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Unbiased headline news – A coalition of Pacific Palisades residents and businesses affected by the Palisades Fire has initiated legal action in Los Angeles against the city’s Department of Water and Power, claiming that the agency and the city were ill-equipped to handle the disaster. Filed in California Superior Court on Monday, the lawsuit seeks compensation for costs related to repairs and the replacement of damaged or destroyed property, alternative living expenses, lost wages, diminished earning potential or profits, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. — Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, pledged to uphold independence and impartiality during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. While Bondi did not refute disproven claims about the 2020 election or condemn the rhetoric of other Cabinet nominees, she sidestepped certain questions on those issues and instead emphasized concerns over perceived politicization within the Department of Justice. — The World Economic Forum reported that the looming possibility of armed conflict between nation-states over the next year tops the list of concerns for global risk experts amid heightened geopolitical strains and global divisions. Nearly 20% of the more than 900 surveyed risk experts, policymakers, and industry leaders attributed their concerns about war to the breakdown of the rules-based international order, the Switzerland-based organization noted in a press release. — The Department of Transportation is intensifying its oversight of ongoing flight delays, filing a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines and imposing a fine on Frontier Airlines. The lawsuit accuses Southwest of repeatedly operating flights that were chronically delayed, disrupting passengers’ travel plans, and seeks “maximum civil penalties.” “Airlines are legally required to offer flight schedules that provide realistic expectations for departure and arrival times,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated. — Since granting the U.S. Treasury Department’s Bureau of Fiscal Service access to its records, the Social Security Administration has intercepted and reclaimed over $31 million in improper payments made to deceased individuals. “These outcomes are just the beginning,” said David Lebryk, the Treasury’s Fiscal Assistant Secretary, in a news release. As part of the 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, Congress temporarily granted the Treasury access to the SSA’s “Full Death Master File” for a three-year period starting in December 2023 and continuing through 2026. — The Congressional Budget Office has revised its 30-year projection for the U.S. population downward to 372 million residents, a 2.8% reduction from last year, citing lower birth rates and diminished expectations for immigration. Last year’s estimate predicted 383 million U.S. residents within three decades, but the updated forecast reflects a reduction of 11 million people. The U.S. population stood at an estimated 341 million as of New Year’s Day and is projected to reach 350 million by the end of the year.

Unbiased headline news – The U.S. Navy has announced the construction of four new nuclear submarines to bolster its fleet, which is showing signs of age. “Today’s submarine force is the most capable in history, both for the U.S. Navy and globally,” stated Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in a press release. “It’s an honor to unveil the names of these future attack submarines, which will safeguard our nation from beneath the ocean’s surface.” — Nawaf Salam, Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate, issued a call for “unity and cooperation” to save, reform, and rebuild the country. Salam specifically extended his outreach to “all,” notably addressing Hezbollah, which has expressed anger over his nomination to head the new government. Now officially appointed by newly elected President Joseph Aoun, Salam emphasized the need “to say enough” and begin “a new chapter.” — House Speaker Mike Johnson announced his intention to raise the Capitol’s flags, which are currently at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump—contradicting a White House order. Following a GOP press briefing on Tuesday morning, Johnson nodded affirmatively when questioned about his decision. Later, he confirmed it via a post on X, writing, “On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to mark our nation’s unity.” — Steve Bannon has been ordered to appear in court next week to explain why he changed legal representation so close to his trial, according to a ruling by a New York judge. Bannon, a former senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, is set to face trial on February 25th over allegations of defrauding donors of the “We Build the Wall” campaign. After his previous attorneys sought to withdraw, Bannon retained Arthur Aidala as his new lawyer. — Police in Utah have discovered human remains that they believe have been decomposing “for an extended period” near a public hiking trail. According to a statement from the Washington City Police Department, the remains were found near the Bone Wash Trail and Elephant Arch hiking area in Washington City, southern Utah—about 125 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. — Capital One is being sued by a U.S. watchdog agency for allegedly deceiving customers about its high-interest savings accounts and “cheating” them out of more than $2 billion in potential interest earnings. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accused Capital One of misleading consumers about its “360 Savings” accounts. The CFPB’s complaint claims the company froze its advertised high interest rate at a low level for several years, even as national rates climbed.

