Key Facts

• Trump orders ICE pullback from Minneapolis – Federal agents are expected to be withdrawn after a conversation with Trump, per the city’s mayor. The retreat follows the deadly shooting of two American citizens during the aggressive ICE operation. It signals recognition that Operation Metro Surge overreached in Minnesota. [1]
• Greg Bovino removed from on‑ground command in Minnesota – The Border Patrol commander who led the deployment of roughly 2,000 ICE officers has been reassigned to his prior post. The move does not constitute his dismissal from federal service. The White House appointed Tom Homan to oversee policy on the ground. [2]
• Judge orders ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to appear in court – A top federal judge mandated Lyons’ appearance on Friday after the Trump administration failed to hold hearings for detained immigrants. The order reflects ongoing legal challenges to the Minnesota surge. [1]
• Operation Metro Surge was DHS’s largest domestic immigration effort – For months, the deployment targeted Minneapolis and St. Paul, generating protests, legal challenges, and viral video footage. Critics highlighted conflicting government claims about the deaths of Alex Pretti and another resident. The operation’s visibility turned the Twin Cities into a national flashpoint. [1]
• Political backlash spans both parties – Republican Senator Bill Cassidy called the Minneapolis shooting “incredibly disturbing,” while Senator Thom Tillis demanded a “thorough and impartial investigation.” Democratic Governor Tim Walz labeled the tactics “illegal” and “un‑American,” urging an end to the “unlawful, violent and chaotic campaign.” [1]
• Trump’s broader immigration agenda remains aggressive – Despite the Minnesota retreat, the administration continues to pursue expanded deportations, workplace raids, and increased detention capacity nationwide. The shift appears tactical—quieter operations and tighter oversight—rather than a change in policy direction. [1]

Who Said What

• Greg Bovino (Border Patrol commander) – Said his agents were “the victims” and claimed they prevented specific shootings, adding that “we respect that Second Amendment right, but those rights don’t count when you riot and assault….”
• Senator Bill Cassidy (Republican U.S. Senator) – Described the Minneapolis shooting as “incredibly disturbing” and warned that “the credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.”
• Senator Thom Tillis (Republican U.S. Senator) – Called for “a thorough and impartial investigation,” criticizing officials who rush to judgment.
• Governor Tim Walz (Minnesota Governor) – Condemned the ICE tactics as “illegal” and “un‑American,” urging President Trump to “end this unlawful, violent and chaotic campaign.”
• Attorney General Keith Ellison (Minnesota Attorney General) – Characterized the surge as “in essence, a federal invasion of the Twin Cities and Minnesota, and it must stop.”

Key Facts

• Border Patrol shooting reported in Arivaca, Arizona – Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced a shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol near milepost 15 of West Arivaca Road shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The incident occurred south of Tucson, close to the Amado checkpoint. The sheriff’s office is coordinating with the FBI Phoenix‑Tucson office and Customs and Border Protection. [2][1]
• One person found critically injured and airlifted – Responders from the Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response discovered a single individual in critical condition. The victim was placed in custody and transported by air to a regional trauma center for treatment. No identity or details about the victim have been released. [1]
• Investigation led by PCSD’s Criminal Investigation Division – The Pima County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division is heading a use‑of‑force inquiry, with assistance from the FBI. Customs and Border Protection has not provided additional information as of Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have not confirmed whether any federal agents were injured. [1]
• Shooting adds to recent spate of law‑enforcement incidents – This event marks the seventh law‑enforcement shooting in Arizona in 2026 and the second reported in southern Arizona that day, according to local outlets KOLD and Arizona’s Family. It follows the fatal shooting of CBP agent Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the earlier shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. The cluster of incidents has heightened scrutiny of federal‑law‑enforcement interactions in the region. [1][3][4]
• Federal presence in Tucson has sparked community tension – Federal agents have been operating in Tucson for weeks, with reports of window break‑ins and arrests. The Tucson Police Department issued a press release stating it cannot interfere with or prevent federal operations, acknowledging community concerns. [1]

Who Said What

• Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff – “The Pima County Sheriff's Department is responding to a shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol in Arivaca. We are working in coordination with the FBI Phoenix‑Tucson office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.” (Facebook statement) [2]
• Tucson Police Department – In a press release the department said federal agents’ actions “cause concern and uncertainty” but the department “cannot interfere with or prevent federal operations.” [1]

Key Facts

• Kalshi market tracker puts Bovino’s exit odds at 80% – The odds rose to 80 percent on Tuesday morning after hitting a high of 90 percent on Monday and dropping to 60 percent earlier Tuesday. The figure is the highest among all leaders the tracker follows, indicating a strong market expectation of his departure[1].
• Bovino removed from Minneapolis field work after Pretti shooting backlash – The administration pulled the border‑patrol agent at large from on‑the‑ground operations in Minneapolis following widespread criticism of ICE tactics tied to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti[2][4]. The move reflects pressure to curb aggressive enforcement in the city.
• Tom Homan now oversees ICE in Minnesota as agents withdraw – President Trump appointed Tom Homan to supervise ICE activities in the state, and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey announced that federal agents will begin leaving the city on Tuesday[2]. This restructuring aims to reduce the federal presence after the controversy.
• Other officials show lower departure probabilities – Kalshi listed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at a 61 percent chance of leaving and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at 50 percent, both well below Bovino’s 80 percent rating[1].
• Indivisible’s Ezra Levin says Minnesota’s push signals regime loss – Levin, co‑executive director of the progressive group Indivisible, said “Thousands of neighbors rallied…the people rejected them” and declared that the recent changes show “Minnesota won and the regime is losing”[1]. He added that activists will keep demanding accountability and an end to militarized raids.
• Public figures weigh in on Pretti’s shooting and gun legality – Fox host Trey Gowdy argued that Pretti was lawfully carrying a concealed firearm and never brandished it, while President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social questioning why local police were not allowed to protect ICE officers and noting the gun was loaded with extra magazines[5].

Who Said What

• Ezra Levin, co‑executive director of Indivisible – “Thousands of neighbors rallied together day after day and proved that these fascists are weak and beatable…The people of Minnesota protected their neighbors, and refused to accept state‑sanctioned violence…”[1].
• Trey Gowdy, Fox News host – “Alex Pretti's firearm was lawfully being carried. It's lawful to carry a gun in Minnesota. He never brandished it. He didn't point it at the cops.”[5].
• Donald Trump, President of the United States – “This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go—What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?”[5].

Newsweek

President Donald Trump is set to wield considerable influence over the Board of Peace, drawing some invitees and alienating others.

Key Facts

• Board of Peace draws around two dozen nations – The initiative, launched to address the Gaza war, now includes Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Argentina, Paraguay, Bulgaria, Hungary, Belarus, Kosovo, Cambodia, Mongolia and Vietnam, according to a statement released on Wednesday [1].
• Trump positions the BOP as a potential UN alternative – The president has hinted the board “might” rival the United Nations, while also asserting the UN should continue to exist; critics note the broader mandate could challenge the UN’s eight‑decade dominance in conflict resolution [1].
• Trump serves as permanent chairman with a mixed executive team – The seven‑member executive board features U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, son‑in‑law Jared Kushner, former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair, Apollo CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel [1].
• Key global powers remain on the fence or reject the invitation – China and Russia have not confirmed participation; Russia’s entry is tied to using frozen assets for the membership fee, while China cites commitment to the UN. European allies such as France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom have declined, as have neutral Ireland [1].
• Joining motives range from diplomatic leverage to Trump‑favor – Analysts say states may seek a higher profile, a direct channel to influence U.S. policy on Gaza, or simply to stay in Trump’s good graces; concerns persist that the board’s unchecked remit and Trump’s unilateral veto could undermine established multilateral norms [1].
• Trump touts the BOP as a historic peace effort linked to Nobel ambitions – The White House claims the board will be “the most consequential, prestigious board in history,” while Trump promotes his peace credentials as part of a long‑sought Nobel Peace Prize campaign [1][3].

Who Said What

• Brett Schaefer (American Enterprise Institute senior fellow) – Described the BOP as potentially more flexible and decisive than the UN, which he said “struggles with bureaucracy, legacy practices, and need for support for key actors” [1].
• Daniel Forti (International Crisis Group, head of U.S. affairs) – Stated that countries join to boost diplomatic profiles or curry favor with Trump, and warned that the board’s design gives it “an unchecked, global remit” and a unilateral Trump veto [1].
• Rajan Menon (Columbia University senior research scholar) – Noted that Gulf states have extensive business ties with the Trump family and join to keep “Trump happy,” while Turkey’s Erdogan and Pakistan’s leadership see strategic benefits [1].
• Taylor Rogers (White House spokesperson) – Declared the BOP “the most consequential, prestigious board in history,” adding that Trump “has already ended eight wars and saved millions of lives” [1].
• Unnamed Trump administration official – Asserted the board is meant to complement, not replace, the UN and will channel funds directly to reconstruction and humanitarian aid without “exorbitant salaries” [1].

