fired after Kabul bombing case: Michael Ben’Ary, a longtime DOJ prosecutor who led the Kabul airport bombing case, was terminated with little explanation. His departure came on Oct. 1, after he had been driving his child to soccer practice and discovered his work phone was disabled, later learning by email that he had been fired. The firing followed social-media attention sparked by a right‑wing commentator who claimed he had ties to senior DOJ leadership, and the case he was handling remained unfinished. His firing underscores a broader purge that has touched career prosecutors, including those involved in high‑profile national security matters. [2][3][1]
• DOJ purge widens to erode experienced staff: The Associated Press interviewed more than half a dozen fired employees to map a toll across the department, from civil rights to counterterrorism to immigration. Justice Connection estimates say more than 230 lawyers, agents and staff were fired last year, while overall departures from the department exceed 6,400 as it ended 2025 with about 108,000 employees. The DOJ says it has hired thousands of career attorneys in response to the turnover. The scale of the outflow has created backlog risks and stretched leadership. [1]
• Firing wave begins before Bondi and extends to temporary hires: The firings started before Attorney General Pam Bondi arrived and continued after. Prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smith’s team that investigated Trump were terminated days after the inauguration, followed by attorneys hired on temporary assignments for Capitol-related cases. A memo from then-acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered the firings of certain temporary hires who had moved into permanent roles, signaling a deliberate shift in personnel from the previous administration. [12][13][19]
• Civil Rights Division hit hard; Public Integrity hollowed out: Interviews describe the Civil Rights Division as among the most affected, with an open letter of protest signed by more than 200 former employees who left in 2025. The Public Integrity Section, which handles sensitive public corruption prosecutions, has also seen notable resignations. The combination has reduced veteran expertise in enforcement and oversight at a moment when political tensions are testing the department’s mission. [1]
• DOJ defends purge as mission to curb weaponization: The Justice Department has disputed accounts from fired or departed employees and defended the terminations as consistent with its stated mission to end what it calls the weaponization of government. A departmental statement framed the exodus as part of a broader effort to modernize and replenish the workforce, noting that more than 3,400 career attorneys have been hired since Trump took office. The department maintains the changes are in line with its core duties and public service. [1]
• Kabul case and internal fallout threaten ongoing prosecutions: Ben’Ary’s departure leaves unfinished business in Afghanistan-related national security matters, including the Kabul bombing investigation. The case has already faced disruptions, with colleagues noting the abrupt dismissal and leadership changes complicating the path to trial. The broader shakeup has also affected colleagues connected to Comey-related prosecutions, triggering resignations and ethical questions about how cases are pursued in a politically charged environment. [1]

Who Said What

• Stuart Gerson, senior government official and former acting attorney general: "To lose people at that career level, people who otherwise intended to stay and now are either being discharged or themselves are walking away, is immensely damaging to the public interest." [1]
• Aliya Khalidi, Jan. 6 prosecutor fired from the department: "The people working on these cases were not political agents of any kind." [1]
• Aliya Khalidi, Jan. 6 prosecutor fired from the department: "For a lot of us, our dream was to be federal prosecutors." [1]
• Michael Ben’Ary, veteran DOJ prosecutor involved in national security cases: "Follow the facts and the law. Stand up for what we all believe in — our Constitution and the rule of law. Our country depends on you." [1]
• Jack Smith, former special counsel who oversaw Trump-related investigations: "These are not partisans. They just want to do good work, and I think when you lose that culture, you lose a lot." [1]

Key Facts

• Cheetah mummies found in caves near Arar, Saudi Arabia: Researchers excavated seven mummies along with bones from 54 other cheetahs at a site near the city of Arar. The remains range from about 130 years old to more than 1,800 years old. The discovery provides a rare window into cheetah history in northern Saudi Arabia. [1]
• Cheetah mummies show cloudy eyes and shriveled limbs: The mummies resemble dried husks with preserved features. The dryness of the caves and stable temperatures likely contributed to the preservation, according to the new study published Thursday. [4]
• Cheetahs now occupy only 9% of their former range: Cheetahs historically ranged across Africa and parts of Asia, but current range is limited to about 9% of what they once inhabited. Habitat loss, unregulated hunting and lack of prey are cited as factors. [5][1]
• Genetic analysis links remains to Asia and Northwest Africa: In a first for naturally mummified large cats, scientists examined the cheetahs’ genes and found the remains most similar to modern-day cheetahs from Asia and Northwest Africa. This information could help with future reintroduction efforts. [4]
• Other preserved felines mentioned, including saber-toothed cat cub in Russia: The report notes that the cheetah find is not unique; scientists have uncovered preserved remains of other felines, including a saber-toothed cat cub in Russia. [1]

Who Said What

• Joan Madurell-Malapeira, University of Florence researcher: "It’s something I’ve never seen before," said Joan Madurell-Malapeira, reflecting astonishment at the preservation. [1]

Key Facts

• Therapist Anna Rose Smith brought nature into a windowless workplace: Anna Rose Smith, a psychotherapist, regularly left her windowless office for outdoor lunch walks to nearby fountains and gardens, brought back leaves and petals to her desk, and played recorded bird songs during the day and sometimes in client sessions. Her practices served as a personal way to reconnect with the outdoors and to create calm amid an otherwise enclosed setting. This example illustrates how individuals can carve nature into busy workdays even without easy access to green space. [1][3]
• Companies are encouraging outdoor meetings and small nature projects: Atlantic Packaging asks employees to hold meetings in facility courtyards or while walking, added fig trees and native plants at a Charlotte location, and launched a 2024 nature challenge where staff tracked outdoor activities such as dog walking and shared photos. The program aimed to build connection and expose workers across regions to sunrises and sunsets, and some participants reported reduced stress after spending more time outside. The company also runs weekly group strolls called Walk it out Wednesdays to give employees short resets during the workday. [1][8][9][10]
• Ford redesigned its Dearborn campus in 2025 to nudge people outdoors: When Ford Motor Company redesigned its Dearborn, Michigan, headquarters in 2025, designers added native plants, walking paths and outdoor pavilions and deliberately placed the parking lot farther from the building so people would walk past grasses, bridges and flowers. The layout places offices centrally so tall exterior windows are used in collaborative spaces and encourages meetings outside to boost physical and mental well being. Ford’s design choices are explicitly intended to engineer spaces that prompt positive brain and body responses during the workday. [1][11][12]
• Workers use hybrid and mobile options to fit nature into schedules: Employees and hybrid workers adopt walk-and-talk appointments, join virtual meetings while walking, and take short outdoor breaks between tasks to get sunlight and movement, practices that are easier now that mobile devices let virtual get-togethers happen outside. Individuals also bring plants into windowless rooms or bike part of their commute to catch fresh air, showing that small choices can increase daily nature exposure even in cold or urban environments. Employers and workers alike frame these options as practical ways to boost focus and mood without large schedule changes. [1][7][4][5]
• Employees say brief outdoor exposure helps with stress and focus: Company wellness leaders and workers report that short, regular time outside—whether through organized challenges, weekly walks, or solo breaks—can produce feelings of calm, improved focus and better stress handling. Atlantic Packaging staff and others told company wellness leaders they felt they 'handled stress' better after increasing outdoor time, and employees described nature exposure as reinvigorating and mentally restorative. Those firsthand reports reinforce why employers are experimenting with outdoor meeting spaces and programs. [1][10]

Who Said What

• Anna Rose Smith, Psychotherapist: "I can remember, no matter what happens in this room or with my job today, there’s still going to be birds singing." Smith used that thought to explain why small reminders of nature helped her stay calm and optimistic during demanding workdays. [1]
• Becca Schusler, Wellness director, Atlantic Packaging: "It was just so wonderful because we got sunrises in the mornings, sunsets at night from all different areas," Schusler said about the company's nature challenge, describing how shared photos connected employees across regions; she also said group walks "help provide a quick break in the day where they can reset and refocus," underlining the programs' intended wellness benefits. [1]
• Jennifer Kolstad, Global and brand design director, Ford: "We are very careful about how we are engineering space so that our brains and our bodies react positively," Kolstad said, emphasizing that Ford’s campus redesign prioritizes human health by deliberately integrating outdoor elements and walkable routes into daily work life. [1][11]
• Erin Mantz, Vice president of marketing, Zeno Group: "It’s so good for me," Mantz said of her regular prework walks and outdoor breaks, noting that the fresh air and movement feel both physically and mentally reinvigorating and help her manage the day’s stressors. [1]

Key Facts

• Supreme Court to hear Bayer Roundup appeal: The Supreme Court agreed to review Bayer's bid to block thousands of state lawsuits claiming Roundup should have carried a cancer warning. The case centers on whether the EPA’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should defeat state tort claims. A Missouri case where a jury awarded $1.25 million to a man who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after spraying Roundup in a community garden is at issue. Bayer argues lower courts are divided, and a ruling could clarify the relationship between federal labeling and state lawsuits. [1]
• Glyphosate not likely carcinogenic per EPA: Some studies link Roundup’s key ingredient, glyphosate, to cancer, but the EPA says it is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. Bayer disputes the cancer claims and has set aside billions for settlements. The company has also pressed states to enact shields against such lawsuits, with Georgia and North Dakota having enacted laws. [4]
• Bayer sets aside $16 billion to settle: Bayer has reserved about $16 billion to resolve Roundup-related claims and is pursuing state legislation to limit lawsuits. The company argues for federal labeling standards to guide liability while seeking immunity from state actions. Georgia and North Dakota have enacted laws aligning with Bayer’s approach. [1]
• Trump administration backs Bayer, reversing Biden stance: The Trump administration has weighed in on Bayer’s behalf, reversing the Biden administration’s position and creating tension with supporters of the Make America Healthy Again agenda who oppose giving the company immunity. The development highlights the political dimensions of a dispute over federal versus state authority in regulating pesticides. [3]
• Missouri case: $1.25 million verdict: The Missouri case centers on a jury award of $1.25 million to a man who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after spraying Roundup on a community garden in St. Louis. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming consideration questions whether EPA approval without a cancer warning should bar state claims. [1]
• 2022 California case: $86M ruling; SCOTUS declined: In a 2022 California case, a ruling exceeding $86 million was not taken up by the Supreme Court, illustrating a pattern of selective review by the high court. The current Missouri case has prompted fresh questions about the reach of federal labeling rules in state court litigation. [5]

