‘American Idol’ Sings With Best Debut In Four Years

Posted on 27/01/2026 by admin

American Idol’s Move to Monday Night Pays Off with Biggest Season Debut in Four Years

American Idol’s shift to a new night appears to have paid off handsomely. The ABC talent contest scored its biggest season debut in four years, drawing 5.9 million total viewers and earning a 0.54 share among adults aged 18-49, according to Nielsen’s live+same day ratings. This marks a significant increase from last year’s 4.49 million viewers and 0.45 share.

This premiere was the show’s strongest since Season 20 in 2022. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, American Idol previously aired on Sunday nights but moved to Mondays for this season.

During the ratings reveal, ABC took a subtle jab at NBC’s The Voice. The Disney-owned network highlighted that Idol outperformed The Voice’s premiere in its nine-season run on ABC and “surged past” The Voice’s fall average. However, ABC’s comparison was made against The Voice’s seasonal average rather than its premiere numbers.

Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick spoke to Deadline earlier this month about the scheduling strategy, saying, “The beginning of the year is awards season and a lot of these award shows are on Sunday nights. You’re up against the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Let’s see what happens on Monday.”

Clearly, ABC is enjoying a ratings boost for its flagship linear entertainment shows such as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Highlighting its growing engagement, Idol received more than double the votes during its finale last season compared to previous years.

This season, American Idol is also experimenting with live social media voting for the first time, becoming the first entertainment show to implement this feature.

Last night’s premiere featured notable performances including Jesse Findling, who has a stutter and sang Benson Boone’s “In The Stars,” and Khloe Grace, who performed “Forever 13” — a song written about Aubreigh Wyatt, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died by suicide in 2023. Carrie Underwood was visibly moved to tears by Grace’s performance, underscoring the emotional impact of the moment.

With these developments, American Idol continues to secure its position as a top-rated and culturally relevant talent competition on network television.
https://deadline.com/2026/01/american-idol-ratings-best-debut-4-years-1236699359/

How Item-Level Supply Chain Data Protects Food Safety and Reduces Waste

Posted on 26/01/2026 by admin

Every global supply chain faces constant pressures from economic shifts, tariffs, and logistics challenges. However, disruptions in the food supply chain carry unique consequences. They don’t just impact bottom lines — they can lead to food insecurity, price spikes, widespread waste, and even create uncertainty about food safety. A single delay or temperature spike can result in spoiled produce, unsafe products, or empty shelves.

In the U.S. alone, food travels an average of 1,500 miles before reaching consumers, and every mile introduces risks. Managing this complexity requires more than just traditional tracking methods. Without accurate, item-level data, grocers and suppliers are forced to operate in the dark, making it difficult to respond quickly to potential disruptions.

### The Data Accuracy Gap in Food Supply Chains

A 2025 survey conducted by Impinj of supply chain leaders in the food and grocery sectors validated this challenge. While 90% of respondents believe their organization is equipped to drive accurate supply chain visibility, only one-third actually have a consistent, 360-degree, real-time view. This data accuracy gap makes it difficult to anticipate issues or respond quickly when disruptions occur — and it comes with a serious cost.

### Closing the Data Accuracy Gap with Item-Level Visibility

To manage these challenges, many organizations are turning to item-level visibility technologies such as RAIN RFID, which have become increasingly present across food supply chains.

Unlike traditional barcodes that require manual line-of-sight scanning, RAIN RFID tags can be attached to or embedded in packaging and read in bulk. Employees can count thousands of items in seconds and generate rapid inventory reports, increasing the likelihood of identifying errors before they become problems.

Major food retailers are already seeing results. Chipotle, for example, has adopted RFID to track food shipments to its 3,300 restaurants, while Kroger plans to deploy it enterprise-wide to support its omnichannel purchase strategy and improve inventory accuracy.

Technology like RAIN RFID isn’t just a tool — it’s a foundation for proactive management. More precise item-level information unlocks several opportunities for grocers, including more targeted recalls, optimized inventory, and minimized waste. With this level of visibility, grocers can move from reacting to problems to strategically managing them, whether responding to a major recall or reducing everyday waste.