Key Facts

• Fetterman urges Trump to dismiss Noem – Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman publicly demanded President Donald Trump fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal immigration agents, warning the president not to repeat “the same mistake” Biden made by keeping an “incompetent” DHS chief. He said the deaths showed Noem was betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing border‑security legacy, even as he has praised Trump in the past despite party differences. [1]
• Minnesota killings spark bipartisan outcry – The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent on Jan 24 in Minneapolis and the killing of Renee Nicole Good have ignited protests and bipartisan concern over the large‑scale surge of federal immigration agents into Minnesota. These incidents intensified mounting pressure on Noem’s handling of the situation and prompted calls for accountability. [2][3]
• Polling shows falling confidence in DHS and Noem – Recent surveys indicate a rapid decline in public trust for the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Secretary Noem, a trend that could jeopardize Republican prospects in the 2026 midterm elections. The data underscores growing criticism of the administration’s immigration enforcement and adds pressure on GOP leaders to protect their majorities in the House and Senate. [4]
• Trump sends border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis – President Trump deployed his appointed “border czar” Tom Homan to manage ICE operations in Minneapolis, with Homan reporting directly to the president rather than to Noem. The move follows the controversial deployment of federal agents and aims to tighten on‑ground management; Noem publicly welcomed Homan’s deployment and has worked with him and Trump over the past year. [5]
• Greg Bovino removed amid agency turmoil – Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino was pulled from Minneapolis after the deaths, though the Department of Homeland Security publicly denied that he had been relieved of his duties. His removal adds to the turbulence surrounding the agency’s response and raises questions about internal leadership stability. [6]
• Democrats pursue impeachment and funding standoff – House Democrats have introduced an impeachment resolution against Noem that has attracted 140 co‑sponsors, while Senate Democrats are refusing to approve a DHS funding bill, raising the risk of a partial federal shutdown over immigration‑enforcement financing. The standoff threatens to derail Trump’s hard‑line immigration crackdown and could impact the administration’s ability to implement its priorities. [7]

Who Said What

• John Fetterman (Pennsylvania Democratic Senator) – “President Trump: I make a direct appeal to immediately fire Secretary Noem… Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy. DO NOT make the mistake President Biden made for not firing a grossly incompetent DHS Secretary.”
• Karoline Leavitt (White House press secretary) – “Mr. Homan is doing an exceptional job and he has been working with Secretary Noem and President Trump over the course of the last year… Secretary Noem still has the utmost confidence and trust of the president of the United States, and she is continuing to oversee the entire Department of Homeland Security and all of the immigration enforcement that’s taking place across the whole entire country.”

Key Facts

• Minnesota DOC refutes custody claim on suspect – The state corrections department released a fact sheet stating José Huerta‑Chuma has never been in Minnesota DOC custody and has no felony commitments, only misdemeanor court filings. State records show he was held in federal immigration custody in 2018 and later released. The note aimed to correct “inaccurate information about Minnesota custody and criminal records.” [1]
• DHS lists domestic‑assault history for Huerta‑Chuma – A DHS spokesperson told Fox News the suspect’s criminal history includes domestic assault causing bodily harm, disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license. Officials said he remains at large and urged the public to report sightings to the ICE tip line. The description contrasts with Minnesota’s claim of no violent record. [1]
• ICU nurse Alex Pretti killed during raid – Pretti, a lawful gun owner with no criminal record, was shot dead while filming an attempted arrest in south Minneapolis. Video shows him helping a woman before agents seize his pistol; the footage does not show him brandishing the weapon. He was not the target of the operation, which focused on Huerta‑Chuma. [1]
• Kristi Noem frames operation as public‑safety mission – The DHS secretary declared the Minneapolis surge a necessity, saying “You won’t steal from Americans or break our laws and get away with it” and labeling the arrested individual “another murderer and sexual predator.” She later called Pretti’s death a “domestic act of terrorism.” [2]
• Operation Metro Surge arrests far exceed “worst” subset – DHS reported roughly 3,000 arrests in six weeks. FOX 9’s audit of the agency’s “worst of the worst” list found only about 10 % of the 212 Minnesota names fit that label, with 48.5 % classified as violent or gang‑affiliated, and roughly 5 % of all arrests nationwide identified as violent offenders. [4]
• National ICE data shows most detainees lack violent convictions – Syracuse University’s TRAC snapshots indicate 70‑74 % of people in ICE custody in late 2025 had no criminal conviction. Independent analysis by the Cato Institute finds only about 5 % of those booked into ICE custody carried a violent conviction. These figures challenge the agency’s “worst of the worst” narrative. [1]

Who Said What

• Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary – “You won’t steal from Americans or break our laws and get away with it,” and later described Alex Pretti’s death as “a domestic act of terrorism.” [2]
• Greg Bovino, Border Patrol official – Asserted the operations are “legal, ethical, and moral,” and blamed “lenient local politics” for allowing individuals like Huerta‑Chuma to remain on the streets. [3]
• Donald Trump, former President – Posted on Truth Social, “THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING,” adding “Thousands of Criminals were removed!” [5]
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Called the spate of shootings “further proof that ICE and Border Patrol are out of control and endangering our communities.” [1]
• Jacob Frey, Minneapolis Mayor – After a call with Trump, said the president “agreed that the present situation cannot continue.” [1]
• Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor – Demanded impartial investigations and a drawdown of federal agents in the state. [1]

Key Facts

• Top generals Zhang and Liu investigated – General Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Chief Liu Zhenli, both members of the Central Military Commission (CMC), were placed under investigation for corruption and multiple “serious” political offenses, according to Chinese military and Party media on Saturday [3].
• CMC shrinks to two members – The CMC, which had 11 members when Xi Jinping became Party leader in 2012, now consists only of Xi himself, a civilian chairman with no direct military experience, and General Zhang Shengmin, a political‑warfare officer who heads the military’s discipline unit and controls all officers’ personnel files [1].
• Hundreds of officers removed in purge – Xi’s ongoing purge has eliminated hundreds of senior officers since 2012, including former defense minister Li Shangfu, Rocket Force leaders in 2023, and earlier high‑ranking generals Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, reflecting a broader campaign against perceived disloyalty [2].
• Analysts split on PLA effectiveness – Drew Thompson (Senior Fellow, RSIS) says the PLA may be less effective rather than outright weak; James Mulvenon (VP for Intelligence, Pamir Consulting) warns deep cuts damage cohesion; Peter Mattis (President, Jamestown Foundation) argues purges raise the risk of war; Ryan Hass (Director, Brookings China Center) cautions it is too early to draw firm conclusions [1].
• 2027 cited as Taiwan invasion timeline – Xi has publicly threatened to invade Taiwan, and analysts note a tentative 2027 target date for such an operation, though Beijing’s actual intent remains unclear [4].
• Loyal, competent officers being groomed – Despite the turmoil, replacements are being trained; Mulvenon says candidates are highly competent military officers selected for political loyalty, indicating the PLA is rebuilding its leadership pipeline [1].

Who Said What

• Drew Thompson, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU: “If Xi Jinping convenes a meeting, who comes to the meeting?” and “The PLA is perhaps less effective… effectiveness and functionality are the right measures.”
• James Mulvenon, Vice President for Intelligence at Pamir Consulting: “He’s been cutting really deep into the force… they still haven’t found bottom,” and “All of the candidates are… very competent military officers… politically loyal.”
• Peter Mattis, President of the Jamestown Foundation: “Purges precede action in communist regimes… the Taiwan risk or any kind of risk of war goes up.”
• Ryan Hass, Director of the China Center at Brookings Institution: “It is too early to draw conclusions from this episode for Taiwan contingencies,” and warns of increased risk of “misjudgment and miscalculation.”

Key Facts

• Trump touts “Discombobulator” used in Venezuela raid – President Donald Trump said the mysterious weapon stopped Venezuelan rockets and forced the lights off in Caracas while elite U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. He told the New York Post he cannot discuss details. The claim is reported in his public comments and the Newsweek article [1].
• Experts say the device likely combines electronic‑warfare tools – Weapons journalist David Hambling described Trump’s description as resembling a jamming or high‑power microwave system, while RUSI fellow Thomas Withington said it could involve radar jamming and communications disruption. Both suggest the “Discombobulator” is not a single gadget but a suite of standard EW equipment. Their analysis appears in the Newsweek report [1].
• U.S. aircraft employed EA‑18 Growlers and other assets – Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine confirmed that EA‑18 Growler electronic‑warfare planes accompanied fighters, bombers, helicopters and drones during the mission. Growlers can jam air‑defense radars and communications, matching the capabilities described by officials. This detail is included in the Newsweek article [1].
• Russian and Chinese air‑defense systems were reportedly offline – Unnamed U.S. officials told The New York Times earlier this month that Venezuela’s Russian‑made S‑300 and Buk‑M2 missiles were not linked to radars, and that Chinese radars may have failed, facilitating the U.S. approach. The information comes from an archived report cited in the article [2].
• Pentagon tested a pulsed‑radio‑wave device linked to Havana Syndrome – CNN reported that the Pentagon spent over a year developing a device that emits pulsed radio waves, purchased by a DHS arm in a prior administration. Investigators connect the technology to the mysterious “Havana Syndrome” affecting diplomats, a condition characterized by vertigo, nausea and hearing issues. These points are supported by Newsweek sources [5][6].
• Analysts doubt a single “wonder weapon” existed – Withington warned that acoustic weapons like LRADs and directed‑energy systems such as Active Denial Technology cannot simultaneously jam radars and incapacitate personnel, making Trump’s blended description implausible. A senior U.S. official told CNN that Trump may have merged several capabilities into a nonexistent weapon. Their skepticism is documented in the Newsweek piece and CNN interview [8][1].