Who Said What

• Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer: It is time for the U.S. legal system to establish that companies should not be punished under state laws for complying with federal warning label requirements. [1]
• Lori Ann Burd, Environmental health director, Center for Biological Diversity: "It’s a sad day in America when our highest court agrees to consider depriving thousands of Roundup users suffering from cancer of their day in court." [1]

Key Facts

• RCA plant era turns Indianapolis streets into a racetrack: Excessive speeding on parallel one-way streets near a massive electronics plant earned the nickname among residents. The corridors served RCA workers traveling to and from the plant. The conditions persisted until the redesign began, with authorities later converting these routes back to two-way traffic. [2][1]
• RCA plant closure in 1995 spurs road speeds: After the RCA plant closed in 1995, the roads grew even more attractive to fast drivers. Locals say speed remains a concern in the corridor as planners move to restore two-way traffic. The change is part of a broader effort to improve safety and connectivity. [1][3]
• Planners reconvert one-way streets to two-way nationwide: Transportation planners across midsize cities view reconverting one-way streets as an accessible way to improve safety and attract downtown shoppers and residents. The approach is framed around keeping costs low and enhancing walkability where possible. Many cities are pursuing multiple street redevelopments in a single initiative. [4][5]
• James Taylor calls corridor conversion transformative: Taylor, who runs a nearby community center, says the opening and conversion of those streets has been transformative for how people think about that corridor. He notes that the change has altered traffic patterns and neighborhood dynamics in a noticeable way. [1]
• Experts warn misperceptions persist about safety: Engineer Wade Walker explains that the safety math hinges on how conflicts occur, not merely how many conflicts exist. He points out that mixing one-way and two-way streets creates a city grid with many possible crossing sequences, complicating pedestrian safety. [8][9][10]
• Indianapolis finishes two-way Michigan and New York streets; more planned: Indy has completed the two-way conversion on Michigan and New York streets, with ten additional conversions planned. The total estimated cost is about $60 million, including roughly $25 million from a federal grant awarded in 2023. Louisville is pursuing a parallel Main Street reconversion that would connect landmarks like the Louisville Slugger Museum and KFC Yum! Center. [1]

Who Said What

• James Taylor, Director of a nearby community center: "The opening and conversion of those streets has just been transformative for how people think about that corridor." Taylor said. This reflects local sentiment on the redesigned corridor. [1]
• Dave Amos, Assistant professor of city and regional planning, Cal Poly: "One-way streets are designed for moving cars quickly and efficiently," Amos said. "So when you have that as your goal, pedestrians and cyclists almost by design are secondary, which makes them more vulnerable." The quote highlights safety concerns in street design. [1]
• Wade Walker, Engineer, Kittelson & Associates: "It’s not the number of conflicts, it’s the way those conflicts occur... The confusion arises when one-way streets combine with two-way streets to form a city grid." This underscores how intersection sequencing affects safety. [1][8][9][10]
• Michael King, Louisville assistant director of transportation planning: "All those mom-and-pop shops and local businesses over time kind of faded because that connectivity got taken away." The remark illustrates economic effects of street connectivity. [1]
• Rodney Taylor, Lynchburg restaurant owner: "An important thing to do is to admit when you’re wrong." And I was just flat-out wrong. This shows how public opinion can shift after experiencing a different layout. [1]
• Adam Greenfield, Executive director, Safe Streets Austin: "It just worked. That’s what you’ll find with these conversions — they’ll be done and then instantly people will be like, ‘Why didn’t we do this 20 years ago?’" The remark frames the potential for broader adoption. [1]
• Alderman Bill Conway, Alderman: "Even if this was the right move to make these streets one-way, it certainly doesn’t make sense to not ask the opinion of the neighbors." The quote highlights the importance of community input. [1]

Key Facts

• AP releases quiz on Trump's first year back: The Associated Press published an online quiz about Trump's first year returning to the White House. The prompt invites readers to recall key moments from that period. The feature is presented as an interactive memory test rather than a traditional news article. [1]
• Quiz asks readers to recall key moments: The article frames the piece as a memory exercise, asking readers to remember notable moments from Trump's first year back in the White House and to test their knowledge. The call to action is clear: engage with the quiz to assess what readers remember. [1]
• AP byline confirms author: The piece carries the Associated Press attribution, indicating the AP produced the quiz feature. [1]
• Published January 16, 2026: Metadata shown with the article indicates a January 16 publication date, consistent with AP's release timeline for the feature. [1]

Key Facts

• 8-year-old missing girl found dead on Navajo Nation: Maleeka Boone was last seen Thursday evening in the Coalmine Canyon area, about 240 miles north of Phoenix. Her body was found Friday as authorities investigated the disappearance. The FBI is working with tribal police but declined to provide details. The Associated Press reached out to a tribal police spokesperson for comment but did not receive an immediate reply. [1]
• Navajo Nation president reacts with grief: Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren spoke in a social media video, saying the death is devastating and weighs heavy on his heart. The message underscores the distress felt on the community in the wake of the loss. [1]
• Turquoise Alert activated for missing Native American: Boone’s disappearance led to the issuance of a Turquoise Alert, an alert system designed to help locate missing Native Americans. The alert signals authorities and communities to coordinate and accelerate searches during disappearances on tribal lands. [1]
• Arizona law nicknamed Emily’s Law creates the Turquoise Alert: In Arizona, the legislation creating the Turquoise Alert was referred to as ‘Emily’s Law’ to honor Emily Pike, whose remains were found after leaving a group home in Mesa. The law’s origin and naming are tied to Pike’s case and her death prompted policy action. [2]
• Pike case spurred awareness and bill amendments: Pike’s death spurred activism aimed at raising awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous persons and prompted lawmakers to amend the bill to recognize her, linking the tragedy to broader policy efforts. [2][3]

Who Said What

• Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation: "This tragedy weighs heavy on my heart." [1]

Key Facts

• Goldberg-Polin memoir slated for April 21 release: Random House announced that When We See You Again will be published April 21. The memoir recounts her years of advocacy for her son Hersh and other hostages seized by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023. The release marks a public culmination of years of campaigning, including meetings with world leaders and appearances at international forums. [1]
• Author describes writing about pain and resilience: She says she sat down to write her pain and that the book traces the first steps of a long, ongoing odyssey through loss and resilience. The narrative frames grief within a broader journey that turns suffering into perseverance. [1]
• Polin to narrate the audiobook: She will narrate the audio edition of When We See You Again, underscoring her personal connection to the story and its delivery in her own voice. [1]
• Hersh abducted at southern Israel festival on Oct. 7, 2023: Her son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was attending a southern Israel music festival when militants loaded him and other hostages onto the back of a pickup truck. The family spent years advocating for his release, meeting leaders including President Biden and Pope Francis, and speaking at the United Nations and at protest rallies. Each morning, Goldberg-Polin placed a masking-tape number on her chest to count days in captivity. [3][4][5][1]
• Bodies found; funeral held in Jerusalem: Israeli officials said Hersh and others were found in an underground tunnel in Gaza, shot at close range according to forensics. Tens of thousands attended Hersh’s burial in a Jerusalem cemetery as the public grappled with the loss. [1]
• Publisher describes memoir as raw and moving: Random House characterizes the work as raw, unflinching and deeply moving, centering on grief and perseverance as its emotional throughline. [1]

Who Said What

• Rachel Goldberg-Polin, memoir author: I sat down to write my pain, and out poured loss, suffering, love, mourning, devotion, grief, adoration and fracturedness. [1]
• Rachel Goldberg-Polin, memoir author: This book recounts the first steps of a million-mile odyssey that will take the rest of my life to walk on shattered feet. [1]