Unbiased headline news – Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed that “there should probably be conditions” attached to financial aid for California’s wildfire recovery efforts. “My personal opinion is that there ought to be conditions on that aid. We’ll see how the broader consensus shapes up,” Johnson remarked. “I haven’t had an opportunity to discuss this with the members over the weekend, given how busy everyone has been, but it will undoubtedly be part of the conversation.” His office provided no further details when pressed for clarification on what conditions might be proposed. — A series of suspected sabotage incidents targeting undersea cables in the Baltic Sea has heightened concerns about a volatile 2025 in NATO’s northern regions. In response, allied leaders are pledging intensified surveillance and a firm stance against Russian- and Chinese-affiliated vessels suspected of engaging in malicious activities. “NATO will bolster its military presence in the Baltic Sea,” NATO chief Mark Rutte declared in December, following the latest case of alleged sabotage. He condemned “any actions that threaten vital infrastructure” as unacceptable. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has summoned state lawmakers for a special session aimed at implementing President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed immigration policies. Trump’s incoming administration is preparing more than 100 executive orders to take immediate action on border security, deportations, and other key issues. The planned crackdown has been described as a “shock-and-awe” approach. While Trump and his team have committed to mass deportations, significant uncertainty remains regarding how these measures will be executed. — The Academy has adjusted several key dates for the 2025 Oscars due to the catastrophic fires ravaging Los Angeles. The announcement of Oscar nominations has been shifted from its original January 17 date to January 23 at 5:30 a.m. Pacific time, with the voting period for nominations extended by three days to January 17. Additionally, the Oscars nominees luncheon, originally set for February 10, has been canceled in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the fires. — President Joe Biden on Monday approved new student loan relief measures benefiting over 150,000 borrowers. According to Biden, the relief will assist 85,000 borrowers who attended institutions accused of “cheating and defrauding” students, 61,000 borrowers with permanent disabilities, and 6,100 public service workers. The president emphasized that this latest round of relief raises the total number of student borrowers receiving aid under his administration to over five million. — Blue Origin postponed the inaugural launch of its massive new rocket early Monday due to technical difficulties. The 320-foot New Glenn rocket was set to launch just before dawn, carrying a prototype satellite from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. However, during the final minutes of the countdown, launch controllers encountered an unspecified issue with the rocket and ran out of time to resolve it. Once the countdown was stopped, the team began the process of draining fuel from the rocket to ensure safety.

Unbiased headline news – Ukrainian President Zelensky has pledged to capture more North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia after two were detained over the weekend.** The two soldiers from North Korea were apprehended in the Kursk Oblast, a Russian region bordering Ukraine, Zelensky stated in a post on X. “Putin began three years ago with demands on NATO and efforts to rewrite history, but now he relies on military aid from Pyongyang,” he added, referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin. — **Illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank continue to perpetrate violence against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory.** The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported last week that during the year’s first week, illegal settlers injured 18 Palestinians, while Israeli authorities demolished homes belonging to approximately 50 individuals as part of punitive measures. — **The death toll from wildfires near Los Angeles has risen, as California officials disclosed Sunday that more people are missing.** The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office announced on social media Sunday that it will maintain a “zero tolerance for looters” policy. Curfews are being enforced in evacuation zones, including affected areas of Altadena. “Deputies are enforcing curfews in Altadena and maintaining vigilance to prevent looting,” Sergeant Miguel Meza from the sheriff’s office stated. — **Syria’s new leader Ahmad Sharaa has called on Lebanon to move past the “negative” history stemming from decades of the Assad family’s rule, vowing to address unresolved issues and forge strong strategic ties.** Sharaa referenced the “damaged” relationship during the tenure of late Syrian President Hafez Assad. He described Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s visit to Damascus as a step toward a “new phase” and affirmed that “long-term strategic ties” would be established between the neighboring nations with “significant mutual interests.” — **NFL draft prospect Kyren Lacy, a leading wide receiver candidate, is being sought for negligent homicide in connection to a fatal crash in Louisiana last month, state police reported Friday.** The Louisiana State Police announced an arrest warrant for Lacy, 24, of Thibodaux, accusing him of leaving the scene of a fatal December 17 crash. Authorities allege that Lacy drove around the crash site and fled south “without providing aid, contacting emergency services, or reporting his involvement in the incident,” according to the police statement. — **Reality TV personality Chase Chrisley is accused of striking the manager of a popular Atlanta sports bar after refusing to leave.** Chrisley, known from the show *Chrisley Knows Best*, featuring his family, was reportedly intoxicated at a Twin Peaks restaurant on Jan. 6. When the manager asked him to leave, Chrisley allegedly struck him twice in the face, including once while the manager was on the phone with 911, according to an Atlanta police report.