Who Said What

• Donald Trump – Stated he cannot discuss the “Discombobulator,” claimed it stopped rockets and turned off Caracas lights during the operation.
• David Hambling – Weapons expert/journalist who said Trump was likely referring to an electronic‑warfare system, possibly an EMP or high‑power microwave device.
• Thomas Withington – Associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute who explained that EA‑18 Growlers can jam radars and communications and suggested an acoustic weapon might have caused “unpleasant sensations.”
• General Dan Caine – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs who publicly acknowledged the presence of EA‑18 Growlers on the mission.
• Karoline Leavitt – White House press secretary who posted on social media that an acoustic weapon likely produced the reported sensations.
• Unnamed senior U.S. official (to CNN) – Said Trump may have blended several separate military capabilities into a single, nonexistent “Discombobulator.”

Key Facts

• Melania Trump urges national unity on Fox & Friends – The first lady appeared on the morning show, stating “we need to unify,” urging peaceful protest and noting President Trump’s recent call with the Minnesota governor and mayor to keep the situation calm [1].
• Alex Pretti fatally shot by a Border Patrol officer amid immigration protests – On Saturday in Minneapolis, a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot 37‑year‑old Pretti during demonstrations over President Trump’s heightened immigration enforcement; the incident follows the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent [1].
• DHS claim of a handgun contradicted by verified video – The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti “approached … with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun,” yet videos verified by multiple outlets show him holding only a phone in his right hand, with nothing in his left, before being shot [4].
• Pretti was legally carrying a firearm and had no serious criminal record – Public records cited by local media confirm he possessed a lawful handgun and had no significant criminal history at the time of his death [1].
• Administration officials split on labeling the incident – Kristi Noem described Pretti’s actions as “domestic terrorism,” while Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said he would not “prejudge” the case and noted no legal definition of domestic terrorism applied [1].
• Bipartisan calls for investigation and federal pullout – Senator Thom Tillis demanded a thorough, impartial probe; Governor Tim Walz, after a “productive” call with the White House, urged the removal of federal officers, and several Border Patrol agents are expected to leave Minneapolis [1].

Who Said What

• Melania Trump – “We need to unify… I’m against the violence, so please if you protest, protest in peace.” (First lady, Fox & Friends)
• Kristi Noem – Referred to Pretti’s actions as “domestic terrorism” during a press conference. (Administration official)
• Todd Blanche – Stated he does not want to “prejudge” Pretti’s actions and does not believe anyone is comparing the incident to the legal definition of domestic terrorism. (Deputy Attorney General)
• Thom Tillis – Posted on X: “There must be a thorough and impartial investigation… Any administration official who rushes to judgment… is doing an incredible disservice.” (U.S. Senator, North Carolina)
• Steve Bannon – Told The Wall Street Journal Pretti “tried to stop federal officers…,” urging President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minneapolis. (MAGA activist)
• Donald Trump – Wrote on Truth Social questioning why local police were not allowed to protect ICE officers and noting the gun was loaded with extra magazines. (President)
• Gun Owners of America – Posted on X: “We are saddened by the loss of life… It is essential that @theJusticeDept conduct a complete, transparent, and prompt investigation.” (Advocacy group)
• Tricia McLaughlin – Said on Newsweek: “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” (DHS Assistant Secretary)
• Tim Walz – Posted on X: “I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting… The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.” (Governor of Minnesota)

Key Facts

• 25.2% of workers now functionally unemployed. The Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity reports that 25.2 percent of the U.S. workforce fits the “functionally unemployed” definition, meaning they are jobless, seeking full‑time work or earning poverty‑level wages. This figure rose from 24.8 percent in November and marks the highest True Rate of Employment (TRU) since June 2021. [2]
• December added 50,000 jobs, unemployment fell to 4.4%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the economy gained 50,000 jobs in December after a 56,000‑job gain the month before. The headline unemployment rate slipped to 4.4 percent from a revised 4.5 percent in November, while the total number of unemployed remained around 7.5 million. [5]
• Functional unemployment rose for Black and Hispanic workers. LISEP’s data show the TRU increased 1.5 percentage points for both Black (now 29.6 %) and Hispanic (28.5 %) workers in December. The rate for white workers edged down to 23.2 % from 23.3 %, men rose to 20.5 % (up 0.3 points) and women to 30.3 % (up 0.2 points). [2]
• Gene Ludwig warns the labor market is becoming static. In the report, LISEP Chair Gene Ludwig writes that low hiring is making it harder for new entrants to find work, driving higher functional unemployment. He notes persistently elevated rates for Black and Hispanic workers reflect a higher prevalence of low wages and part‑time work. Ludwig has previously argued that counting any job, however minimal, masks structural challenges. [2]
• Methodology of the TRU metric has been questioned. Some economists and policy analysts have criticized LISEP’s approach to measuring functional unemployment and the usefulness of the TRU as an economic indicator. Critics argue the metric may overstate labor market weakness or rely on assumptions that are not universally accepted. [3]
• Forecasts expect sluggish hiring and low confidence in 2026. Economic forecasters project that the weak hiring trends and elevated functional unemployment seen in 2025 will continue into 2026. Surveys indicate minimal confidence among businesses about employment conditions over the coming months. [6][7]

Who Said What

• Gene Ludwig (LISEP Chair): “Looking beyond monthly fluctuations, the broader labor market trends warrant close attention… The share of workers who are functionally unemployed has risen over the past year and returned to post‑pandemic highs, pointing to ongoing challenges in access to full‑time, living‑wage employment.”
• Gene Ludwig (report excerpt): “The data point to a labor market that has become increasingly static. Low hiring is making it harder for new entrants to find work, contributing to higher functional unemployment… persistently elevated functional unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic workers denote a higher prevalence of low wages and part‑time work.”

Key Facts

• Trump issues executive order to preempt local permits – The White House released an order titled “Addressing State and Local Failures to Rebuild Los Angeles After Wildfire Disasters,” directing FEMA and the SBA to consider regulations that would replace state and local permitting with a builder self‑certification system overseen by a federal designee. Proposed rules must be published within 30 days and final rules within 90 days. [1]
• Newsom cites rapid permitting progress in Los Angeles – The governor’s office posted on X that more than 1,625 home permits have been issued, hundreds of homes are under construction, and permitting timelines are at least twice as fast as before the 2025 Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires. The statement urged the federal government to release disaster funding instead of taking over local permit speed. [1]
• Federal audit targets $3 billion of unused grant money – The executive order orders a review of California’s use of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds, noting nearly $3 billion remains unspent, and requires determinations within 30 days after the audit’s completion. Agencies are also instructed to use existing environmental and historic law authorities to expedite waivers. [1]
• State expands mortgage relief and rebuilding incentives – Earlier in November 2025, Newsom signed an executive order to streamline sewer projects, clarify insurance eligibility for optional rooftop solar, and other code upgrades, while recent announcements added CalAssist mortgage assistance, insurance‑gap bridging, and bank forbearance commitments for fire survivors. [1]
• California seeks billions in federal disaster aid – The state has proposed at least $2.5 billion in a special legislative session for Los Angeles wildfire response and rebuilding, and lawmakers have pursued supplemental federal disaster relief throughout 2025 to support long‑term recovery. [1]
• Governor‑White House relationship grows increasingly contentious – Tensions have risen during Trump’s second term, highlighted by a World Economic Forum episode where Newsom claimed he was blocked from speaking after Trump’s address, underscoring the broader dispute over control of reconstruction efforts. [1]

Who Said What

• Governor Gavin Newsom’s office (X post): “With 1,625+ home permits issued, hundreds of homes under construction, and permitting timelines at least 2x faster than before the fires, an executive order to rebuild Mars would do just as useful. The Feds need to release funding not take over local permit approval speed.”
• President Donald Trump (executive order): “It is the policy of my Administration that federally funded reconstruction projects for homes and businesses in the wildfire‑impacted neighborhoods of the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon areas proceed with the maximum speed consistent with public safety.”
• Governor Gavin Newsom (early‑January statement): “This disaster was unprecedented, and it’s created challenges unlike anything we’ve seen before — demanding flexibility, partnership, and a willingness to adapt in real time.”

Key Facts

• Winter storm Fern shifts east, threatens 190 million Forecasters said the system would move out of the south‑central United States and intensify across the Northeast, bringing widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain that could affect roughly 190 million people through early Monday [2][1].
• Death toll climbs to at least 30 nationwide The Associated Press reported that the storm has caused at least 30 fatalities in states already impacted, including eight outdoor deaths in New York City and multiple deaths in Tennessee, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and other states [1].
• Snowplow collision kills Massachusetts woman In Norwood, Massachusetts, a 51‑year‑old woman was struck and killed by a snowplow backing into a parking lot around 2 p.m. Sunday; her 47‑year‑old husband suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries, and the 33‑year‑old driver, employed by a private contractor for the MBTA, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators [1].
• Mississippi reports widespread damage and two deaths Governor Tate Reeves said 47 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have reported storm‑related damages, and the state health department confirmed two fatalities, one in Hinds County and another in Tishomingo County [1].
• Coroner rules snow‑shoveling deaths neutral The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office in Pennsylvania determined that three people who died while shoveling snow had neutral manners of death, attributing them to sudden medical events such as cardiac issues that can occur during strenuous activity in older adults or those with health conditions [1].
• Other states see storm‑related fatalities Louisiana officials confirmed three deaths (an 86‑year‑old from carbon monoxide poisoning and two hypothermia cases), New Jersey reported a 67‑year‑old shoveler’s death, South Carolina a 96‑year‑old woman from hypothermia, Kentucky a 72‑year‑old woman from hypothermia, and additional deaths were noted in Arkansas and Texas [1].