Key Facts

• FDA plan to hasten drug reviews via voucher program: The FDA is pursuing a Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program intended to deliver approvals in as little as one month for medicines deemed to serve U.S. national interests. The move has generated alarm inside the agency as staff warn it could undermine safety, ethics, and scientific standards. Traditionally, approvals are driven by FDA reviewers and their immediate supervisors, not political appointees. Critics argue the program has not been codified in federal rules, raising questions about its permanence and legality. [1]
• Staff anxiety and turnover disrupts reviews: Seven current or recently departed staffers described confusion amid buyouts, resignations, and leadership upheavals at the agency. The FDA has faced layoffs and a sizable exodus from its drug center in the past year. The voucher program’s scope has expanded from a pilot to 18 awarded vouchers, with more under consideration. This combination of turnover and unclear governance heightens the risk to review quality. [1]
• Authority for voucher sign-offs shifts to senior leaders: Questions about the program’s legality led to the former drug director declining to sign off on approvals under the pathway, and the director later resigned. The deputy commissioner was set to decide but also declined after reviewing legal implications; the responsibility has since fallen to the deputy chief medical officer. Traditionally, drug office directors sign off on approvals in consultation with reviewers. These shifts have fueled concern about politicization and eroding standard review practice. [1]
• Program not codified and politicization concerns mount: Experts note that FDA drug reviews are among the fastest globally, but a one-to-two month review lacks established scientific precedent. The voucher program operates largely without formal federal regulations, relying on a committee led by senior officials rather than scientists. Initial nominations were described as coming from career staff, but oversight increasingly centers on top officials. This ambiguity fuels worry the program could be vulnerable to political influence. [1]
• Lilly obesity pill case shows pressure to move quickly and data gaps: In the Lilly anti-obesity pill review, executives pressed for rapid filing timelines that bypassed the standard 60-day prefiling window used to check applications for completeness. Reviewers report missing data and chemistry information being downplayed to keep the process on pace. Lilly’s CEO indicated the company expects FDA approval in the second quarter, while agency spokespeople said timelines can be adjusted as needed. Critics warn such pressure risks inadequate vetting and potential safety issues later. [1]

Who Said What

• Paul Kim, former FDA attorney (now working with pharmaceutical clients): "It’s extraordinary to have such an opaque application process, one that is obviously susceptible to politicization." [1]
• Dr. Aaron Kesselheim, Harvard Medical School professor: "The concept of doing a review in one to two months just does not have scientific precedent." [1]
• Dan Troy, former FDA top lawyer under President George W. Bush: "If you live by the press release then you die by the press release." [1]
• David Ricks, CEO, Eli Lilly: The company expects FDA approval of its anti-obesity pill in the second quarter of the year. [1]

Key Facts

• Wikipedia signs AI deals with Amazon, Meta, Perplexity, Microsoft and Mistral AI: The Wikimedia Foundation announced new agreements with several AI companies to provide access to Wikipedia content at a volume and speed tailored to their needs. The deals are intended to help monetize the site’s heavy traffic as AI services rely on Wikipedia data. The foundation did not disclose financial terms or other specifics. [1]
• Google and Ecosia linked as early and recent AI partners: Wikipedia’s parent organization previously signed Google as one of its first customers in 2022 and said it has publicized other collaborations with smaller AI players like Ecosia last year. The pattern shows a strategy of integrating AI partners while maintaining control over content. [1]
• Deals aim to monetize heavy site traffic; financial details withheld: The agreements are framed as access arrangements designed to meet the needs of AI developers, with payments for data access. The Wikimedia Foundation did not publish numbers or terms, emphasizing the model rather than the exact figures. [1]
• Wales welcomes AI training on Wikipedia data and urges fair contribution: Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales told AP that AI models training on Wikipedia data is welcome because the content is human curated. He argued for collaboration rather than outright blocking and urged developers to pay their fair share for the use of Wikipedia data. [1]
• Iskander highlights donors and infrastructure costs; leadership change looming: Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander emphasized that infrastructure costs are not free and are funded by about eight million donors. She also announced she will step down, with Bernadette Meehan set to replace her. [1]
• Grokipedia and AI debate frame tensions over Wikipedia’s data: Elon Musk’s Grokipedia is cited as an AI rival to Wikipedia, prompting criticism of Wikipedia by Musk. Wales downplayed Grokipedia as a real threat and said he may reach out to Musk to discuss the issue, illustrating the ongoing tensions around AI use of Wikipedia content. [2]

Who Said What

• Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder: "I'm very happy personally that AI models are training on Wikipedia data because it's human curated." This frames his view of AI collaboration as constructive. [1]
• Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder: "You should probably chip in and pay for your fair share of the cost that you’re putting on us." This signals an expectation that AI users contribute financially for the use of Wikipedia data. [1]
• Maryana Iskander, Wikimedia Foundation CEO: "But our infrastructure is not free, right?" This underscores the ongoing costs of running Wikipedia. [1]
• Maryana Iskander, Wikimedia Foundation CEO: "The bulk of Wikipedia’s funding comes from 8 million donors, most of them individuals." This highlights the reliance on individual donations to sustain the site. [1]
• Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder: "How’s your family? I’m a nice person, I don’t really want to pick a fight with anybody." This shows a personal note amid broader tensions. [1]
• Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder: "Grokipedia isn’t a real threat to Wikipedia because it’s based on large language models... I should probably ping him." This captures the ongoing clash with Musk’s Grokipedia. [2]

Key Facts

• State sues Clark over alleged discriminatory policing led by leaders: The complaint, filed by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights, names former Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, suspended police chief Pedro Matos, and current police director Patrick Grady as defendants. It accuses the town’s leadership of systematically discriminating against and harassing Black and other non-white motorists. Clark is a New York suburb about 27 miles south of Manhattan, and the suit seeks to address what the attorney general says are longstanding policing practices shaped by the town’s leadership. [2]
• Bonaccorso resigns after corruption cases and pleads guilty: Bonaccorso led Clark for about 25 years before resigning in January 2025, days after starting his seventh term. He had been reelected in 2024 despite corruption allegations. He pleaded guilty to using township resources to benefit his private landscaping business and forging signatures on permits for work his company performed in the area. [1]
• Bonaccorso responds to the suit with a terse message to NJ.com: When asked about the suit by NJ.com, Bonaccorso did not respond to a voicemail but texted back a two-word message containing an expletive describing the suit. The remark was reported by the NJ.com article cited in the report. [3]
• 2020 secret recording and $400,000 settlement: In 2020, a police officer secretly recorded Bonaccorso, Matos and another police official using racial slurs toward Black people. The town agreed to pay $400,000 to settle the matter out of court, a development that later became public and is cited in the suit. [1]
• Local leaders push back and highlight timing concerns: Clark Mayor Angel Albanese criticized the lawsuit as frivolous and accused Platkin of playing politics as his term winds down. Charles Sciarra, attorney for Matos, voiced similar concerns about the timing of the filing, signaling local resistance to the case. [1]
• Matos on leave, ongoing oversight and disparities data: Matos has been on paid leave since July 2020 after the Union County Prosecutor’s Office seized control of Clark’s police department. He has sued Clark to block his firing, and disciplinary proceedings remain active as the prosecutor’s oversight ended the previous March. The attorney general’s office says data show Black residents were stopped 3.7 times more often than whites from 2015 to 2020, and Hispanics were stopped 2.2 times more often; 2020–2024 data show improvements but disparities persisted. [1]

Who Said What

• Angel Albanese, Clark Mayor: "The suit is frivolous," and the mayor added that Platkin is "playing politics" as his term winds down. [1]
• Charles Sciarra, Attorney for Pedro Matos: Sciarra said the timing of the suit raises questions about the politics surrounding the case. [1]

Key Facts

• Hyden sentenced to 24 years to life in Manhattan: Daniel Hyden, 46, of Monmouth, New Jersey, was convicted in November at a non-jury trial of murder, aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges for the July 2024 crash at Corlears Hook Park that killed Ana Morel, 43; Lucille Pinkney, 59; Herman Pinkney, 38; and Emily Ruiz, 30. On Friday, Judge April A. Newbauer imposed a sentence of 24 years to life in prison. Seven others were injured, including Herrera, who was hit by debris. [1]
• Crash at Corlears Hook Park killed four and injured seven: At Corlears Hook Park in Manhattan, the Ford F-150 jumped a curb, bulldozed a chain-link fence and plowed into a group of friends and relatives gathering for a Fourth of July barbecue. Four people were killed: Ana Morel, Lucille Pinkney, Herman Pinkney and Emily Ruiz; seven others were injured, including Herrera who was struck by debris. [1]
• Hyden drove at high speeds through a stop sign and sidewalk: Prosecutors said Hyden accelerated through a stop sign at 39 mph, sped through a construction zone and onto the sidewalk at up to 54 mph before reaching the crowd. He did not brake until about a half-second before impact, and bystanders pulled the keys to stop him. [1]
• Earlier boat incident led to no arrest: Police responding to a separate incident at a nearby party boat testified they did not witness anything warranting arrest, and they walked Hyden to a park bench and left. [1]
• Families and prosecutors react to sentence: Herrera said the sentencing cannot bring back loved ones and she remains coping with trauma; Diamond Pinkney called the sentencing a big relief, and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg emphasized that intoxicated driving will be prosecuted. [1]

Who Said What

• Halena Herrera, Survivor and friend of Emily Ruiz: "He has shown no remorse from the very beginning, so for him to sit there and say that he’s sorry is just — I don’t believe any of it." [1]
• Diamond Pinkney, Lucille Pinkney’s son: "big relief" [1]
• Daniel Hyden, Defendant: "It was an accident" [1]
• Daniel Hyden, Defendant: "What kind of human being would put other human beings through the same thing he was going through?" [1]
• Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney: "If you are intoxicated, do not get behind the wheel — it risks the lives of others, and you will be prosecuted." [1]

