For the first time in years, drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have seen a significant decline, dropping by 14% from June 2023 to June 2024. The number fell to 97,000 deaths, offering hope after decades of rising fatalities. Experts credit factors like increased access to overdose-reversing treatments and legal settlements, but emphasize that nearly 100,000 deaths a year still highlight the ongoing need for action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Antwoine Williams, a former Detroit Lions player, has been charged with felony assault and civil disorder in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot. Identified through online footage and volunteers, Williams is accused of attacking officers during the riot. His arrest is part of the ongoing investigation into the violence that disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Senator Rand Paul plans to reshape the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) by either eliminating or drastically reducing its powers, citing concerns over free speech and its role in combating election-related disinformation. As he takes control of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Paul’s push for reforms is expected to face strong opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans who value the agency’s role in protecting critical infrastructure and national cybersecurity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, a former SEC chairman with no criminal prosecution experience, to lead the powerful U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan. The appointment raises concerns about Clayton’s ability to maintain SDNY's independence, especially after Trump’s previous attempt to install him in the role. Clayton would inherit a high-profile caseload, including investigations into Mayor Eric Adams and other prominent figures, while also leading an office that once investigated Trump himself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In an unexpected outcome, satirical news outlet The Onion has won the bankruptcy auction for Alex Jones’ Infowars, with the support of families who won defamation suits against Jones. If approved by a judge, the sale will include Infowars' studio, equipment, and online assets. Jones has vowed to fight the sale and continue broadcasting from a new studio, while the families hope the acquisition will bring an end to his spread of conspiracy theories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, accusing the agency of denying aid to hurricane victims who showed support for President-elect Donald Trump. The lawsuit alleges FEMA workers skipped homes displaying Trump signs, sparking calls for accountability. FEMA’s Criswell is expected to address the claims before Congress next week as scrutiny intensifies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Four Los Angeles residents are facing charges after allegedly using a bear costume to stage fake attacks on luxury cars, attempting to cash in on $141,000 in insurance claims. Dubbed “Operation Bear Claw,” the investigation revealed staged videos of “bear attacks” on high-end vehicles, prompting wildlife experts to identify the so-called bear as a person in disguise. The suspects now await prosecution for insurance fraud and conspiracy in a case that has left authorities and the public in disbelief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President-elect Donald Trump announced North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his pick for Secretary of the Interior, highlighting plans to prioritize fossil fuel production on public lands. With Burgum’s background in energy and tech, the appointment signals a pivot from the conservation-focused policies of the Biden administration. Expected to oversee national parks, tribal relations, and millions of federal acres, Burgum’s tenure could reshape the nation’s environmental landscape, sparking debate over climate priorities and resource management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, California’s firetech sector, focused on innovative solutions to combat wildfires, is finding bipartisan support. Entrepreneurs in this niche industry are shifting their focus to appeal to both Democrats and Republicans, with technologies like drones and AI gaining traction among utilities and lawmakers. Despite political uncertainty, firetech leaders are positioning their companies to thrive, offering efficiency and resilience in wildfire prevention, while even tech moguls like Elon Musk lend their influence to the cause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Governor Gavin Newsom is in Washington, D.C., pushing for last-minute federal approvals to safeguard California’s policies and funding before President-elect Trump takes office. With just weeks left, Newsom is urgently seeking disaster relief funds, clean-air waivers, and healthcare funding to protect the state against potential federal rollbacks under the new administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a surprising turn for Democrats, college students in upstate New York helped flip key battleground districts in last week’s election. With coordinated outreach led by Hakeem Jeffries and a network of campus organizers, turnout at Binghamton, Cornell, and New Paltz surged, powering Democratic victories. In a year when young voters leaned right nationwide, upstate New York’s college towns proved pivotal for the Democrats, underscoring the impact of engaging students on the issues they care about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has reintroduced a $9 congestion toll for drivers entering parts of Manhattan during peak hours, aiming to fund transit improvements. While the plan is backed by business groups and transit advocates, it faces fierce opposition from President-elect Donald Trump and suburban politicians who call it a financial burden on commuters. With a pending lawsuit and pushback from Washington, Hochul’s toll faces an uphill battle to take effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine advocate and environmental lawyer, as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s potential confirmation could reshape U.S. health policy, targeting corporate influence over agencies like the FDA and CDC while revisiting vaccine oversight, food safety, and chemical regulations. While some Republicans back Kennedy's reform goals, industry groups and public health experts warn of potential risks to established health standards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The U.S. dollar surged to a one-year peak, driven by rising Treasury yields and expectations of fiscal expansion under President-elect Trump. Meanwhile, Bitcoin hit a new all-time high of $93,480, boosted by Trump's crypto-friendly promises. The dollar’s strength signals potential inflation concerns and a more cautious Federal Reserve rate-cutting cycle ahead, as both the dollar and Treasury yields continue their upward momentum.4o mini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alex Jones’ media company, Infowars, is up for auction today as part of efforts to settle a $1.5 billion defamation judgment owed to Sandy Hook families. Despite the auction, Jones remains defiant, insisting he’ll continue his media presence, while conservative figures like Roger Stone rally to support him. Even with new owners, the families still have a claim on Jones' future earnings as he appeals the court’s rulings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman and staunch critic of U.S. military interventions, as his pick for director of national intelligence. Gabbard, a combat veteran and former House representative, has shifted from Democrat to Trump supporter in recent years. If confirmed, she will oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies and play a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. The nomination continues Trump’s trend of selecting loyal figures for top positions, despite Gabbard’s controversial stances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rep. David Valadao has once again won reelection in California’s Central Valley, overcoming millions in opposition spending and a Democratic registration advantage. Known for his moderate stances and strong local ties, Valadao has proven a resilient incumbent despite challenges from both the left and right. With changing political dynamics, Valadao’s path in future cycles could get more complicated, but for now, his win highlights his rare ability to connect with voters in a district that’s been trending away from Democrats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to announce a revised congestion toll of $9 for entering Manhattan’s busiest areas, down from the previous $15 proposal. This move aims to ease costs for commuters while generating funding for the MTA’s aging transit infrastructure. The plan faces strong opposition from New York Republicans and federal hurdles, but has gained support from transit advocates and business leaders who view it as essential for the city’s transportation future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, signaling a bold shift for the Department of Justice. Known for his loyalty to Trump and fiery rhetoric, Gaetz would be responsible for pushing Trump’s agenda and could oversee the end of the former president's pending federal cases. The pick is already causing a stir, with some Republicans voicing concerns about the direction of Trump’s DOJ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed support for Elon Musk's nomination to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Donald Trump, citing shared goals of cutting bureaucracy through technology. Adams highlighted Musk's approach as similar to his own tech initiatives in NYC, including NYPD drone patrols and robotic police support. As Adams faces federal charges, his alignment with Trump’s team could also have strategic implications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.