Who Said What

• Tate Reeves, Mississippi Governor – “47 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have reported damages and impacts from the storm,” and noted two storm‑related deaths in the state.
• Lehigh County Coroner’s Office – “Following investigation, the manner of death in all three cases has been ruled neutral,” explaining that the deaths were consistent with sudden medical events, often cardiac‑related, during snow removal.

Key Facts

• Children found in a Croatian state‑run orphanage after mother’s alleged abduction. Kendall Seymour posted an update on Sunday saying his three kids were trapped in the facility and that he was in Croatia trying to secure their release from local authorities [1].
• Mother Elleshia Anne Seymour faces four custodial‑interference charges. The Salt Lake County district attorney filed a charging document accusing the 35‑year‑old of taking her four children out of Utah and leaving the country in violation of court‑ordered custody [1].
• Police welfare check on Dec 2 uncovered an empty apartment and a notebook with destruction plans. West Jordan officers found the door unlocked, the unit vacant, and a notebook detailing how to shred documents, discard phones and take passports [1].
• Investigation traced a one‑way flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, ending in Croatia. The charging document shows the mother’s vehicle was parked at the airport, she and the children boarded a flight to Amsterdam and later were located in Croatia [1].
• Father learned of the children’s location around Jan 16 via a German attorney with FBI contacts. The attorney, working pro bono, relayed FBI information that led Seymour to discover the kids were in Croatia and that the mother had been taken into custody; he says the children appear relatively untraumatized [1].
• GoFundMe campaign has raised over $35,000 toward legal and translation costs. Seymour’s fundraiser aims for $100,000 to pay Croatian lawyers, file Hague Convention applications, hire translators and cover an extended stay abroad [1].

Who Said What

• Kendall Seymour (father) – Described the situation as a “nightmare,” expressed gratitude for donations easing his financial burden, and said his children seem “relatively untraumatized” despite the ordeal.
• Detective Adam Horman (West Jordan Police) – Stated there is “substantial evidence” supporting custodial‑interference charges because the mother boarded a one‑way flight to Europe with the children, violating custody agreements.

Key Facts

• Judge orders ICE chief to testify Friday – Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued an order on Monday requiring Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court this Friday to explain why he should not be held in contempt. Schiltz described the step as “extraordinary” and warned that failure to comply could lead to further sanctions. The order targets the head of a federal agency, a rare judicial action. [1]
• DHS cited for ignoring dozens of court orders – In the same order, Schiltz said the Department of Homeland Security has “failed to comply” with dozens of recent court mandates tied to immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. Those operations have provoked unrest and have been linked to the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal agents. The judge noted that non‑compliance has repeatedly extended detention of law‑abiding immigrants. [2][3]
• DHS official rebukes the judge as activist – DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emailed Newsweek calling Schiltz “just another activist judge” who is “more concerned about politics than the safety of the Minnesotans.” She questioned why Lyons should pause ICE’s focus on “the worst of the worst criminal illegals” to testify in a single removal case. McLaughlin added that the agency will not let anything slow its removal efforts. [1]
• Trump sends border czar amid political fallout – The order arrives a day after President Donald Trump dispatched “border czar” Tom Homan to assume control of the Minnesota crackdown and report directly to the White House. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem faces increasing bipartisan scrutiny over the deadly enforcement actions, and recent polls indicate the issue is hurting Republican approval ahead of the midterms. [4][5]
• Bond hearing petition highlights systemic delays – The court granted a petition filed by Juan T.R. on Jan 14 for a bond hearing within seven days; his lawyers reported on Jan 23 that he remained detained. Schiltz explained that such delays force immigrants to be held longer, sometimes transferred to Texas, creating “significant hardship” for individuals who have lived and worked legally in the United States. The judge emphasized that ICE’s assurances of compliance have not stopped violations. [1]
• Judge threatens to cancel appearance if release occurs – Schiltz warned that if the petitioner is released from custody, Lyons’ scheduled appearance will be cancelled on Jan 30. He reiterated that the court’s patience is exhausted and that ordering the agency head to appear is justified by ICE’s “extraordinary” pattern of non‑compliance. The judge’s language signals a possible escalation of judicial enforcement against the agency. [1]

Who Said What

• Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary – Said the judge is “just another activist judge … more concerned about politics than the safety of the Minnesotans” and argued that ICE should not be diverted from targeting “the worst of the worst criminal illegals” to testify in a single removal case. [1]

Key Facts

• Alex Pretti, ICU nurse, shot by ICE in Minneapolis Alex Pretti was filming ICE officers during a federal immigration enforcement operation on Saturday when an ICE agent shot him dead. His killing is the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis this month, following the Jan. 7 death of Renee Good. The incident has intensified scrutiny of ICE and DHS leadership. [2][3]
• Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly launched impeachment articles against Noem On Jan. 14, Rep. Robin Kelly introduced three articles of impeachment accusing Noem of obstruction of Congress, violating public trust and self‑dealing, including alleged warrantless arrests and misuse of $200 million for an ICE recruitment ad campaign. As of Monday, 120 Democratic lawmakers had signed the resolution, showing broad Democratic discontent. Republicans control the House, making passage unlikely. [4][5]
• President Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota Trump sent Tom Homan, his appointed border czar, to oversee ICE operations in Minnesota, a move Noem publicly welcomed but analysts view as a potential challenge to her authority within the department. Homan’s arrival is seen as undercutting Noem’s control of DHS enforcement actions. [6]
• Recent polls show a majority of Americans view Noem unfavorably A YouGov poll of 1,122 adults (Jan. 13‑15) found 28 % favorable and 40 % unfavorable views of Noem; an Emerson College poll (1,000 adults, Jan. 17‑19) reported 38 % favorable and 45 % unfavorable; an Angus Reid Institute poll (1,838 adults, Jan. 16‑20) showed 32 % approval and 48 % disapproval. The consistent negative ratings may affect Trump’s confidence in her. [7]
• Kalshi betting odds suggest Noem’s cabinet tenure is at risk According to betting platform Kalshi, the probability that Noem will be the first to leave the Trump cabinet rose from 14.8 % on Jan. 23 to 37 % on Jan. 26, reflecting growing speculation about her future. [8]
• Noem scheduled to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in March Multiple reports indicate Noem will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee in early March, where she is expected to face questions about DHS actions and the Pretti shooting. The testimony could further intensify congressional scrutiny. [10]

Who Said What

• Heath Brown, associate professor of public policy at City University of New York: “Holding the Trump administration accountable for its actions matters a lot to Americans… the public is rightfully pushing for accountability and answers… removal from office… a possibility Noem is clearly facing.”
• Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary: “Secretary Noem still has the utmost confidence and trust of the president… she’s continuing to oversee the entire Department of Homeland Security and all of the immigration enforcement… across the whole entire country.”
• Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary: “DHS enforces the laws Congress passes, period… ICE officers are facing a staggering 1,300 percent spike in assaults… politicians would rather defend criminals and attack the men and women who are enforcing our laws.”
• Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General: Declined to label Pretti’s actions as domestic terrorism, stating the shooting “remains under investigation,” that “there’s a bunch of video we haven’t seen yet,” and describing the incident simply as “a tragedy.”
• Ryan Goodman, NYU law professor: Noted that Blanche’s refusal to comment “indicates that Noem’s days as the secretary of DHS may be numbered.”
• John Curtis, Republican Senator from Utah: Criticized Noem’s “premature DHS response… which came before all the facts were known and weakened confidence.”
• Thomas Gift, associate professor of political science, University College London: “Ironically, the more critics demand Kristi Noem’s ouster, the safer her job likely becomes… Trump rarely responds to outside pressure by backing down.”

Newsweek

Stock image/file photo: Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Key Facts

• Tax season opens Jan 26, runs through Apr 15 – The IRS began accepting 2025 tax returns on Jan 26 and will close the filing window on Apr 15, projecting about 164 million individual returns for the year [1].
• First filing period under One Big Beautiful Bill Act – The 2026 season is the inaugural period to apply changes enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump in July, which introduces several notable tax updates [2].
• New senior deduction and overtime/tip relief – Americans 65 and older who owe tax on Social Security income can claim a $6,000 deduction (up to $12,000 for married couples) through 2028; eligible workers may deduct qualified overtime pay up to $12,500 per return ($25,000 joint) and tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 annually, with phase‑outs at higher incomes [3].
• Schedule 1‑A required for new deductions – Taxpayers claiming the senior, overtime or tip deductions must file the newly created Schedule 1‑A with their 2025 returns [1].
• Standard deduction and SALT cap adjustments – For 2026 the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, and $23,625 for heads of household; the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction is temporarily raised, allowing higher‑income taxpayers in high‑tax states a larger federal deduction [1].
• Free filing options and refund processing changes – The IRS Free File program provides free tax‑software access, and Free File Fillable Forms are available to anyone; the Direct File program was scrapped in 2025; paper refund checks are being phased out after a March executive order, so most refunds are electronic, typically issued within 21 days and can be tracked via the Where’s My Refund? tool, IRS2Go app, or an IRS Individual Online Account [4][5][1].