Key Facts

• 21-year-old Rummler blinded in Santa Ana protest: The injury occurred at a Jan. 9 protest outside a federal immigration building in Santa Ana. He underwent a six-hour surgery on his left eye. Shards of metal and a nickel-sized piece of plastic remain lodged in his skull. He says the injury has left him with no depth perception and unable to drive. He hopes to pursue a career in forestry and would do it again. [1]
• Attorney says projectile may be pepper spray capsule: Rummler's civil-rights lawyer said doctors want to know whether the materials in the projectile could be toxic, but DHS has not provided answers. Based on their preliminary investigation, they believe it was a capsule made from metal and plastic containing pepper spray. [1]
• Second protester blinded in one eye: Britain Rodriguez, 31, told the Los Angeles Times he was struck in the face while standing on steps outside the immigration building and said he lost vision in one eye. [3]
• DHS cites injuries but not projectile details: An emailed statement from Tricia McLaughlin said protesters were violent and that two officers were injured, but did not detail the injuries. DHS also said one demonstrator was taken to the hospital with a cut. McLaughlin later confirmed the reference to Rummler and called his injury claims 'absurd'. [1]
• Rummler charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct: Rummler has been charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. One fellow protester was jailed for several days and charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer. [1]
• Video shows close-range firing and aftermath: Video from OC Hawk shows officers in riot gear firing crowd-control projectiles toward the crowd and then dragging a struck protester as others shout; Rummler is seen on the ground and later handcuffed. [5]

Who Said What

• Kaden Rummler, Protester: "It's going to affect every aspect of my life." [1]
• Kaden Rummler, Protester: "I would absolutely regret not trying to make a change." [1]
• Kaden Rummler, Protester: "I joined the protest against immigration authorities because I can’t stand seeing families torn from their homes." [1]
• John Washington, Civil rights lawyer: "Any officers with just the most basic training would know you don’t shoot someone ever in the face with this, but let alone at point-blank range, and that’s because it is a lethal weapon when used like that." [1]
• Geoffrey Alpert, Professor of criminology and criminal justice, University of South Carolina: "I don’t know of any projectile where you train to shoot at that close range." [1]
• Britain Rodriguez, Protester: "I remember hitting the ground and feeling like my eye exploded in my head." [3]
• Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant secretary for Homeland Security: "Absurd." [1]

Key Facts

• Detainee dies after guard altercation in Texas: Geraldo Lunas Campos died on Jan. 3 at Camp Montana East, a tent facility at Fort Bliss, following an incident with guards. A witness described Campos being handcuffed, tackled, and placed in a chokehold until he lost consciousness. The El Paso County medical examiner's preliminary autopsy ruled the death a homicide due to asphyxia from chest and neck compression, according to a recording reviewed by the AP. Conflicting accounts from authorities have intensified scrutiny of detention conditions. [1]
• DHS revises account to say Campos attempted suicide: The Department of Homeland Security amended its account, saying Campos violently resisted security staff and continued to attempt to take his life. The agency said Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness during the ensuing struggle. Officials described the updated timeline as part of an ongoing investigation into the death. [1]
• Witness describes handcuffed detainee pinned and choked: Santos Jesús Flores, a detainee in the same housing unit, told AP he witnessed Campos being pinned by at least five guards and having an arm squeezed around his neck. Flores said Campos told them he could not breathe, and he noted investigators had not interviewed him. He also said surveillance cameras should have captured the events. [1]
• Camp Montana East run by private contractor with limited corrections experience: Camp Montana East is operated by Acquisition Logistics LLC, a private contractor that had no prior experience running a corrections facility. The company is described as being headquartered in a single-family home in Richmond, Virginia. The tent facility at Fort Bliss was designed to house detainees awaiting removal, with questions about who staffed the site. [3]
• Detainee background and family response: Lunas Campos, a Cuban immigrant, was arrested in July in a removal operation tied to his convictions. New York court records show prior convictions, including sexual contact with a minor and attempting to sell a controlled substance. His adult daughter said the sexual abuse accusation was false and described him as a good father, while the family seeks accountability and the return of his body for funeral arrangements. [1]

Who Said What

• Santos Jesús Flores, detainee witness: "The last thing he said was that he couldn't breathe." Flores said this while describing the incident, and he noted that investigators had not interviewed him yet. He added that video cameras should have captured what happened. [1]
• Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokesperson: "Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness." [1]
• Kary Lunas, Lunas Campos's daughter: "My father was not a child molester. He was a good dad. He was a human being." [1]
• Dr. Victor Weedn, forensic pathologist: "This probably passes the 'but for' test. But for the actions of the officers, he would not have died. For us, that’s generally a homicide." [1]

Key Facts

• Watson found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Ratanapakdee case: A San Francisco jury convicted Antoine Watson, 24, of involuntary manslaughter and assault for the January 2021 attack that left 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee unconscious. Ratanapakdee died two days later. Jurors did not convict him of murder. Sentencing will follow after aggravating factors are reviewed. [1]
• Jury convicts Watson of involuntary manslaughter and assault: Jurors found Watson guilty on the lesser charges rather than murder. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office did not comment on the verdict. Jurors will return to hear aggravating-factor arguments before sentencing. [1]
• Watson says he was in a haze and unaware: During testimony, Watson said he lashed out in confusion and did not know that Ratanapakdee was Asian or older. The account was reported in connection with KRON-TV. [2]
• 84-year-old Thai grandfather killed after morning walk: Ratanapakdee was out for his usual morning walk in his San Francisco neighborhood when Watson charged at him and knocked him to the ground. A neighbor’s security video captured the encounter; Ratanapakdee died two days later. [1]
• Family says race motive; hate-crime charges not filed: The victim’s family said the attack was racially motivated, but prosecutors did not file hate-crime charges, citing the difficulties of proving such charges without explicit statements. [1]
• Commemorations across five cities and rising anti-Asian violence: Hundreds of people in five other U.S. cities joined commemorations of Ratanapakdee’s death, part of a nationwide push for accountability for anti-Asian harassment. The broader context shows anti-Asian attacks surged during the pandemic, with more than 10,000 hate incidents reported to Stop AAPI Hate between March 2020 and September 2021. [3][4][5]

Who Said What

• Antoine Watson, defendant: Watson testified he was in a haze of confusion and anger and did not know that Ratanapakdee was Asian or older. [2]
• Mano Raju, San Francisco Public Defender: While this death was a terrible tragedy and has garnered a lot of press attention, the importance of our legal system is that it gives us a chance to look at the facts in a balanced way. [1]
• Mano Raju, San Francisco Public Defender: fully remorseful for his mistake. [1]

Key Facts

• Air leaks account for more than a quarter of home energy use: Energy data cited in the article shows heat loss from drafts around doors, windows and attic entries. The piece emphasizes that meaningful gains can come without expensive upgrades, noting a $100 investment and a free afternoon can make a difference. [3][1]
• Small, inexpensive steps can lower bills and boost comfort: Experts say sealing leaks reduces energy use and improves livability. The article emphasizes locating leaks as the first step, using simple methods on a windy day and even candles or incense to reveal drafts. [1]
• Windows can be sealed with putty and kits: Putty around edges and indoor window insulator kits under $20 are common. The kits include a plastic film stretched over the window and tightened with a blow dryer, offering a non-permanent fix. [1]
• Door gaps tackled with sweeps and weatherstripping: Door sweeps cost under $20 and weatherstripping under $10 per 10 feet. These seal the bottom and sides of the door frame to block drafts. [1]
• Outlets and attic entries sealed to stop drafts: Foam sealers for outlets cost under $10 for a multipack, and foam or caulk can close gaps where wires and pipes enter walls or floors. [1]
• Recessed lights and top-level leaks addressed for bigger gains: Kits to retrofit recessed fixtures cost between $5 and $30, enabling LED upgrades and sealing gaps around the can. The article notes this can be done without an electrician with DIY steps. [1]

Who Said What

• Johanna Neumann, senior director, Environment America: "It’ll lower your utility bills, it’ll make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy use." [1]
• Matt Lanteigne, DIY home construction expert: "They’re really easy to install, and they’re not permanent, as long as you’re careful taking the tape off after the winter." [1]
• Eric George, energy auditor and contractor, Home Comfort Advisors: "Most of the air in your house leaks out of the top of the house. And as that air leaks out the top the house, it draws air in through the bottom of the house. There’s people that have 20, 30, 50 recessed lights in their houses and it basically turns their house into Swiss cheese. I mean, there’s just tons of air leaking out." [1]

Key Facts

• BioParque zoo serves frozen treats amid extreme heat: Animals including jaguars and monkeys were offered popsicles and other frozen items prepared to meet each species’ needs as Rio faced a heat wave. The practice is part of routine animal care to support thermal comfort. [2][3]
• Monkeys receive watermelon popsicles from keepers: A group of monkeys were handed watermelon popsicles by zoo keepers as part of the cooling effort. [1]
• Jaguar scoops ground chicken popsicles from floating tray: A jaguar attempted to fish out ground chicken popsicles from a tray that floated in its water tank, illustrating the interactive way animals access the frozen foods. [1]
• Biologist notes hydration importance of frozen foods: Letizia Feitoza, a zoo biologist, explained that when animals chase or move to retrieve frozen food they also ingest water, underscoring hydration benefits during heat. [1]
• Temperatures rise above 40 C; heat alert issued: Rio de Janeiro saw temperatures surpass 40 C, prompting city authorities to issue a Level 3 heat alert and warn of health risks from prolonged exposure. [1]
• Visitors observe cooling effort and express approval: Visitors, including a teacher, watched the animals enjoy the popsicles and remarked that the treats bring comfort to the animals. [1]

Who Said What

• Letizia Feitoza, biologist at the BioParque zoo: "When she tries to fish out the frozen food, she ends up ingesting water as well," Letizia Feitoza said. This highlights hydration. [1]
• Lorena Carvalho, teacher visiting the zoo: "I thought it was really cool," said Lorena Carvalho, a teacher visiting the zoo. "I think it brings them more comfort." [1]