### Food Safety and the Cost of Blind Spots

Food safety has always been a top priority for grocers, especially as regulations evolve. Last year, the FDA postponed the compliance date for its Food Traceability Rule — a decision supported by many in the industry grappling with supply chain complexity. But delayed compliance requirements don’t eliminate risk.

Recalls are expensive, time-sensitive, and widely disruptive. They illustrate how data blind spots can escalate risks quickly. In Q3 2025, the FDA logged 145 food recalls — its second-highest quarterly total since 2020.

When grocers lack item-level visibility, even a single recall can trigger massive over-removal of products. Without knowing exactly which pallets or shipments are affected, or where those items are located on shelves, retailers may be forced to discard entire batches of product — including items that are safe.

This over-removal not only amplifies financial losses but also undermines consumer trust and increases waste.

However, item-level visibility technologies like RAIN RFID enable retailers to gain a detailed record of each product’s journey — from supplier to shipment to shelf. In the event of a recall, RAIN RFID can help brands remove only the affected items, reducing unnecessary food waste.

### The Billions Lost to Everyday Waste

Routine spoilage and waste drain billions from grocery operations. Managing perishables across departments is inherently complex, and visibility gaps only make it worse.

ReFED, a U.S.-based nonprofit committed to reducing food loss and waste, estimated that the cost of surplus and wasted food for businesses and consumers reached a staggering $473 billion in 2022 alone.

Last year, grocery and supply chain leaders felt the impact. According to Impinj’s 2026 report, 75% cited waste reduction as a major challenge, and respondents estimated losing an average of $79 million annually to food waste and spoilage.

Addressing these challenges requires more than just better forecasting. It demands item-level visibility into every product’s journey throughout the supply chain.

RAIN RFID offers a practical way to close these visibility gaps, helping grocers track inventory and optimize it before it goes to waste.

### Building a Smarter Food Supply Chain

While the food supply chain faces time-sensitive challenges and heavy regulation, innovative technologies are making it easier to manage operations, improve efficiency, and build resilience.

By leveraging item-level visibility through RAIN RFID, grocers and suppliers can close the data accuracy gap, create smart solutions for food safety, and reduce waste.

The result is a smarter, more reliable food system that reduces losses and enables grocers to focus on delivering streamlined customer experiences.

—

### Related Articles

– Over the past six months, we have published a series of articles on many practical aspects of managing Listeria in food plants. This last article is a summary along with links to each of the articles in the series.
– Edition 10 strengthens audit credibility, reinforces foundational food safety controls, and supports greater confidence in certification outcomes across the supply chain.
– FDA encourages eligible food importers to take advantage of this extended application window to apply for FY2027 VQIP benefits.
– An investigation discovered recalled infant formula continued to be found on store shelves — for over three weeks in one case, in over 175 locations across 36 states.
– Ideagen’s CEO explains why binary outcomes and high stakes make compliance ideal for autonomous AI.
– Agentic AI deployment will enable FDA staff to further advance the use of AI to assist with more complex tasks, such as meeting management, pre-market reviews, review validation, post-market surveillance, inspections and compliance, and administrative functions.

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https://foodsafetytech.com/feature_article/how-item-level-supply-chain-data-protects-food-safety-and-reduces-waste/

California Democrats urge government shutdown after ICE agents kill Minnesota nurse

Posted on 26/01/2026 by admin

California Legislative Democrats Urge Congressional Colleagues to Shut Down Federal Government Over Immigration Enforcement Shooting

California legislative Democrats are calling on their congressional colleagues to shut down the federal government and block further funding to immigration enforcement agencies following a fatal shooting of a civilian by federal agents in Minnesota over the weekend.

At least 50 Democratic state senators and assemblymembers—more than half of the party’s caucus—condemned the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and Veterans Affairs intensive care nurse, who was shot and killed on Saturday by federal immigration enforcement agents.