Unbiased headline news – The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, under Hamas administration, reported that 46,006 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza since the conflict with Israel erupted on October 7th, 2023. The ministry also confirmed on Thursday morning that the number of injured has climbed to 109,378. At least 70 people were killed in the last 24 hours alone, with an additional 104 injured as Israeli strikes continued across the territory. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces announced they have identified the remains of a hostage, Yosef Al-Zaydani, and are working to determine the identity of a second set of remains. — More than a dozen people are feared dead, with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna indicating the toll is likely to increase as wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Southern California amid intense dry winds. Thousands of firefighters are engaged in battling at least five major blazes around the Los Angeles area. The Palisades Fire, the largest, has already scorched over 21,000 acres and destroyed thousands of buildings. Another significant fire, the Eaton Fire in Altadena, has grown to over 13,000 acres, exacerbating the destruction in the region. — Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, extending their support to victims and first responders affected by the catastrophic wildfires tearing through Los Angeles. The couple actively participated by distributing food packages and engaging with evacuees at the center, which has become a critical evacuation hub for displaced residents. Working alongside volunteers, Meghan and Harry handed out essential supplies to affected families. They also spent time speaking with emergency personnel involved in firefighting efforts across the region. — Ukraine has reportedly captured two North Korean soldiers who were wounded while fighting on behalf of Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Saturday. The two soldiers were taken into custody in the Kursk Oblast, a Russian region bordering Ukraine, Zelensky stated in a detailed post on X. “I want to commend the bravery of Tactical Group Number 84 of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and our paratroopers, who successfully captured these individuals,” Zelensky wrote. — Scammers have stolen millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from job seekers in a sophisticated remote-work fraud scheme, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced. James revealed on Thursday that she has filed a lawsuit to recover over $2 million allegedly stolen from victims in New York and across the country. According to her office, the scammers targeted people with unsolicited texts, offering fake remote jobs that claimed to involve reviewing products online to produce “market data.” — California’s devastating wildfires have sparked incredible acts of kindness, with residents stepping up to protect their neighborhoods. In Hollywood, several good Samaritans sprang into action when embers ignited a palm tree above an evacuated home. Using a Ring camera, neighbors sought permission to climb onto the roof and extinguish the flames before they could reach the house, preventing what could have been catastrophic damage.

Unbiased headline news – At least five people have died, and numerous others were injured as multiple fires erupted across Southern California during an intense period of dry and windy conditions. More than 15,000 acres have been scorched in the uncontrolled Palisades Fire, located in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. The blaze has destroyed at least 300 structures, with over 13,300 others in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, which ignited miles from the Palisades Fire in Altadena, has expanded to more than 10,000 acres. — On Tuesday night, Seoul Western District Court reissued a warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Corruption Investigation Office chief Oh Dong-woon stated during a parliamentary hearing that they would “thoroughly prepare for the execution of arrest, as if it was the last chance.” The warrant comes after a South Korean court initially issued an arrest and search warrant on Dec. 31 over Yoon’s brief implementation of martial law. — Nearly 24 million Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act during the final enrollment period under the Biden administration, setting a record. This marks a 9% increase from the previous year, with a week still remaining for additional sign-ups. The 2025 enrollment total includes 3.2 million new participants compared to last year, according to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Of the total, 20.4 million consumers from 2024 either selected a new plan or were automatically re-enrolled. — A passenger aboard a plane at Boston Logan International Airport opened an exit door while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff, prompting swift action from fellow passengers, authorities reported. The individual, a JetBlue passenger, is expected to face charges and be arraigned, according to Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Tim McGuirk. The passenger’s identity has not been released. McGuirk noted that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., describing the door as being opened “suddenly and without warning.” — Former Congressman George Santos earned $400,000 selling personalized videos on Cameo, federal prosecutors revealed during a court hearing on Tuesday. The disclosure was made as prosecutors opposed Santos’ request to postpone his sentencing, scheduled for February 7th. They argued against the delay, asserting that “the numerous victims of Santos’s criminal schemes, and the community writ large have a strong collective interest in the expeditious resolution of this case.” Santos pleaded guilty in August to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. — Applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. fell to their lowest level in nearly a year last week, signaling a resilient labor market with historically low layoffs. The Labor Department reported Wednesday that jobless claims dropped to 201,000 for the week ending January 4th, a decline from the previous week’s 211,000. This figure marks the lowest level since February of last year. The four-week moving average, which smooths fluctuations, also decreased by 10,250 to 213,000.