Key Facts

• Judge allows Zizians to coordinate defense: Allegany County Circuit Court Judge Michael Twigg granted permission for Jack LaSota, Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank to work together on their defense in the trespassing, weapons and drug charges. The arrangement comes as the case moves toward a Feb. 9 trial. Previously, two members could meet, while Zajko was kept apart. The joint defense approach aims to streamline motions and strategy. [1]
• LaSota named as leader; group linked to six deaths: LaSota is described as the group's apparent leader and as part of a network described as cultlike. The Zizians are portrayed as young computer scientists drawn together by radical beliefs about veganism, gender identity and artificial intelligence. Prosecutors tie the group to six deaths across the United States, including incidents in California and Vermont. [1]
• Arrest in Frostburg; Zajko Vermont gun lie; LaSota armed fugitive: The trio was arrested in February after a property owner in Frostburg, Maryland, reported finding them living in box trucks on his land. In Vermont, Zajko faces charges for lying on a gun-purchase application connected to the killing of a Border Patrol agent, while LaSota faces separate federal charges as an armed fugitive. [1]
• LaSota challenges prosecutors with statements: During the hearing, LaSota interjected with remarks such as a call to private talks and a claim that the group should be able to discuss matters without recorders. He also asserted that he does not want to be shielded from co-defendants by court procedure. [1]
• Hearing postponed; Jan 30 date set for motions: The session was postponed to Jan 30 as Zajko sought to fire her attorney. The agenda had been to discuss motions to dismiss and trial logistics for the Feb. 9 start, but the schedule was adjusted in light of the request. [1]
• Vermont case looms with death penalty context: In Vermont, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Teresa Youngblut for her alleged role in the border-patrol shootout; Youngblut has pleaded not guilty. The case sits within a broader national context of federal death-penalty considerations and executions. [3][4]

Who Said What

• Jack LaSota, Zizians member and apparent leader: In the car ride here! We should be able to talk to each other without being recorded and without fear of our notes being intercepted. I repudiate any notion of protecting me from our codefendants. [1]
• Jack LaSota, Zizians member and apparent leader: We should be able to talk to each other without being recorded and without fear of our notes being intercepted. [1]
• Jack LaSota, Zizians member and apparent leader: I repudiate any notion of protecting me from our codefendants. [1]
• Michelle Zajko, Zizians member: We’re adults. We have work to do, and we want to do our work. [1]
• Daniel Blank, Zizians member: As do I. [1]

Key Facts

• Gillibrand and Moody unveil bipartisan stock ban plan: Two senators from opposite parties plan to introduce legislation that would bar members of Congress and their immediate family from trading or owning individual stocks. The move reflects a renewed push after years of debate and aims to curb potential conflicts of interest in Washington. [1]
• Public support meets legislative gridlock: The effort comes amid broad public support for curbing stock trading by lawmakers, but the proposals have repeatedly stalled on Capitol Hill as multiple bills circulate in both chambers and within party leadership. [2]
• Roy-Magaziner House bill foreshadows Senate version: The Gillibrand-Moody Senate bill mirrors a House proposal by Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Seth Magaziner that would ban members from buying or selling individual stocks and has a substantial number of cosponsors. [1]
• Discharge petition pushes for a vote in the House: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna leads a discharge petition aiming to bypass leadership and force a floor vote on the House plan, signaling active momentum on the House side with significant signatures. [1]
• Senate bill sets divestment timeline and exemptions: The Senate version would give lawmakers up to 180 days to divest their stock holdings after enactment, with newly elected members having 90 days to divest. It also bars trading or owning securities, commodities and futures and would exempt the president and vice president. [1]
• Campaign implications unfold as Moody and Gillibrand push reform: Moody is seeking election to her first full term in Florida after a recent appointment, and Gillibrand chairs the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, illustrating how reform efforts intersect with electoral dynamics. [1]

Who Said What

• Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator, New York: There’s an American consensus around this, not a partisan consensus, that members of Congress and, frankly, senior members of administrations and the White House, shouldn’t be making money off the backs of the American people. [1]
• Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator, New York: The time has come. We have consensus, and there’s a drumbeat of people who want to get this done. [1]
• Ashley Moody, U.S. Senator, Florida: The American people must be able to trust that their elected officials are focused on results for the American people and not focused on profiting from their positions. [1]
• Seth Magaziner and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Democrats: are disappointed that the bill introduced by Republican leadership today fails to deliver the reform that is needed. [1]

Key Facts

• Court clears 24 rescue volunteers: Judges acquitted all 24 defendants in a seven-year case over migrant rescue work. The decision concluded a lengthy legal process that drew criticism from human rights groups. [1]
• Defendants tied to ERCI face illegal-entry charges: The volunteers linked to Emergency Response Centre International faced charges of facilitating illegal entry and forming a criminal organization. The prosecutor urged acquittal, noting a lack of evidence, and testimony that a defendant sometimes alerted port authorities about approaching boats. [1]
• Sarah Mardini among acquitted: Syrian competitive swimmer Sarah Mardini is among those cleared. Her refugee story inspired the Netflix drama The Swimmers, and she had faced legal trouble tied to rescue work. [1]
• Supporters celebrate outside court: Supporters clapped and cheered as the acquitted volunteers emerged, and many spent hours in court before taking part in a late-night swim at the island port. [1]
• Rights groups welcomed the ruling: Human rights groups praised the acquittals as vindication even as they noted the seven-year ordeal for those involved, emphasizing the importance of saving lives. [1]
• Context: EU crackdown on irregular migration: The ruling comes as Greece and other EU governments pursue stronger deportation plans and tighter migration controls, while rights groups urge protections for humanitarian aid. [1]

Who Said What

• Sarah Mardini, defendant, humanitarian volunteer: "We didn’t do anything illegal. If helping people is a crime, then we are all guilty." [1]
• Eva Cosse, senior researcher, Human Rights Watch: "The acquittals are a vindication for the defendants but are also bittersweet: Two dozen people were subjected to a seven-year legal ordeal on baseless charges for saving lives." [1]
• Eve Geddie, senior official, Amnesty International: "We hope today’s decision sends a strong signal to Greece and other European countries that solidarity, compassion and defending human rights should be protected and celebrated, not punished." [1]

Key Facts

• Adams unveils NYC Token in Times Square: The former New York City mayor launched the new cryptocurrency as his first act as a private citizen, framing it as a tool to fight antisemitism and anti-Americanism. The rollout drew attention as the token quickly vaulted toward a near $600 million valuation within minutes of its debut. [3]
• NYC Token price collapses after rapid rise: By that evening the token had fallen about 75% from its peak as investors grappled with the chaotic launch. Bubblemaps tracked a $2.5 million withdrawal associated with the debut, with roughly $1.5 million later returned. The episode prompted questions about the project’s structure and sparked discussions of a rug pull. [4]
• Carone and Zvieli linked to launch; roles unclear: Frank Carone, Adams' former adviser, and Yosef Zvieli, a real estate investor, were involved in the token’s launch, though their exact functions were not disclosed. The AP report noted their involvement as part of the rollout, with Shapiro confirming Zvieli’s ties to the project. [1]
• Adams' team denies misconduct; seeks transparency: Through a former campaign spokesperson, Adams said he did not profit from the token and did not move investor funds, calling reports to the contrary false and unsupported by evidence. The spokesperson framed the episode as reflective of market volatility in new digital assets and emphasized transparency and responsible innovation. [1]
• Experts skeptical about rollout; potential rug pull: Crypto analysts cited in the AP report warned that political memes are prone to manipulation, and Bubblemaps found most investors bought in just before Adams announced the coin. They described the rollout as having hallmarks of a rug pull and questioned the asset’s long-term value. [1][4]

Who Said What

• Eric Adams, former New York City mayor: "We’re about to change the game. This thing is going to take off like crazy." [1]
• Todd Shapiro, Adams' spokesperson: "Like many newly launched digital assets, the NYC Token experienced market volatility. Mr. Adams has consistently emphasized transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation." [1]
• Brock Pierce, crypto investor and Adams’ adviser: "no one has run off with anyone’s money." [1]
• Brock Pierce, crypto investor and Adams’ adviser: "Had I been consulted, I would’ve put together a team of more qualified people who knew what they’re doing." [1]
• Benjamin Cowen, crypto analyst, Into the Cryptoverse: "It could be a legitimate project with just a really bad rollout. But the way it was launched didn’t instill a lot of confidence." [1]

Key Facts

• Warner ruled out for divisional game vs Seahawks: San Francisco star linebacker Fred Warner will miss the 49ers' divisional round playoff against Seattle. The team announced he is out for the game and there is a possibility he could return if San Francisco advances to the NFC title game. The injury originated in October and was initially described as season-ending by coach Kyle Shanahan. [1]
• Warner returns to practice for first time since injury: Warner returned to practice this week for the first time since breaking and dislocating his right ankle in a loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 12. The move signals progress in his rehabilitation, though no return timetable is set. [2]
• Warner left open the possibility to play earlier but is ruled out now: Earlier in the week, Warner had left open the possibility he could play this weekend. On Thursday, the 49ers ruled out that possibility, keeping him out of the divisional round unless circumstances change. [3]
• Shanahan remains hopeful Warner could return if the Niners reach the NFC title game: Shanahan said he remains hopeful Warner could return if the 49ers beat Seattle and advance to the NFC title game on Jan. 25, indicating continued medical optimism about his situation. [1]
• Pearsall could return; limited practice; questionable: Receiver Ricky Pearsall practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable with a knee injury. He has 36 catches for 528 yards this season and leads the team with eight downfield catches, a factor in Brock Purdy's deep-pass attempts when healthy. [1]
• Other injury notes for San Francisco: Safety Ji’Ayir Brown is out with a hamstring injury while linebackers Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quadriceps) are questionable. Receiver Jacob Cowing, on injured reserve all season with a hamstring injury, is also questionable. [1]