Unified in solidarity with Minnesota and other cities targeted by federal law enforcement, the lawmakers criticized what they described as the Trump administration’s militarization of American cities, with some members visibly emotional as they spoke out.

### Filibuster Threat Looms Over Bipartisan Spending Package

The incident comes as the previously bipartisan spending package—funding the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security—awaits a vote in the U.S. Senate. An increasing number of Democrats have vowed to filibuster the bill.

However, California lawmakers warned that Senate Democrats, many representing battleground states, might cave and provide Republicans the votes needed to pass the measure to President Donald Trump’s desk.

“This message is for Sen. Chuck Schumer,” said Assemblymember Liz Ortega, Democrat of Hayward. “Do your job. Stand for something. Don’t fold again.”

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Democrat of Salinas, echoed these sentiments, calling on Schumer to “step aside” if he cannot maintain unity within his caucus.

### Calls for Republican Voices of Conscience

Rivas also directed a message to Republican lawmakers: “We need you to speak out. You cannot watch these videos coming out of Minneapolis, Minn. and think that this is acceptable. We need your voice, we need your solidarity, and standing up for American values.”

### Second Amendment and Accountability Debated

In light of reports that Pretti was carrying a permitted weapon, Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez of Los Angeles referenced a 2018 tweet from the late Charlie Kirk: “The Second Amendment wasn’t for hunting or self-protection, but to ensure that free people can defend themselves if, god forbid, government became tyrannical and turned against its citizens.”

Gonzalez questioned, “What do you call a masked agent killing people in the street? What do you call children being taken from families?”

He noted that the National Rifle Association had condemned premature conclusions about the shooting as “dangerous and wrong.”

“Even the NRA is calling out the dangerous ignorance of federal officials trying to excuse the killing of Alex Pretti,” Gonzalez said. “When even staunch defenders of the Second Amendment recognize the need for accountability, we must listen.”

### California Republicans Respond

So far, California Republicans have primarily targeted their criticism at Democrats. Republican legislative leaders deferred to other caucus members for comment.

Senator Tony Strickland, Republican of Huntington Beach, accused Democratic officials of creating unsafe conditions for both agents and civilians through “sanctuary” policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. He argued these policies put civilians like Pretti in risky situations where they feel compelled to monitor officers.

“Stop the rhetoric that ICE agents are Gestapo, that they’re secret police, that they’re Nazis,” stated Assemblymember James Gallagher of Chico, a former Republican Assembly leader and candidate for a special congressional election. “This type of rhetoric is helping to contribute to the chaotic environment in places like Minnesota.”

Gallagher called Pretti’s death “a terrible thing” and demanded an independent investigation and accountability.

### New Legislation Proposed to Increase ICE Oversight

In response to the shooting, some lawmakers plan to introduce new measures limiting the power of federal agents operating in California.

“Certainly this is a frustrating situation because so much of the power and the authority here is in the hands of the federal government in Washington, D.C., but that doesn’t mean that the answer for us is to do nothing,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Democrat of Encino.

Gabriel intends to introduce a bill requiring the California attorney general to conduct independent investigations into any shootings by federal immigration enforcement agents in the state—an extension of existing law applied to state and local agencies.

Gabriel will also co-author legislation with Assemblymember Juan Carrillo that aims to ban federal immigration enforcement agencies from using state resources to facilitate their operations, including staging equipment and personnel on state property.

“We have to use every tool at our disposal, every lawful opportunity that we have to use our power, our authority to think of all of the different ways that we can push back,” Gabriel stated.

### Senate Bill 747 to Allow Civil Rights Lawsuits Against Federal Agents

Also scheduled for a vote this week in the California Senate is Senate Bill 747, co-authored by Senator Aisha Wahab of Hayward and Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco. The bill would empower Californians to sue federal agents for civil rights violations.

This bill builds upon Wiener’s measure from last year banning federal immigration enforcement agents from wearing masks—a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Wiener emphasized that the legislation transcends partisan politics. “This is really about everyone’s rights under any federal administration,” he told CalMatters on Monday. “Local and state law enforcement are already subject to civil rights liability if they violate someone’s rights, and federal agents effectively are not. This is simply seeking to apply the same standards for all law enforcement.”

