Good morning. Here’s what’s making headlines today…
Top 3
1. President Trump issues a warning to Iran amid growing protests and concerns over potential crackdowns.
2. With President Trump intensifying pressure on Venezuela, President Maduro expresses a newfound openness regarding U.S. drug trafficking.
3. Mamdani launches an initiative against ‘slums’, targeting former mayor Adams through an executive order on his first day in office.
Main News
Crackdown on fraud: Minnesota residents are facing foreclosure after a significant $400 million in pandemic loan fraud comes to light.
Textbook removal: A professor criticizes the “sneaky approach” to American history education that focuses on repression.
Holiday tragedy: The death toll rises following a devastating fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps during New Year’s celebrations.
False start: The Ole Miss Georgia Sugar Bowl match ended unexpectedly during celebrations when officials called for one more second to be played.
Star Sood: A musician alleges Will Smith “groomed” him after an encounter in a hotel room.
Politics
Power struggles: An inside look at the internal dynamics during Trump’s first year in office and the ensuing legal battles.
Fiscal measures: Trump aims to revitalize the U.S. economy in his first year via tariffs, tax reductions, and new savings initiatives.
Focus on midterms: Republicans are working hard to maintain their Senate majority in 2026 as Democrats target key opportunities.
Military tensions: Heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait as China increases military pressure while U.S. support ramps up.
Media Updates
Cooling reactions: A journalist reports receiving death threats after releasing a video about alleged fraud at a daycare.
Missing the point: CBS’s new anchor admits the media “missed the story” on several pressing issues.
Declared a failure: CNN criticizes the Minnesota daycare fraud coverage as an attempt to undermine public trust.
Goodbye: Trump fires “everyday guy” Clooney after the actor’s family acquires French citizenship.
Opinions
Jonathan Turley: Trump’s decision to rename the Kennedy Center could keep lawyers busy for a while.
Dan Gainer: Seven of the wildest stories from 2025 that you might not expect.
In Other News
Bad luck: Cracker Barrel has unexpectedly eliminated a cherished Southern tradition for the New Year.
Rock star routine: Can you handle Mick Jagger’s intense training regimen?
Culture quiz: Challenge yourself with a quiz on fast food favorites and celebrity confessions.
Marble mystery: An unexpected Roman artifact is discovered in a Biblical city referenced in Revelation.
Dramatic rescue: A viral video captures a mother leaping into the water to save her daughter.
Video Highlights
Zoran Mamdani: If you’re a New Yorker, I’m your mayor.
Scott Turner: Boots are on the ground in Minnesota.
Weather
Curious about the weather in your area? Find out more…