Who Said What

• Kyle Shanahan, Head coach, San Francisco 49ers: "I do feel confident in that. We'll see if it works out." [1]
• Kyle Shanahan, Head coach, San Francisco 49ers: "He’s still battling it, so that’s why he’s still questionable. We would never put a guy on an exact snap count especially in a playoff game. But we also understand where he’s at and that it would probably have to be different than his just true status of when he’s 100% healthy." [1]

Key Facts

• Alaska appeals court urged to dismiss charges: A state appeals court in Anchorage is being asked to reverse a lower court’s decision that let stand the indictment against Tupe Smith, a Whittier resident born in American Samoa, in a case that also centers on the citizenship questions tied to people born in the territory. [1][2]
• Smith's lawyers seek reversal of indictment: In arguments on Thursday, her attorneys plan to urge the Alaska Court of Appeals to overturn the lower court’s ruling and dismiss the charges, arguing she acted on mistaken advice and had no intent to mislead. [1]
• Charges also filed against 10 others from American Samoa: Prosecutors have charged ten other people from American Samoa in Whittier in connection with the same case, including Smith’s husband and mother-in-law, underscoring broader questions about citizenship and voting in the community. [3]
• American Samoa status: not automatically citizens: The article notes American Samoa is the only U.S. territory where births do not automatically confer U.S. citizenship; residents are U.S. nationals with possible paths to citizenship. [1][4]
• Rights and restrictions for American Samoans: American Samoans can serve in the military, obtain U.S. passports and vote in elections in American Samoa, but cannot hold U.S. public office or participate in most U.S. elections. [1]
• Smith arrested after winning regional school board seat in 2023: Smith was arrested after winning election to a regional school board in 2023 and says she relied on information from local election officials that she could vote; she identified herself as a U.S. citizen on voter registration forms. [1]

Who Said What

• Kayla Doyle, assistant attorney general: The counts Smith was indicted on did not have anything to do with her belief in her ability to vote in certain elections; rather they concerned the straightforward question of whether or not Smith intentionally and falsely swore she was a United States citizen. [1]
• Neil Weare, co-founder of the Right to Democracy Project: If the appeals court lets stand the indictment, Alaska will be the only state to our knowledge with such a low bar for felony voter fraud. [1]

Key Facts

• Israel to award Kirk at Jerusalem antisemitism conference: Israel's prime minister's office announced that Charlie Kirk will receive an award at the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in Jerusalem. The award recognizes his work combating antisemitism. The timing comes four months after Kirk was assassinated while speaking at an American university. The conference is described as dedicated to confronting antisemitism and Holocaust denial. [1][3]
• Albanian PM Rama and former Austrian Kurz to attend: AP reports Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz are among the leaders expected to attend the Jerusalem event, underscoring international attention on the conference. [1]
• Conference marks second time Israel hosts: This year is the second time Israel’s government hosts the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism, which the government says is dedicated to confronting antisemitism and Holocaust denial. [4]
• Kirk described as staunch Israel supporter; Netanyahu praises him: Kirk was described by the article as a staunch supporter of Israel. Netanyahu described him as a lion-hearted friend of the country and a defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization. [1][5]
• Kirk critiqued Israel policy on Megyn Kelly Show: The article notes that last year Kirk said support for Israel had become so rigid that he felt unable to voice even mild criticism of its policies. [1]

Who Said What

• Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel: "lion-hearted friend" of the country and a "defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization." [1]

Key Facts

• Min Jin Lee’s American Hagwon slated for Sept. 29: Lee’s new novel is her first long work since Pachinko and grew from a core question about what Koreans care about. Cardinal, a Hachette Book Group imprint, will publish the work on Sept. 29 as part of a planned quartet exploring Korea and its diaspora. The book is described as expansive, taking readers across Korea, Australia and Southern California. The project reflects Lee’s longstanding approach of weaving history and society into character-driven narratives. [1]
• Hagwon defined as for-profit Korean tutoring centers: Hagwons in the book and in real life cover everything from English to guitar to cooking. Lee notes that any organization offering private lessons can be considered a Hagwon, making the term a broad umbrella for education-focused spaces. The concept anchors the novel’s examination of how education shapes family and social trajectories. Lee uses the term to explore cultural pressures surrounding learning and achievement. [1]
• American Hagwon is the third in a planned quartet: The new novel follows Lee’s earlier works and completes a developing quartet about Korea and its diaspora. The project builds on her previous novels, including Pachinko, which gained wide acclaim and was adapted for television. The book’s scope includes multiple settings from Korea to Australia to Southern California, underscoring the transnational nature of modern Korean life. This placement reinforces Lee’s broader literary arc focused on memory, adaptation and identity. [1]
• Pachinko adapted by Apple TV+; NYT ranks Pachinko among top 21st‑century novels: Pachinko was adapted by Apple TV+ into a television series, expanding Lee’s reach beyond the page. The New York Times ranked Pachinko No. 15 on its list of best novels of the 21st century in 2024, highlighting its enduring influence and recognition. Together, these milestones illustrate how Lee’s work has moved from a best seller to a widely adapted cultural phenomenon. [3][1]
• Lee’s background and 'accidental historian' approach: Lee grew up in Seoul before moving to New York City at age seven and later studied history at Yale and law at Georgetown. She describes herself as an 'accidental historian' who builds narratives through extensive travel and interviews, not just research. Her process is time-intensive, reflecting her commitment to depth and historical context in storytelling. These elements shape how she crafts complex portraits of families and communities across generations. [1]

Who Said What

• Reagan Arthur, Cardinal Publisher and Senior Vice President: "Almost 10 years after Pachinko, Min Jin Lee continues to give shape to history’s seismic shifts in her fiction, refracting generational change through indelible, masterfully etched characters you can’t help rooting for." [1]
• Min Jin Lee, Author: "I want to hold up a mirror to society, and, as the kids say, do a ’vibe check," she says. [1]

Key Facts

• Global streams reach 5.1 trillion in 2025: The worldwide music industry logged 5.1 trillion streams in 2025, a new single-year record. The rise equals a 9.6 percent increase from 2024, the year that previously held the record. Luminate published the data in its year-end report, reflecting broad strength across on-demand audio and other listening formats. The numbers underscore streaming's dominance as a primary mode of music consumption worldwide. [1]
• U.S. on-demand audio hits 1.4 trillion: In the United States, on-demand audio streams totaled 1.4 trillion in 2025, up 4.6 percent from the prior year. The figure highlights ongoing domestic demand for streaming across eras and genres. The growth complements the global record set that year. [1]
• 43% of US streams from 2021-2025 releases: Only 43% of US on-demand streams came from tracks released in the last five years (2021-2025). That indicates a heavy reliance on older catalog material even as new releases gain traction. The finding helps explain why newer songs may not yet claim a majority share of streams. [1]
• Swift and Wallen surpass 5 million units: Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen each surpassed 5 million album-equivalent units in 2025, signaling strong performance for established stars in a streaming era. The milestone combines sales and streaming to measure overall year totals for these artists. [1]
• Mid-Year: new music down, Christian/gospel up: Luminate's 2025 Mid-Year Report shows on-demand streams for new music released in the last 18 months dipping slightly in the U.S. at the same time Christian/gospel music defied the trend, rising 18.5% in on-demand volume. Rock grew 6.4% and Latin 5.2% as part of the shifting landscape described in the mid-year update. [7]
• AI acts surge; Monet leads with 125M streams: Artificial intelligence acts entered the spotlight as a major trend in 2025, with Monet accumulating about 125 million global on-demand streams. Other AI acts also posted millions, illustrating how technology is reshaping music creation and consumption. Bad Bunny remains a powerhouse in Latin music, generating 2.97 billion U.S. on-demand streams in 2025. [1]

Who Said What

• Jaime Marconette, Luminate vice president of music insights and industry relations: "Rock is the largest growth genre this year, meaning it grew its share of the streaming pie the most. Though rock streaming in general leans catalog, the genre posted the second highest total of new current streams this year." [1]
• Jaime Marconette, Luminate vice president of music insights and industry relations: "Bad Bunny was a key driver of the growth this year with his new album Debí Tirar Más Fotos generating 2.97 billion U.S. on-demand audio streams in 2025." [1]

Key Facts

• Antarctic ice-core sanctuary opened at Concordia Station: Scientists at Concordia Station inaugurated the Ice Memory Sanctuary, the first global repository for mountain ice cores. The vault is designed to keep samples in frigid, stable conditions for long-term study by future researchers. [1]
• Alpine cores from Mont Blanc and Grand Combin arrive: The first two sets of ice cores were drilled in the Alps and arrived after a 50-day refrigerated journey by icebreaker and aircraft from Trieste, Italy, to be stored in the sanctuary. [1]
• Ice cores stored in a -52 C cave vault: During the ceremony, teams moved boxes into the cave and buried them in a 5-meter high snow drift at roughly -52 C (-61 F) to ensure preservation. [1]
• Project aims to enable future research and establish an international convention: Ice Memory frames the cores as future research resources that may be studied with technologies not yet invented. The plan is to craft an international agreement to safeguard samples for generations to come. [1]
• Glaciers melting worldwide drives preservation efforts: The foundation ties preservation to a broader trend of glaciers disappearing as temperatures rise. Since 2000, regional ice loss has ranged from about 2% to 39%, with global losses around 5%. [2][1]
• Decade-long effort to expand and safeguard samples: Scientists anticipate relocating more cores to the sanctuary in the coming years and pursuing an international framework to maintain access to these climate records for future research. [1]