Key Facts

• Late‑night hosts condemn DHS narrative – Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel used Monday shows to criticize the Department of Homeland Security’s justification of the shooting of Alex Pretti, questioning why a legal firearm was framed as a problem and labeling the response as misrepresentation. [1]
• Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, was shot by a Border Patrol agent – The 37‑year‑old intensive‑care nurse was killed in Minneapolis on Saturday after a federal agent confronted him during a protest; the incident has sparked national outcry. [1]
• DHS claims self‑defense, video suggests otherwise – DHS says the agent acted in self‑defense because Pretti brandished a 9 mm handgun and resisted, but released video shows the gun being removed before the shooting, leaving only a cellphone in his hands. [2][3]
• Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino’s status disputed – Some reports said Bovino would be removed after the shooting, yet DHS publicly denied the claim, stating he remains in his role and has not been relieved of duties. [4]
• Political figures respond with calls for accountability – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Bovino’s professionalism, while DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin demanded his firing and urged removal of several Trump administration officials. [1]
• Kimmel and Stewart invoke cultural references – Stewart referenced O.J. Simpson’s “Trial of the Century” while Kimmel called Bovino “Trump’s number one icehole” and highlighted claims that a Honda SUV driven by Renee Good was “weaponized.” [1][6]

Who Said What

• Jon Stewart (The Daily Show host) – “Are you saying that the problem is the guy had a gun?... Are you saying that the guns are the problem?” questioning DHS’s focus on Pretti’s legal firearm.
• Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live! host) – Referred to Greg Bovino as “Trump’s number one icehole” and asked, “Is that the law and order you voted for, if you voted for this?” while criticizing the administration’s handling of the case.
• Karoline Leavitt (White House press secretary) – Stated, “Mr. Bovino is a wonderful man and he's a great professional… He is very much going to continue CBP throughout and across the country.”
• Rosemary Boeglin (DNC Communications Director) – Declared, “Greg Bovino’s firing should be the first, not the last… Trump, JD Vance and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem… should immediately fire Noem, Stephen Miller, and Corey Lewandowski.”
• Jon Stewart (again) – Made a pop‑culture jab, “Oh, good luck finding the real killer, O.J. We're rooting for ya,” referencing the O.J. Simpson trial.

Key Facts

• Australian woman believed Holocaust‑lost family – Adriana Turk, 74, from Merimbula, grew up thinking her father’s relatives were killed in the Holocaust. Her father never discussed his pre‑emigration life, and her mother’s stories were her only source. This belief persisted until a recent at‑home DNA test changed her understanding. [1]
• Father escaped Nazi Germany in 1937, leaving family behind – He fled Germany, learning English in ten days to qualify for a boat to Australia. He could not bring his mother, who later died in the Warsaw Ghetto, nor convince his sister and brother‑in‑law to leave; they and their two children were murdered at Auschwitz in 1944. Historians estimate about 1.1 million deaths at Auschwitz, roughly one million of them Jews. [1]
• Brother’s death added personal trauma – Adriana’s brother, estranged for 54 years, died homeless on the streets of Auckland after battling mental illness. She had seen him only four times in his life. His death deepened her sense of loss before the DNA discovery. [1]
• DNA test uncovered living Holocaust‑survivor descendants – A MyHeritage test identified three survivor lines, including Renate Püttmann, who survived hidden by a German soldier and later had eight children. Those lines now amount to at least 50 living descendants across several countries. Two other relatives who escaped before the war have families in Brazil and Israel. [1][2][4]
• Discovery gave Adriana a new family identity – She now counts cousins, a third cousin Raanan who helped map the tree, and a German cousin Arne whom she calls “my sunshine.” Video calls with the new relatives have made her feel “loved” and “whole.” She plans to travel later this year to meet Arne in person. [1]
• MyHeritage researcher remarks on impact of such finds – Naama Lanski of MyHeritage said users’ DNA discoveries provide profound closure and fill significant gaps in identity, especially when they occur at unexpected moments in life. [1]

Who Said What

• Adriana Turk: “I bonded with my dad. He was my favorite person.” – describing her close relationship with her father.
• Adriana Turk: “I learned nothing from my father… Everything I knew was what my mother told me.” – on the lack of information about his past.
• Adriana Turk: “Dad had books on the Holocaust but they were all hidden away.” – indicating her father’s concealed memories.
• Adriana Turk: “I lost my brother to mental illness… He turned up dead on the streets of Auckland.” – recounting her brother’s tragic end.
• Adriana Turk: “As a child, I always felt empty… Finding this family made me feel whole.” – expressing how the DNA results changed her sense of self.
• Adriana Turk: “I never wanted children… The beautiful part of finding these treasures is that my cousins got married, they had children, they have grandchildren.” – reflecting on her new extended family.
• Adriana Turk: “It sounds so weird that I've, I've only met my cousins a short time, and I, I love them, and I feel loved by them.” – on her emotional connection to newly discovered relatives.
• Adriana Turk: “Until I did this DNA test, I was not in a good space… Now I have Arne, my German cousin, who I call ‘my sunshine.’” – describing her current emotional state.
• Naama Lanski (MyHeritage researcher): “We are moved time and again to witness MyHeritage users making beautiful, life‑changing discoveries, often at a point in their lives when they never expected events of such magnitude to occur, granting them profound closure and filling significant gaps in their identity.” – on the broader significance of DNA‑based genealogy.

Key Facts

• Bills end Sean McDermott’s nine‑year tenure after a postseason loss, capping his record at 98‑50 with five AFC East titles but an 8‑8 playoff mark and no Super Bowl appearance [1].
• Joe Brady signs a five‑year deal to become Buffalo’s head coach, stepping up from his role as offensive coordinator and joining a short list of top coaching candidates [1].
• Brady’s résumé includes a 2019 LSU national championship, where he served as passing‑game coordinator and won the Broyles Award for top assistant, followed by an offensive‑coordinator stint with the Carolina Panthers (2020‑2021) before four seasons in Buffalo [1].
• Quarterback Josh Allen is believed to have had significant input in the hiring, given Brady’s proven ability to work with Allen’s skill set and the quarterback’s influence on roster decisions [1].
• The Bills also evaluated Brian Daboll and former backup QB Davis Webb before selecting Brady, indicating a thorough search among coaches familiar with Allen’s offense [1].
• Coaching staff changes include Aaron Kromer’s retirement and Chris Tabor’s move to Miami, while defensive coordinator Bobby Babich is expected to stay, leaving two vacancies to fill after Brady’s promotion [1].

Newsweek

This image from December 20, 2024 shows a U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is guided by tugboats in San Diego Bay,  California.

Key Facts

• Trump says U.S. armada near Iran exceeds Venezuela deployment. He told Axios on Monday the situation in Iran is “in flux” and that the American military presence in waters near Iran is bigger than the force he sent near Venezuela, where the U.S. removed Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The comment updates his earlier claim that an “armada” was on its way to the Middle East. [1][2][3]
• USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyers arrive in CENTCOM area. The aircraft carrier and guided‑missile destroyers entered the region on Monday, deploying from the Asia‑Pacific earlier in January as tensions rose after Tehran’s crackdown on protests. Their presence falls under the U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East. [1]
• Iran pledges full military readiness while seeking diplomacy. Tehran’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday it is maintaining complete readiness but pursuing a diplomatic path, and Newsweek has sought comment from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The statement reflects Iran’s response to the expanding U.S. naval presence. [1]
• Protest death toll estimates range from 3,000 to 30,000. Time, citing senior health officials, puts fatalities at 30,000; the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 5,459 deaths and is investigating additional cases; Iranian authorities claim just over 3,000 deaths. The disparity underscores uncertainty surrounding the crackdown’s impact. [5]
• Trump hints at negotiations while U.S. weighs further options. In the Axios interview, Trump said Iran wants to talk and a deal may be possible, though no details were given. White House officials say a U.S. attack is still under consideration and an upcoming exercise will demonstrate combat airpower. He is expected to hold more consultations this week. [1]
• June strikes damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities, stockpile status unclear. The United States ordered attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites after intelligence suggested Tehran could produce a crude nuclear device within months. The strikes caused damage, but the condition of Iran’s enriched uranium remains uncertain. [6]

Who Said What

• Donald Trump, U.S. President – “We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela… They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk.”
• Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator (South Carolina) – “I pray for President Trump and his team to make the right decisions to keep America safe at this dangerous time. History tells us the right decision is to stand by those who stand with America and sacrifice for our common cause.” ([7])
• Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government – “The issue of war has cast a heavy shadow over the country and naturally made conditions difficult and complex… This does not mean other options are off the table. We are in full readiness.”

