Week in 5: Jan 19-25, 2025
Trump's makes moves first week back in office, LA fires intensified, historic Gulf Coast snowfall hit, Hamas prisoner swaps advanced, Apple halted AI news, Ohio State won big, and more...
📰 Top 3 in…
🇺🇸 U.S. News
President Donald Trump began his second term by pardoning over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, revoking security clearances for critics, dismantling diversity initiatives, and deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border (some key areas to watch, below). AP
Energy policy: Prioritized increased oil production to combat inflation and stimulate economic growth, despite environmental concerns.
Legal challenges: Efforts to end birthright citizenship and other actions face immediate legal scrutiny, testing presidential authority.
Billionaire alliances: Collaborated with prominent figures like Elon Musk, highlighting both support and potential internal tensions.
Also, TikTok is back—for now—after Trump delayed the U.S. ban. Axios
Latest on LA fires: California wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, displaced over 100,000 residents, and sparked political tensions during President Trump’s visit to the region. While praising firefighters, Trump criticized state officials, water management policies, and Democratic leaders, deepening divisions. Expected rains this weekend may aid firefighting efforts but also heighten the risk of mudslides in devastated areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades. NYT, LA Times
Hughes fire in NW L.A. County has burned 10,400+ acres and is 87% contained.
Palisades fire growth halted at 23,448 acres, now 81% contained.
Eaton fire near Pasadena is 95% contained after burning 14,021 acres.
Winter Storm Enzo on January 24, 2025, brought historic snowfall to the Gulf Coast, with unprecedented totals in areas unaccustomed to winter storms. Chalmette, Louisiana, received 11.5 inches, and New Orleans experienced its heaviest snowfall in over 100 years. Florida likely broke its state snowfall record with 9.8 inches in Milton. Ice and snow snarled travel, caused power outages, and led to rare blizzard warnings in Louisiana and Texas. Link
🌎 World News
Hamas freed four Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire aimed at easing 15 months of war in Gaza. Celebrations erupted in both Gaza and Israel, but Israel delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, demanding the release of civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud. The truce has allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza, but tensions persist. AP
A fire at a ski resort hotel in Turkey’s Bolu mountains has claimed 79 lives and injured dozens during the peak winter tourism season. Authorities have detained 11 people, including the hotel owner, manager, and local officials, as part of an investigation. President Erdogan declared a day of national mourning, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. Reuters
Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, granting LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including marriage registration, adoption, and inheritance. However, foreign spouses cannot yet gain Thai citizenship through marriage, and gender identity changes are not legally recognized. Activists are pushing for more inclusive reforms, including amendments to surrogacy and gender recognition laws. Reuters
🧪 Tech & Science
Apple has suspended its AI-generated news alert feature after repeated errors, including false summaries that damaged trust in news organizations like the BBC and the Washington Post. Media outlets criticized the tool for spreading misinformation and demanded its removal. Apple acknowledged the mistakes, paused the feature, and pledged improvements, emphasizing the challenge of preventing AI-generated inaccuracies without human oversight. BBC
The FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson’s ketamine-derived nasal spray, Spravato, as a stand-alone treatment for major depressive disorder. Previously used with oral antidepressants, it has now been shown to be effective on its own, offering rapid relief in as little as 24 hours. Spravato is administered in healthcare settings due to potential side effects. Fortune
Researchers have identified 36 genes and 298 DNA regions linked to bipolar disorder in the largest genetic study of its kind. This discovery improves understanding of the condition’s biology, with potential to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Differences in genetic risk between bipolar types 1 and 2 were also noted, offering hope for personalized care. Link
📺 Sports & Culture
Ohio State claimed its first national title since 2014 with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship. Led by head coach Ryan Day, MVP quarterback Will Howard, and standout performances by Quinshon Judkins and Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes secured their ninth program title. They also made history as the first team in 18 years to win the championship despite having two losses during the season. SI
The NFL Conference Championships take place this Sunday, January 26, determining the teams for Super Bowl LIX. In the AFC, the Buffalo Bills face the Kansas City Chiefs at 6:30 p.m. ET in Kansas City. In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders at 3:00 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. Games are available on CBS, Fox, and streaming platforms. Forbes
The 2025 Oscar nominations are out, with Emilia Pérez leading the pack with 13 nominations, followed by Wicked and The Brutalist with 10 each. Big contenders for Best Picture include Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown. Notably, Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender actor nominated. Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony on March 2. Variety
🏎️ Fast Five
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump launched meme-based 🪙cryptocurrencies, $TRUMP and $MELANIA, sparking concerns about conflicts of interest as the sitting president could profit from tokens tied to his image. Meme coins rely on internet trends and lack real value. $TRUMP’s total value peaked at $15 billion before dropping to $7 billion. WSJ
🚙 Subaru fixed security flaws that let hackers control cars and access a year of location history, but employees can still view detailed tracking data, sparking privacy concerns. Wired
A lost Tina Turner song, Hot For You, Baby, has been rediscovered and will feature in a 40th-anniversary re-release 💿 of her iconic Private Dancer album. BBC
President Trump has issued an executive order mandating the full declassification of all federal records related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., citing the public’s right to transparency. Plans for releasing the documents will be developed within 15 to 45 days, marking an end to decades of secrecy. The White House
The White House circa 2012 | Credit: Unsplash.com Elliott Gwilliam’s wedding day took an emotional turn when his three-year-old daughter, Evie, surprised him with a heartfelt message over the sound system, moving him and the entire congregation to tears during his marriage to Emma Beddow in Shropshire, England. USA Today (video)
Thank you for reading. Have a great week!