Who Said What

• Carlo Barbante, vice chair of the Ice Memory Foundation; professor at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice: By safeguarding physical samples of atmospheric gases, aerosols, pollutants and dust trapped in ice layers, the Ice Memory Foundation ensures that future generations of researchers will be able to study past climate conditions using technologies that may not yet exist. [1]
• Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization: These ice cores are not relics … they are reference points. [1]

Key Facts

• Livestream access opens House of the Griffins: One of Palatine Hill’s best-preserved Republican homes is accessible to the public only through a live virtual tour. A guide wearing a head-mounted camera descends into the underground rooms to describe the frescoes and mosaics. Visitors watch from above ground, avoiding direct entry to cramped interiors. [1]
• House sits beneath Domitian’s palace on Palatine: The House of the Griffins dates to the Republican era and sits under Emperor Domitian’s palace. The underground domus was concealed when his palace was built atop it in the first century A.D. The site offers insight into high-status living through richly colored frescoes and complex floor mosaics. [1]
• Livestreaming protects frescoes by limiting access: The live tour allows people to experience the domus without physically entering its most delicate spaces. Limiting on-site traffic helps maintain humidity and carbon dioxide levels, safeguarding the frescoes and mosaics from deterioration. [1]
• EU funds restoration part of park-wide effort: The restoration is one of 10 European Union funded projects within the archaeological park. The broader aim is to spread visitors beyond the must-see Colosseum and Forum to reduce crowding and maximize the park’s reach. [1]
• Starting March 3, tours run weekly on Tuesdays: Beginning March 3, livestreamed tours will be offered weekly in Italian and English. Groups are limited to 12 people and require reservations, plus an extra ticket beyond the standard Colosseum-Palatine Hill entrance fee. [1]

Who Said What

• Federica Rinaldi, Project chief: "Its location at the highest point of the hill, its distribution over several levels that take advantage of the slopes of the Palatine Hill itself, and its preservation make it today an almost textbook reference," she said. This highlights why the site is viewed as a benchmark for preserving elite Roman homes. [1]
• Simone Quilici, Head of the park: "It’s a great occasion to value the full territory of the park," he said. This underscores the broader goal of spreading tourism beyond the Colosseum and Forum. [1]

Key Facts

• CBO projects renaming could cost up to $125 million: A Congressional Budget Office analysis released this week says the price tag depends on how broadly and quickly the change is implemented. A modest, within-agency change would cost roughly $10 million and could be absorbed in the Pentagon's existing budgets. If the change is broad and implemented rapidly, costs could reach as much as $125 million. [1]
• Trump signs executive order designating Department of War: The order, signed in September, authorizes the Department of War as a secondary title for the Pentagon. Congress would have to approve a formal name change for it to become permanent, though there has been little momentum on legislation. [1]
• Trump frames rename as signaling strength and calls Defense name 'woke': Trump described the switch as a signal to the world that the U.S. is a force to be reckoned with and criticized the Defense Department’s name as 'woke.' The statement reflects the branding rationale behind the move. [3]
• Hegseth implements rebrand with visible changes at the Pentagon: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth embraced the rebrand and moved quickly to implement it, removing the words 'Secretary of Defense' from office signage and replacing them with 'Secretary of War.' The Pentagon’s website also shifted from defense.gov to war.gov on the same day. [1]
• Congress showing little interest; some bills introduced but stalled: While Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to formalize the name change, the measure has not progressed. The process for a statutory renaming remains unsettled. [1]
• Analysis was requested by Schumer and Merkley: The Congressional Budget Office analysis was requested by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Jeff Merkley, outlining the budgetary implications of the proposed rebrand. [1]

Who Said What

• Donald J. Trump, President of the United States: "the switch was intended to signal to the world that the U.S. was a force to be reckoned with, and he complained that the Department of Defense’s name was \"woke\"." [3]

Key Facts

• Globes draw 8.7 million viewers on Sunday: Nielsen tallies show the ceremony attracted 8.7 million viewers, a decline of about 7% from the year before. It aired on CBS with Nikki Glaser as host, and it lagged behind the two prior CBS Globes which drew 9.4 million in the network’s first year with the ceremony and 9.3 million the year before. [1]
• Prior CBS Globes drew more viewers than this year: CBS’s two previous Globes telecasts drew 9.4 million and 9.3 million viewers, respectively. The current broadcast fell short of those marks, reflecting a broader dip in Globes viewership after the ceremony’s network shift. [1]
• Globes move to CBS under five-year deal: CBS and the Golden Globes signed a five-year deal to broadcast the ceremony after NBC dropped the show. The transition involved production by Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries. [4]
• One Battle After Another and Hamnet win top honors: The Globes crowned One Battle After Another and Hamnet as top winners in a ceremony that nevertheless drew fewer viewers than recent CBS telecasts. [5]
• Paramount Skydance sues Warner Bros. Discovery: Paramount Skydance filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery and CEO David Zaslav as part of its takeover bid for the studio. The article notes WBD’s board previously rejected Paramount’s offer and backed a Netflix deal. [6][7]
• Globes generate strong social engagement: CBS described the Globes as the ‘most social ever,’ reporting 42 million interactions and more than 14 million views of Nikki Glaser’s monologue across Globes social channels in the first 36 hours. [1]

Key Facts

• Highway 1 near Big Sur reopens: A 90-mile coastal stretch reopened around midday on Wednesday after three years of closures and repairs triggered by landslides and a roadway collapse that hampered tourism along the scenic route. The reopening restores access between Carmel and Cambria, ending a disruption that forced detours and lengthy inland drives for travelers. Crews cleared debris with remotely operated equipment and installed 4,600 steel bars in a grid to stabilize slopes and reduce future slide risk. [1]
• Opening announced by Gov. Newsom: Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the reopening on social media, praising Caltrans’ speed and saying the move revives a vital economic lifeline for local business owners and residents affected by the closure. [1]
• Caltrans stabilizes slopes with steel bars: Caltrans described Highway 1 as the jewel of the state highway system and used remotely operated bulldozers and excavators to clear debris before drilling steel bars into slopes to strengthen the hillside and prevent further slides. [1]
• Dawn Addis highlights economic benefits: California Assemblymember Dawn Addis said the restoration will restore revenue, improve access to state parks, support jobs, public safety, and economic stability for Big Sur residents. [1]
• Lucia stretch was last to reopen: Over the three-year period, multiple closures occurred along Highway 1, with the final 7-mile stretch near Lucia being the last to reopen as work completed across the corridor. [1]
• Highway 1 characterized as a state jewel: Caltrans has long described Highway 1 as the jewel of the state highway system, a designation echoed as crews completed repairs and opened the route to travelers. [1]

Who Said What

• Colin Twohig, General manager, Big Sur River Inn: "Today is a monumental milestone for us. We’re hitting the light at the end of the tunnel after three long years." [1]
• Gavin Newsom, Governor of California: "This is reviving a vital economic lifeline for local business owners and residents affected by the closure." [1]
• Dawn Addis, California Assemblymember: "This turning point will help restore revenue, access to our state parks, support jobs, public safety, and economic stability for many of our residents." [1]

Key Facts

• Gates Foundation announces record $9 billion budget for 2026: The foundation said it will spend a record $9 billion in 2026, expanding funding in key areas such as global health while signaling broader program investments, including AI and U.S. education. The announcement follows last year’s surprise decision to shutter the foundation in 2045. The plan comes as the foundation outlines a long horizon of giving, with budgets raised for several priority programs. [1]
• Operating costs capped at $1.25 billion; up to 500 staff cuts targeted: Board approval sets an operating-cost cap at about 14% of the budget. To meet that goal, the foundation will reduce up to 500 of its 2,375 staff by 2030, with some open roles left unfilled. The reductions will be implemented gradually and reviewed annually rather than in a single wave. [1]
• Global footprint expanded as HIV and TB work shifts to Africa and India: The foundation plans to create an Africa and India Offices Division to strengthen regional decisions, with work on HIV and tuberculosis largely moving from Seattle to offices in Africa. The shift accompanies downsizing of Seattle teams as part of reorganizing responsibilities. [1][6]
• Budget aims to boost priority areas and scale up lifesaving tools: The increased spending targets maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and poverty reduction, while some grant sizes are expected to grow over time. AI remains a portfolio area the foundation intends to expand, alongside efforts in vaccine development and polio eradication. [1]
• Founders' leadership signals caution and optimism about long-term impact: Bill Gates wrote in a blog post that the world went backwards on child deaths and that the next five years will be difficult as the foundation works to regain momentum, but he remains optimistic about the long-term future. The post also touches on the challenges and governance questions surrounding artificial intelligence. [4][5]

Who Said What

• Mark Suzman, CEO, Gates Foundation: "We will do this thoughtfully, carefully, and systematically. We’ll be recalibrating it every year. That 500-person target is a maximum target. I very much hope that we won’t have to do it as large as that number." [1]
• Mark Suzman, CEO, Gates Foundation: "We are moving into what I believe is going to be the most impactful period of the Gates Foundation in its history. We’ve learned a huge amount over the last quarter century. We’ve built expertise, credibility, and partnerships. We now have a set of goals that are allowing us to focus with greater intentionality." [1]
• Elizabeth Dale, Acting executive director, philanthropy center: "My sense is that they spent the last year really trying to home in on their priorities and their strategy." [1]
• Bill Gates, Founder, Gates Foundation: "The world went backwards" last year when it comes to child deaths, with the number going up for the first time this century, from 4.6 million in 2024 to 4.8 million in 2025. The next five years will be difficult as we try to get back on track and work to scale up new lifesaving tools. Yet I remain optimistic about the long-term future. [4]