Key Facts

• Clock set to 85 seconds to midnight – The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved its symbolic Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight on Tuesday, signaling the closest approach to catastrophe since its creation. The change reflects heightened dangers from nuclear conflict, climate change, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. The clock was previously set at 89 seconds to midnight last year [1][2].
• Escalating nuclear tensions drive the shift – Scientists warned that the risk of nuclear escalation has risen, pointing to Russia’s war in Ukraine, renewed India‑Pakistan tensions earlier this year, and concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities after U.S. and Israeli strikes in summer 2025. These flashpoints increase the probability of a nuclear confrontation [3][4].
• Climate change impacts accelerate the clock – The bulletin highlighted more frequent droughts, heat waves, and flooding as evidence of accelerating climate effects, and criticized insufficient global emissions cuts. It singled out President Donald Trump’s push to expand fossil‑fuel production and roll back renewable‑energy support as undermining climate efforts [5].
• Biotech and AI pose emerging existential risks – Researchers warned that rapid advances in biotechnology and artificial intelligence are outpacing the development of international norms and regulatory frameworks, raising the chance of misuse that could contribute to catastrophic outcomes [1].
• Historical context of the Doomsday Clock – Founded by Manhattan Project scientists in 1945, the Bulletin introduced the clock in 1947; its farthest point from midnight was 17 minutes in 1991 after the Cold War. In recent years the clock has shifted from minutes to seconds to reflect a worsening risk environment [1].
• Potential for reversal if leaders act – Despite the grim setting, the bulletin emphasized that collective action on nuclear disarmament, climate mitigation, and technology governance could move the clock back, urging renewed international cooperation to reduce existential threats [1].

Who Said What

• Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s science and security board: “If the world splinters into an us‑versus‑them, zero‑sum approach, it increases the likelihood that we all lose.” [1]
• Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: “Hard‑won global understandings are collapsing.” [1]

Key Facts

• Current West Bengal outbreak affects five patients – The Nipah virus resurfaced in West Bengal, India, when a private hospital in Basarat reported five laboratory‑confirmed infections. Nearly 100 people have been placed under quarantine as health authorities work to contain spread. This is the latest flare‑up of the disease in the region [1].
• No approved treatment or vaccine exists – Nipah virus, a Henipavirus transmitted by fruit bats, typically produces fever and flu‑like illness. It can progress to acute encephalitis, a brain swelling that may cause confusion, seizures and coma within 24–48 hours. Medical care remains supportive, as no specific antiviral or vaccine is available [1].
• 1998‑1999 Malaysian outbreak caused 265 cases – The first recognized human Nipah infection occurred in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia, in 1998, sparking an outbreak that lasted into 1999. It infected 265 people with acute encephalitis, killing 105, and later spread to Singapore where 11 cases and one death were recorded among abattoir workers handling infected pigs [2].
• Bangladesh, India, Philippines have recorded dozens of outbreaks – Since 2001, the “Nipah Belt” spanning Bangladesh, India and the Philippines has seen more than a dozen incidents. Bangladesh reports 18 outbreaks, 347 cases and 249 deaths; India reports four outbreaks, 106 cases and 72 deaths, with the 2018 Kerala episode reaching a 91 % fatality rate; the Philippines experienced a single 2014 outbreak with 17 cases and nine deaths [1].
• Winter date‑palm sap harvesting fuels transmission – Most outbreaks cluster in the winter months when date‑palm sap is collected from October to April. Fruit bats of the genus Pteropus contaminate sap by licking cut surfaces, urinating, defecating, or becoming trapped in collection pots, providing a route for human infection [3].
• Limited human‑to‑human spread keeps virus geographically confined – Although occasional person‑to‑person transmission occurs, the virus’s overall transmissibility is low compared with SARS‑CoV‑2, and no cases have been reported in North America. This limited spread, combined with high case‑fatality rates, shapes public‑health responses [1].

Who Said What

• Dr. Naomi Hauser (infectious disease physician) – “The first recognized human infection was in the Malaysian village of Kampung Sungai Nipah in 1998, initiating a deadly outbreak that lasted through 1999.”
• Dr. Naomi Hauser and colleagues – “Smaller sporadic outbreaks have since recurred nearly annually within South Asia with case fatality rates reaching greater than 90 percent.”

Key Facts

• Billboard in Tehran depicts US carrier in blood – A large mural unveiled in Enghelab Square shows a bird’s‑eye view of the USS Abraham Lincoln with destroyed fighter jets and streams of blood forming U.S. flag stripes. The caption, in Farsi and English, reads “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” The image is intended as a warning to the United States amid heightened tensions. [1]
• Trump announces US naval presence “just in case” – President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that a fleet, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and supporting warships, is moving toward the Middle East “just in case” he decides to act. He added the U.S. is watching the situation closely and hopes the armada will not be needed. He also said in an Axios interview that Iran was ready to make a deal after the arrival of the “big armada.” [2][1]
• US carrier and warships arrived ahead of drills – The USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying vessels entered the Middle East on Monday, positioning themselves for imminent military exercises led by the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central). US Central Command confirmed the upcoming exercise without giving a specific date. The deployment coincides with the billboard’s unveiling. [1]
• Iran’s IRGC commander signals heightened readiness – The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard stated on Saturday that his forces are “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger,” underscoring Tehran’s response to the U.S. naval buildup. This comment aligns with the billboard’s warning message. [1]
• EU prepares sanctions on senior IRGC members – European Union diplomats, cited by AFP, plan to impose sanctions on senior IRGC officials starting Wednesday as punishment for the deadly crackdown on mass protests in Iran. The sanctions aim to pressure Tehran amid the broader regional tension. [1]
• Billboard’s biblical caption references Hosea – The mural’s text quotes the proverb “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind,” originally from Hosea 8:7, warning of the consequences of rash actions. The phrase appears in both Persian and English on the banner. [1]

Who Said What

• Press TV (Iranian state outlet) – “New giant banner in Tehran’s Enghelab Square responds to recent US adventurism and meddlesome stance against Iran.”
• President Donald Trump (on Air Force One) – “We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case… We have an armada… heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it.”
• Donald Trump (Axios interview) – Said Iran was ready to make a deal after the arrival of the “big armada.”
• IRGC commander – Declared his force is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger.”

Key Facts

• Sepp Blatter warns fans against US travel – Former FIFA president posted on X urging fans to think twice about attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing security concerns and echoing Mark Pieth’s advice to “stay away from the USA.” The warning appeared on Monday morning. [1]
• Mark Pieth cites political instability and immigration risks – Swiss criminal‑law expert and former FIFA attorney warned that visitors could face heightened border scrutiny, possible denial of entry or deportation because of the U.S. political climate, immigration enforcement and protests. He presented the advice as practical, not a symbolic boycott, in an interview with Tages‑Anzeiger. [2]
• 2026 World Cup schedule and host distribution – The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the majority of matches—including the final—scheduled for U.S. cities, placing most fans in the country despite the warnings. [1]
• FIFA leadership shows no plan to alter US venues – Current FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who succeeded Blatter in 2015, has defended FIFA’s decisions to award events to controversial hosts and has not indicated any reconsideration of the U.S. footprint for the World Cup. Infantino maintains close ties with President Donald Trump. [5]
• European officials and public pressure rise but no official boycott – Several European governments have dismissed formal boycotts, yet a senior German football official called for a serious discussion and a Dutch petition has gathered tens of thousands of signatures urging withdrawal from the tournament. No national football association has announced a boycott. [1]
• Final qualification spots to be decided in March playoffs – The last World Cup berths will be settled in inter‑confederation playoffs scheduled for late March, completing the 48‑team field ahead of the opening match on June 11, as debate over fan safety continues. [1]

Who Said What

• Sepp Blatter – Former FIFA president, posted on X: “For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!”
• Mark Pieth – Swiss criminal‑law expert and former FIFA attorney, told Tages‑Anzeiger: “For fans, there is only one piece of advice: stay away from the United States… you’ll see it better on television anyway… if officials do not like them, they could be sent home on the next plane—if they are lucky.”
• Oke Göttlich – President of Bundesliga club St. Pauli and German federation vice‑president, told Hamburger Morgenpost: “What were the justifications for the boycotts of the Olympic Games in the 1980s? … the potential threat is greater now than it was then. We need to have this discussion.”

Newsweek

Key Facts

• Hassabis rejects “move fast and break things” – In The Thinking Game documentary, DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis argues that rapid, unchecked development risks moral oversights, likening AI progress to the Manhattan Project’s unchecked excitement [2].
• Ibrahim frames AI as a partnership – COO Lila Ibrahim stresses that DeepMind must ensure AI works “with us and not to us,” embedding care from the outset rather than as an afterthought [1].
• Ibrahim’s eclectic tech career informs her role – From Intel’s Pentium processor work, to chief of staff for Craig Barrett, to leading Coursera’s operations, Ibrahim’s 30‑year journey across hardware, venture capital, and online education prepared her to steer DeepMind’s responsible‑innovation agenda [1].
• AlphaFold’s breakthrough earned a Nobel and global use – DeepMind’s AlphaFold solved protein‑folding, winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry [8]; its open‑access database now supports over 3 million researchers in more than 100 countries [1].
• New models target climate, Earth mapping, assistants, and safety – DeepMind has launched WeatherNext 2 for forecasting [13], AlphaEarth for planetary mapping [14], Project Astra as a universal AI assistant [26], and SynthID watermarking to flag AI‑generated images [27].
• Education tools aim for personalized learning – Initiatives such as LearnLM [23] and Gemini for Education [24] provide AI‑driven tutoring, reflecting a rise in AI‑assisted coursework noted in the Anthropic Economic Index report [25].

