Good morning! The weekend edition is 712 words, a 3 minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Judge rejects Trump’s hush money dismissal request

• Students deliver meals in sub-zero temps

• The most anticipated TV shows of 2025

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Today’s Big Story

Mike Johnson Reelected as House Speaker

Republican Mike Johnson narrowly won reelection as House Speaker on the first day of the new Congress.

• With support from President-elect Donald Trump, Johnson managed to secure a 218-215 victory after intense negotiations, including Trump personally calling dissenting lawmakers. In his first speech, Johnson pledged to reduce the size of the government and emphasized a break from "business as usual."

• However, Johnson's leadership faces significant hurdles, including uniting a divided Republican party and implementing Trump's ambitious agenda, such as tax cuts and stricter immigration policies. Johnson’s slim majority leaves him vulnerable, requiring near-unanimous GOP backing to pass legislation.

• Meanwhile, a series of firsts marked the opening of Congress. For the first time, two Black women, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks, were sworn into the Senate. Andy Kim of New Jersey also became the first Korean American senator, and House Rep. Sarah McBride became the first transgender person in Congress.

Saturday’s Quick Hits

• A judge denied President-elect Donald Trump's request to dismiss the hush money case and set sentencing for January 10, ten days before his inauguration. Trump can attend in person or virtually, and the judge said he will not face jail time. (More)

• The CDC reported that 2024 saw the highest number of cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade, primarily due to norovirus. December alone had five outbreaks that affected hundreds of passengers on ships from Cunard Line, Holland America, and Princess Cruises. (More)

• The US Surgeon General recommends adding cancer risk warnings to alcohol labels. Alcohol is linked to seven cancer types, including breast and liver. It results in about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths yearly in the US and is the third leading cancer cause after tobacco and obesity. (More)

• A 7-year-old boy missing for five days was found alive in a northern Zimbabwe game park that is home to big cats and wild animals. He went missing on Dec. 27 from his rural village. He survived by eating wild fruits and digging holes in a dry riverbed to collect underground drinking water. (More)

• President Biden has blocked Nippon Steel's $15 billion acquisition of US Steel, citing national security threats. He ordered the companies to abandon the transaction within 30 days. Nippon Steel and US Steel called the decision a violation of due process and are considering legal action to defend their rights. (More)

• The PGA Tour is in talks to change its Tour Championship into a bracket-style competition. The proposed format may blend stroke play and match play, departing from the current system where players begin with staggered scores based on FedEx Cup points. This revamp could start as soon as this year. (More)

• The US Transportation Department fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for chronic delays on East Coast routes due to "unrealistic scheduling." Half the penalty will go to affected passengers. It is the first fine of its kind targeting persistent delays. JetBlue argued that the government's air traffic control system also contributes to delays. (More)

Weekly Dose of Positive

• In -30 degree Celsius temperatures, Montana students formed a human chain to deliver 4,000-5,000 pounds of food to a Salvation Army food bank, marking their 25th year of donations. (More)

• Every December 23, Comfort Dental provides free dental care at its 180 locations across 10 states. In 2023, they treated over 3,500 patients, offering $1.4 million in free services to support those in need. (More)

• Teen use of alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and illicit drugs in the US has reached record lows, continuing a decline that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-heroin narcotics, like Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet also hit an all-time low. (More)

• Tokyo announced free daycare for all preschool-aged children. The policy aims to reduce financial strain on families and address Japan's declining birth rate. (More)

Extra Credit

🕶️ Dad poses as Secret Service agent for his newly-elected class president daughter. 

🍷 Trying Dry January? These tips can help. 

🍺 …and the best nonalcoholic beers for Dry January.

📺️ The most anticipated TV shows of 2025.