Key Facts

• Proposed one-time 5% billionaires’ tax: A measure backed by a large health care union would impose a one-time 5% tax on the assets of billionaires in California, including stocks, art, businesses, collectibles and intellectual property, to backfill federal funding cuts to health services. It would apply retroactively to those living in the state as of Jan. 1. The plan is intended to raise money for health care and is part of a broader public debate about wealth inequality in a high-cost state. [2]
• Ballot qualification hinges on signatures: Backers face the hurdle of gathering more than 870,000 petition signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The high threshold underscores the uphill path the proposal faces before voters can weigh in, even as political tensions rise among supporters and opponents. [1]
• Thiel contributes to anti-tax campaign: Peter Thiel provided a substantial donation to a committee tied to a business group opposing the tax, illustrating high-profile opposition from Silicon Valley figures. The fund-raising activity highlights the polarized environment surrounding the proposal. [4]
• Sanders endorses measure; Newsom opposes wealth taxes: Bernie Sanders publicly endorsed the plan, framing it as a model for other states to consider. Governor Gavin Newsom continues to oppose state wealth taxes, complicating intra‑party dynamics as the measure advances and opponents mobilize. [5][1]
• Exodus concerns drive debate among tech leaders: Several technology leaders express worry that a billionaire tax could push startups and wealth to relocate, potentially eroding California’s economy. Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, cites the risk of entrepreneurs moving operations elsewhere as a core reason for opposition among some in the industry. [1]
• Musk moves to Texas; Page and Brin shift assets: Elon Musk has moved much of his footprint to Texas, including relocating Tesla operations to Austin. At the same time, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have begun shifting more assets to Florida, underscoring the exodus narrative that critics say the measure could accelerate. [7][1]

Who Said What

• Aaron Levie, CEO of Box: "You are really playing with fire with this one." [1]
• Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator: "Our nation will not thrive when so few have so much while so many have so little." [5]
• Suzanne Jimenez, Chief of staff, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West: The tax would keep emergency rooms open, hospitals staffed and health care systems functioning. [6]
• Jack Pitney, Political scientist, Claremont McKenna College: He’s already facing a (budget) deficit the size of which is uncertain ... and in the years to come, a billionaires tax that could backfire badly. [1]

Key Facts

• FEMA housing decision looms for Maui survivors: Nearly 1,000 households remain displaced by the Maui wildfires that largely razed Lahaina and surrounding areas on Aug. 8, 2023. FEMA has run the housing program for about two and a half years to help residents stay housed while they recover. A state extension is being considered, with a decision due before the end of January. The fires affected about 12,000 displaced people, 89% of them renters, highlighting the scale of the housing challenge. [1]
• Trump floated eliminating FEMA, signaling a broader shift in disaster response: The idea would shift disaster responsibilities to states, a broader approach under discussion in Washington. It remains unclear whether this stance will influence the Maui housing decision, but the administration’s posture is part of the context surrounding FEMA’s future role. [2]
• Ending aid would force vacating FEMA units for survivors: If the program expires, all housing-related financial assistance would cease and any units leased through FEMA would have to be vacated, potentially increasing homelessness and displacement on an already tight island. [1]
• Kilohana and Ka La’i Ola provide modular housing for hundreds: Kilohana is a 167-unit modular complex on a hillside overlooking Lahaina; the first family moved in 14 months ago. Ka La’i Ola houses 450 modular units created through a state-philanthropic partnership, with residents not paying rent and a five-year maximum stay. [1]
• Rental market remains extremely tight with near zero vacancies: Maui’s rental vacancy rate is under 2%, and mid-2025 data show zero units affordable at fair-market rent, underscoring why extending housing relief is seen as critical for recovery near Lahaina. [1]
• Progress in rebuilding and contingency planning underway: Construction progress includes 109 residential projects completed and about 300 in process. County and state officials, and HIEMA, say contingency plans are in place if FEMA aid ends, including the possibility of transferring Kilohana operations. [1]

Who Said What

• Nicole Huguenin, Executive director and co-founder of Maui Rapid Response: "All of them entering into our already impacted rental market in February scares me a lot," underscoring how new renters could strain an already tight supply. [1]
• Kukui Keahi, Displaced resident and program deputy at the Hawaiian Council: "I’m paying what I was before and I can’t, there’s no way," illustrating affordability pressures from rent increases after the fires. [1]
• James Barros, HIEMA Administrator: "The tough part on the island is everything needs to be shipped in," highlighting logistical hurdles to rebuilding and recovery. [1]

Key Facts

• Case sends shock waves through global auto industry: Lawyers for Nexperia and its Wingtech owners argued in Amsterdam that a formal probe into mismanagement should be opened. The hearing in the enterprise chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal was focused on whether to order such a review, and no immediate decision was expected. The dispute has drawn attention from automakers anxious about chip supplies. [2][1]
• Dutch government seizes control of Nexperia: The government said it had effectively taken control of the company since late September on national security grounds, a move tied to concerns over intellectual property and governance. Zhang Xuezheng, the Chinese CEO and Wingtech founder, was replaced after mismanagement claims and fears of IP transfer. [3][1]
• Zhang Xuezheng replaced as Nexperia CEO: Zhang Xuezheng was replaced after claims of mismanagement and concerns about intellectual property transfers, a change that underscored tensions between Nexperia's Dutch leadership and its Chinese owners. [1]
• Beijing blocks exports of Nexperia chips, later lifts ban: Beijing temporarily blocked exports from Nexperia’s China plant in October, disrupting auto production globally. The export ban was later lifted after a high-level meeting between U.S. and Chinese leaders. [1]
• November move: Netherlands relinquishes control; automakers affected: The Dutch government said it relinquished its control of Nexperia as a goodwill gesture. China pressed the Netherlands to correct what it described as mistakes, and automakers including Honda halted some production while Mercedes-Benz sought alternatives amid ongoing supply concerns. Nexperia’s Chinese arm and the Dutch headquarters traded accusations over shipments and instructions. [5][1]

Who Said What

• Jeroen van der Schriek, Nexperia lawyer: "the behavior of Wingtech and Hong Kong-based holding company Yuching since October makes it clear that they are willing to subordinate Nexperia’s interests to other interests." [1]

Key Facts

• One Battle After Another named best film: The National Board of Review crowned One Battle After Another the year’s best film at the New York gala. Winners had been announced earlier, shifting the night to speeches and reflections. Leonardo DiCaprio earned Best Actor and Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director for the film. Martin Scorsese delivered the surprise Best Film presentation and praised the work as audacious and singular. [1]
• Scorsese presents Best Film trophy: Martin Scorsese presented the Best Film award to One Battle After Another, calling the film incomparable and a great American work. Anderson reflected on the movie’s meaning, noting it centers on his relationship with his daughter, which gave the night an intimate framing. [1]
• Coogler links film to Minnesota tragedy: Coogler, accepting Best Screenplay for Sinners, connected the night to real-world violence, recalling Fruitvale Station and the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. He said he hoped cinema would change the world, but acknowledged it has not, and he said he cannot ignore Minnesota. [1][10]
• Panahi condemns Iran crackdown; It Was Just an Accident wins: Panahi delivered remarks via an interpreter condemning Iran’s crackdown on protesters, saying a bloodbath is ongoing to delay the regime’s collapse and urging the film community to speak out. He also noted his film It Was Just an Accident won Best International Film, tying his artistic work to real-world events. Activists put the death toll from the crackdown well above 2,500. [1][13][12]
• Bentley and Kwedar win Train Dreams; Panahi acknowledged: Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar won for Train Dreams, a Pacific Northwest drama. Bentley thanked Panahi for reminding filmmakers why the medium matters and why pursuing the craft is worthwhile even during difficult times. [1]

Who Said What

• Jafar Panahi, dissident Iranian filmmaker: "As we stand here, the state of Iran is gunning down protesters and a savage massacre continues blatantly on the streets of Iran." [1]
• Jafar Panahi, dissident Iranian filmmaker: "Today the real scene is not on screens but on the streets of Iran. The Islamic Republic has caused a bloodbath to delay its collapse." [1][13]
• Jafar Panahi, dissident Iranian filmmaker: "This is no longer a metaphor. This is not a story. This is not a film. This is a reality written with bullets day after day." [1]
• Jafar Panahi, dissident Iranian filmmaker: "Let’s stand by them." [1]
• Paul Thomas Anderson, director: "I don’t know what our movie is about, but I do know it’s about loving your kids." [1]
• Ryan Coogler, writer-director: "I was young and naive, and I thought the movie was going to change the world and make it so you didn’t see people executed by civil service on camera anymore," I was proven wrong again and again. And it’s tough to be here and not think about Minnesota." [1]
• Ryan Coogler, writer-director: "I can’t be here and not think about Renee." [1][10]
• Martin Scorsese, director: "Like all great films, it can’t really be compared to anything else. It stands alone. It’s a great American film." [1]
• Clint Bentley, filmmaker: "When the world is kind of burning down, it can feel frivolous at times... I just want to say thank you most of all to Mr. Panahi for reminding us for what we can do with the medium and why it can be worth doing." [1]