Who Said What

• Demis Hassabis (DeepMind CEO) – “Moving fast and breaking things is exactly what we should not be doing…we must try to understand powerful new technologies in controlled conditions first.” [2]
• Lila Ibrahim (DeepMind COO) – “How do we make sure that the AI is happening with us and not to us?” [1]
• Lila Ibrahim (personal motivation) – “I’m building the technology that my children and their generation are going to be living with…making sure we do this with communities.” [1]

Key Facts

• Video captures thundersnow near Buffalo on Jan 21 – Rich Pawlewski recorded a heavy snowstorm with lightning and thunder at 9:54 p.m. in Marilla, a town east of Buffalo. The TikTok clip shows snow swirling while bright bolts flash, and its caption reads “Lucky to catch one of nature's most amazing phenomenon.” [2][1]
• Second TikTok shows snow‑covered cars and a thunderclap on Jan 22 – User @dewpointdoyle4 posted footage of snow falling on parked cars before a sudden thunder strike, labeling it “Thundersnow in #buffalo.” The video has amassed more than 18,000 views since its upload. [3]
• National Weather Service warns of another arctic air blast – The NWS forecasts a deep‑cold surge moving from the Plains into the East/Southeast Friday into Saturday, with record‑low temperatures expected as far south as Florida. The warning follows the current Northeast storm that produced the thundersnow footage. [1]
• NASA describes thundersnow as snowfall with simultaneous lightning – NASA calls the phenomenon “one of the more dramatic and relatively rare weather phenomena,” defining it as snow falling while lightning occurs at the same time. [1]
• NSSL explains thundersnow forms in strong instability over moisture – The National Severe Storms Laboratory notes that thundersnow can develop where there is strong atmospheric instability and abundant moisture, often downstream of the Great Lakes during lake‑effect snowstorms when cold air passes over warmer water. [1]
• 2024 study finds thundersnow more common than previously thought – Sebastian Harkema, a researcher at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, led a simulation at the NASA Center for Climate Simulation showing thundersnow occurs frequently in the eastern Great Lakes region and in Japan, despite being rarer than typical thunderstorm lightning. [4]

Who Said What

• Rich Pawlewski (TikTok creator): “Thundersnow does happen in WNY at least once a year…it's just rare to get it on video because it's very random. During this storm, there were a few strikes of lightning during this snow squall.”
• Sebastian Harkema (researcher, UAH/NASA): “Thundersnow is much more common than what we have historically thought, but is still relatively rare compared to lightning flashes in thunderstorms.”
• National Weather Service (agency): “Another blast of arctic air will spread from the Plains through the East/Southeast Friday into Saturday with more record lows expected even into Florida.”

Key Facts

• Two‑day oatmeal diet cuts LDL by ~10% In a randomized controlled trial at the University of Bonn, participants ate oatmeal three times daily for two days, consuming about 300 g of oats and roughly half their usual calories. Within 48 hours, their low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fell by around ten percent. The reduction persisted when normal eating resumed, remaining steady six weeks later. [1][5]
• Oat group lost weight and lowered blood pressure The same participants lost an average of two kilograms (about four and a half pounds) and experienced a modest drop in systolic blood pressure. A control group that cut calories but avoided oats showed smaller changes, indicating the oat component contributed additional benefit. Both groups improved some health markers, but the oat group’s changes were more pronounced. [1]
• Gut microbes produce cholesterol‑lowering metabolites Researchers linked the LDL drop to phenolic metabolites, especially ferulic‑acid derivatives, generated when gut bacteria break down oat fibers. These metabolites are thought to enhance cholesterol metabolism in most people, though effectiveness may vary across populations. The study therefore suggests a mechanistic basis that is not limited to metabolic‑syndrome patients. [1]
• Study focused on metabolic‑syndrome participants All volunteers had metabolic syndrome—a cluster of excess weight, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol—but none had diabetes. The findings demonstrate efficacy in this at‑risk group, while the authors note that effects in healthy individuals remain to be tested. Further trials will assess broader applicability. [1]
• Gentle oat intake yields only minor gains A secondary arm gave participants about 80 g of oats daily for six weeks without calorie restriction; this produced only slight improvements in cholesterol and other markers. The contrast suggests that a short, intensive oat “reset” combined with temporary calorie reduction is more effective than modest, long‑term oat consumption. [1]
• Researchers caution oats are not a drug substitute The authors emphasize that oatmeal should not replace prescribed cholesterol medication or medical advice. They propose future work to test whether repeating the intensive oat protocol every six weeks could provide lasting preventive effects. [1]

Who Said What

• Marie‑Christine Simon, nutrition and microbiota professor at the University of Bonn, said “That is a substantial reduction,” noting the LDL drop is impressive given the diet’s simplicity and short duration, though not as strong as modern cholesterol‑lowering drugs.
• Linda Klümpen, co‑author and researcher at the University of Bonn, said “We were able to identify that the consumption of oatmeal increased the number of certain bacteria in the gut,” highlighting the microbiome shift underlying the effect.

Key Facts

• Snow Moon peaks Feb 1 at 5:09 p.m. ET – The full moon, called the Snow Moon, will reach maximum illumination around 5:09 p.m. Eastern Time on February 1, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The name stems from an 1760s account by Captain Jonathan Carver, who noted February’s heavy snowfall. Observers should look eastward at sunset to see it rise near the Cancer constellation. [1]
• Full moon appears larger near horizon due to illusion – When the Moon is low on the skyline, the moon illusion makes it seem unusually large. The lunar limb may wobble as moonlight refracts through Earth’s atmosphere, and a halo can form from bright moonlight passing through clouds. Viewing away from city lights reduces light‑pollution and improves the experience. [1]
• Moon’s illumination comes from reflected sunlight – A full moon is fully lit because the Moon is opposite the Sun in its orbit, so the side facing Earth receives direct sunlight. The Moon does not generate its own light; it reflects solar illumination. During crescent phases, earthshine can faintly illuminate the dark portion of the Moon, as NASA notes. [1]
• Same lunar face always visible from Earth – The Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate it orbits Earth, keeping one hemisphere permanently turned toward us. This synchronous rotation means observers never see the far side without spacecraft. [1]
• Best viewing conditions favor non‑full phases for detail – NASA advises that crater and mountain shadows are more pronounced during phases other than the full Moon, making surface features easier to discern. Observers can still view the Moon at any illuminated phase, but contrast improves when the Sun casts longer shadows. [1]
• Historical naming of Snow Moon linked to winter snowfall – Captain Jonathan Carver recorded that the period’s name, Snow Moon, derived from the observation that more snow typically falls in February than any other winter month, a tradition reflected in the almanac. This naming dates back to the 1760s and the Naudowessie (Dakota) tribe’s terminology. [1]

Who Said What

• NASA: “This is as close as we come to seeing the Sun’s illumination of the entire day side of the Moon.” – Explains why the full Moon appears fully lit. [1]
• NASA: “You can look at the Moon during any of its illuminated phases, but for better viewing of craters and mountains, try phases other than the full Moon.” – Advises on optimal phases for observing surface detail. [1]
• NASA: Describes earthshine as “the dark portion of the moon glowing faintly in the sunlight that reflects off Earth” during crescent phases. [1]

Key Facts

• Mortality ratio of pregnancy to abortion deaths climbs: A national analysis of 2018–2021 data shows 14,902,571 births and 3,662,580 abortions, with 3,065 pregnancy-related deaths and 17 abortion-related deaths. The mean pregnancy‑to‑abortion mortality ratio was 69.6, dropping to 52.9 after removing non-specific pregnancy deaths and to 44.3 after excluding COVID-19 deaths. The figures are three times higher than the earlier estimate of 14.7. The study identifies pregnancy mortality using ICD-10 codes A34, O10–O95, O96, and O98–O99. [3]
• More pregnancies carried to term linked to higher risk: Researchers argue the rise reflects more complete mortality tracking and ongoing improvements in abortion safety, plus the impact of the Dobbs decision leading more women to continue pregnancies with medical risks. This shift elevates the relative danger of pregnancy compared with abortion. [3]
• Dobbs decision cited as driver of change: Since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling in 2022, evidence indicates more pregnant people carry pregnancies they would have previously terminated, increasing exposure to pregnancy‑related mortality relative to abortion mortality. [3]
• State bans and restrictions create a fragmented landscape: Thirteen states enforce total abortion bans, while twenty‑eight restrict abortion by gestational duration, including seven that ban at or before 18 weeks and 21 that ban after 18 weeks. The legal environment compounds the health risks highlighted by the study. [3]
• Study method and sources clarified: The analysis used all births, including live births and stillbirths, and pregnancy‑related deaths from the National Vital Statistics System. Abortion deaths came from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System, with abortion totals from the Guttmacher Institute. The research was conducted between February and October 2025. [1][3]

Key Facts

• Defense Ministry probes top PLA generals – China's Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that General Zhang Youxia, first vice‑chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, joint staff chief, are under investigation for “serious disciplinary and legal violations,” a move described as a political earthquake in Beijing [1].
• Central Military Commission reduced to two members – With Zhang removed, the Central Military Commission now consists only of President Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin, head of the PLA discipline unit, a stark contraction from the five‑member commissions of Mao’s era and a sign of Xi’s concentration of military authority [1][2].
• PLA Daily accuses corruption and ideological breach – The People’s Liberation Army Daily editorial labeled Zhang and Liu’s conduct as “serious corruption,” accusing them of trampling the CMC chairman responsibility system and attacking the political and ideological foundation of the armed forces, calling the probe a purge of “ideological toxins” [1].
• Analysts split on coup versus anti‑graft motive – Francesco Sisci of the Appia Institute argues the scale of the purge suggests an attempted coup, while law professor Henry Gao contends the allegations are a framing effort to weaken Zhang’s clique, describing it as high‑level information warfare rather than genuine espionage [1].
• Leak claim fuels speculation but lacks proof – The Wall Street Journal reported that Zhang allegedly leaked technical data on China’s nuclear weapons to the United States, yet experts question how a senior officer could access such material and suggest the charge may be a pretext for Xi to tighten control over the PLA [1][4].
• Power shift occurs amid broader strategic tensions – The purge follows last year’s removal of two other commanders, continues Xi’s decade‑and‑a‑half anti‑graft campaign, and comes just before the U.S. Department of Defense released its 2026 National Defense Strategy and President Donald Trump’s planned April visit to China, heightening regional security concerns [1][7][3].

Who Said What

• Francesco Sisci, director of the Rome‑based Appia Institute, said the Chinese system’s “grammar rules” make the sweeping purge a clear sign of an attempted coup, noting its unprecedented size.
• Henry Gao, law professor at Singapore Management University, wrote on X that “there are a thousand reasons to frame Zhang” and that the most plausible explanation is a case of high‑level information warfare aimed at pressuring Zhang’s allies, not actual espionage.
• Peter Mattis, president of the Jamestown Foundation, described the Zhang‑Xi relationship as “the most important single relationship inside the Chinese Communist Party” and warned that the removal of senior brass could impair the PLA’s readiness for the 2027 benchmark of fighting a war over Taiwan.

Key Facts

• Malinin lands quad axel in competition: At 17, Malinin launched forward, rotated four-and-a-half times and landed on one blade to complete the quadruple axel. The world’s first in-competition quad axel solidified his “Quad God” nickname and set the stage for his Olympic push as he moved toward Milan. This breakthrough followed his ongoing inclusion of the move in major events and framed him as a central figure for Team USA’s capitalizing on new technical frontiers. [1]
• Grand Prix Final feat sets seven quads and 238.24 score: In Japan, Malinin delivered seven quads in a single free skate and posted the sport’s highest score, 238.24, surpassing his previous best. The performance underscored his willingness to push the sport’s technical envelope and raised expectations for his Olympic showing in Milan. [1]
• Team USA roster for Milan includes 16 athletes; Boitano calls it strongest: The officially determined Olympic team features 16 athletes across men’s, women’s, pairs and ice dance. Malinin anchors a group seen as the strongest American lineup in years, with Liu among the women and Bates and Chock in ice dance. Brian Boitano characterized the squad as probably the strongest going into the Olympics in history. [1][2]
• Lipinski lauds Malinin and eyes quintuple axel: Tara Lipinski credited Malinin with revolutionizing men’s skating and hinted at ambitious goals beyond the Olympics, including attempting a quintuple axel. The remarks highlight how observers view his impact on the sport and his potential to push past current boundaries. [3]
• Chock and Bates anchor top ice dance and lead by example: Madison Chock and Evan Bates, now married, headline the ice dance contingent after years of dominance and recent Grand Prix Final and national success. Their partnership embodies the team’s blend of artistry, personal chemistry and competitive experience as they head toward Milan. [1]
• Liu returns to lead women; Glenn and Levito bolster depth: Alysa Liu returns to lead the women’s team after retiring briefly, bringing historic youth success and a Grand Prix Final gold. Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito contribute depth and resilience, signaling a revitalized women’s program and a shift toward greater mental health and emotional well-being as part of Team USA’s new era. [1]

Who Said What

• Ilia Malinin, Figure skater: "I definitely think I’m really defining the sport and changing the sport, but I feel like I’m also starting to pave a path for the younger generation," and "I know 100 percent that after the Olympics, that’s gonna be one of my main goals." [1]
• Brian Boitano, Team USA legend: "probably the strongest team going into the Olympics in history." [2]
• Tara Lipinski, Olympic champion: "revolutionized men’s skating and is doing things I never thought possible." This comment underscores the perceived break with past limits and the rising profile of Malinin. [3]
• Madison Chock, Ice dancer: "We remind ourselves, we are people who skate, not skaters who people." [1]
• Evan Bates, Ice dancer: "The best part is that we genuinely are friends with all of these skaters, and we’ll support each other in Milan." [1]
• Alysa Liu, Women’s team leader: "I train the same because I don’t train to compete. I compete so that I can just keep training whenever." [1]
• Amber Glenn, Team USA skater: "My skating and mindset has changed tremendously since I left the sport about 10 years ago." [1]

Key Facts

• Flavor Flav to hype Team USA in Cortina 2026: Flavor Flav will travel to Cortina d'Ampezzo in February as the team's official hype man for the bobsled and skeleton squads. He envisions energizing crowds and supporting athletes as they pursue medals. He has already ridden with the team in Park City, including a skeleton run and a bobsled ride, reaching 66 mph. The experience reinforced his commitment to a longer involvement and training path. [1]
• Flav aims to train for full skeleton course and possibly compete: He says he will train to run the full skeleton course, not just a partial ride, with the goal of competing. He expects to be coached and to join a Team USA sled if permitted. The plan reflects a serious shift from hype to active pursuit of Olympic competition. [1]
• Flav credits pep talks with Kaysha Love for success: Flav recounts telling Kaysha Love that this could be her year and that he is behind her. Love later won gold in the women's monobob at a World Cup event in Austria, illustrating the impact of support and hype on athletes. [1]
• Love wins gold at World Cup monobob; fuels hype narrative: Love’s World Cup gold in Austria underscores the rise of bobsled as a sport with growing hype attention and showcases how athletes can benefit from public support from figures like Flav. [1]
• Flav sponsors water polo through 2029; eyes more sponsorships and 2028 torchbearer: Flav says he is sponsoring the U.S. women’s water polo team through 2029 and argues Team USA would benefit from more sponsors. He aims to bring additional resources to Olympic teams and says his next objective is to carry the flame as a torchbearer for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. [1]
• Involvement began after a fall invitation; hype has grown: Flav joined the program last fall after one team member invited him for a bobsled ride. Since then, he has developed a relationship with the squad and says his hype work has proven effective in motivating the athletes. [1]

Who Said What

• Flavor Flav, official hype man for Team USA: "They seem like some real go-getters, and I really feel that they’re going to go out and get some medals this year." [1]
• Flavor Flav, official hype man for Team USA: "Oh my God, that ride was so amazing. I’m an adrenaline junkie, I was very excited. I hit 66 miles per hour on the track. That was the height of my life right there." [1]
• Flavor Flav, official hype man for Team USA: "I’m gonna train to do the full course because last time I did it, I only did half the course. But this time I’m going back, and they’re gonna train me to do a full course. And once I get good with that, then I wanna try to compete. I’m gonna try...if they let me qualify, then I’m gonna go for it." [1]
• Flavor Flav, official hype man for Team USA: "Team USA could be a whole lot more powerful and successful if these teams had sponsors. I’m trying to set a trend." [1]
• Flavor Flav, official hype man for Team USA: "my next Olympic goal is to be a torchbearer for the 2028 Los Angeles Games." [1]
• Flavor Flav, official hype man for Team USA: "I’m sponsoring the U.S. women’s water polo team until 2029." [1]
• Kaysha Love, bobsledder, Team USA: "Niche sports like bobsled can be challenging to build hype around, but they often become some of the most exciting events at the Winter Olympics. So having someone like Flavor Flav take the time to learn, support and genuinely hype our sport is incredibly inspiring. When he came to Park City, I remember feeling an extra drive to push myself and really show him what bobsled is all about. His energy...gave me so much confidence and excitement." [1]

Key Facts

• McCurdy pivots from memoir to novel: Following the success of I’m Glad My Mom Died, she releases Half His Age, a fiction work about Waldo, a 17-year-old girl with an unconventional attraction to her teacher. She emphasizes the importance of voice across genres and signals a future film adaptation for the book. [1]
• Voice anchors memoir and novel: McCurdy says her voice remains constant across work and describes her tone as funny-sad. She explains that Waldo’s perspective overlaps with her own voice, and she uses writing as a lifelong way to process life and find closure. [1]
• Idea germinated on a Japan trip: The first seed came when she was 24 on a solo trip on a Shinkansen, and Waldo began to demand to be written. Over the next two years, the idea percolated until she fully embraced telling her story through the novel. [1]
• Emotional intensity drives the drafting: McCurdy describes experiences of rage that trigger crying during writing and recalls a late-breaking line that she fought to include, illustrating the emotional toll and commitment of drafting. [1]
• Screenplay adaptation on the horizon: She has finished the screenplay for Half His Age and is attached to direct, signaling a concrete path toward a film adaptation, though the project remains in early stages. [1]
• A cross-generational audience forms: McCurdy notes readers range from older fans who knew her from acting to newer readers of her memoir, creating a bridge between generations for the new novel. [1]

Who Said What

• Jennette McCurdy, author and subject: Writing has always been my mode of processing life. [1]
• Jennette McCurdy, author and subject: I feel like my voice is my voice. [1]
• Jennette McCurdy, author and subject: For this book, I had a lot of experiences where I'd feel so much rage that I'd be crying. [1]
• Jennette McCurdy, author and subject: Maybe 50 percent of making a good film or TV show is writing a good film or TV show. [1]
• Jennette McCurdy, author and subject: I not only don't read, but I also don't socialize. [1]