—

The ongoing debate highlights deep divisions over immigration enforcement and police accountability, with California lawmakers actively seeking ways to hold federal agents responsible while urging a halt to federal funding until reforms are implemented.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/california-legislature-minnesota-response/

Area Girls Basketball: Parker, WDC knock down Trojans

Posted on 25/01/2026 by admin

Sebeka — Lily Parker scored a career-high 23 points to power the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines to an 81-30 Park Region Conference victory over the Sebeka Trojans Saturday, Jan. 24.

Parker was dominant in the first half, scoring 16 of her game-high points as Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC) jumped to a commanding 43-9 lead at halftime. Ashley Pavek contributed 13 points, followed by Jada Dykhoff’s 11. Kennedy Ness and Payton Gravelle each added nine points to help secure the win.

With the victory, WDC improved to 8-1 in the conference and secured its fifth consecutive win.

**Final Score:**
Sebeka 9 | 21 | — 30
Wadena-Deer Creek 43 | 38 | — 81

**Sebeka Scorers:**
– Bella Connor – 8
– Taylor Johnson – 3
– Vyolette Lysne – 10
– Emma Ness – 4
– Kourtney Warmbold – 4
– Kyla Watson – 1

**Wadena-Deer Creek Scorers:**
– Braelyn Becker
– Jada Dykhoff – 11
– Kennedy Ness – 9
– Karlee Sweere – 7
– Tori Mallak – 7
– Eva Pulver – 2
– Ashley Pavek – 13
– Lily Parker – 23
– Payton Gravelle – 9

**Conference Record:** 8-1
**Overall Record:** 11-4

WDC will next face New York Mills at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

—

*Brainerd Dispatch*
Covering news, weather, sports, and community stories from central Minnesota. Stay connected and informed with local journalism that matters. Visit brainerddispatch.com for more details.
https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/prep/area-girls-basketball-138

Strengthening Families Program Grows in Avoyelles Parish

Posted on 25/01/2026 by admin

Kendricks and Calisha Johnson, leaders of Living Hope Outreach Ministry (LHO), continue their dedicated work to strengthen families and improve the Bunkie community. Their efforts are expanding, with plans underway to extend their reach throughout Avoyelles Parish.

In 2025, Living Hope Outreach was awarded the Strengthening Families Program grant through The Rapides Foundation in Alexandria. This funding enabled LHO to implement an 11-week, evidence-based program designed to serve entire families by building practical life skills. These skills include healthy communication, coping strategies, family bonding, and positive parenting.

Throughout the year, four program cohorts were held—two in the spring and two in the fall—serving a total of 30 families. Program evaluations revealed strong positive outcomes for both parents and youth participants.

Parents reported significant improvements in family communication, organization, and bonding, along with notable decreases in family conflict. Youth participants demonstrated measurable gains in emotional regulation, concentration, and positive behavior. Additionally, program data indicated no reported substance use among youth who took part in the sessions.

Families who successfully completed all program requirements were given a choice between two rewards:

– An all-expense-paid family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas
– A cash stipend to help support family needs

Building on this success, Living Hope Outreach has recently been awarded continued funding for the Strengthening Families Program for the 2026–2029 grant cycle. With this renewed funding, the program will expand beyond Bunkie and be implemented throughout Avoyelles Parish starting in spring 2026. This expansion will allow even more families to benefit from this proven model of family support and prevention.
https://www.avoyellestoday.com/strengthening-families-program-grows-in-avoyelles-parish/

Making the Case for a Short-Haul Catering Overhaul

Posted on 24/01/2026 by admin

How AI-First Thinking Is Reshaping Airline Innovation

Travel brands are racing to adopt AI, but real progress comes from rebuilding foundations rather than simply layering technology onto legacy systems. Airlines that take an AI-first approach can operate proactively, personalize at scale, and deliver smoother experiences for travelers.

From Vibe Coding to Exclusive LLM Deals: AI Takeaways From Agoda’s CEO

The impact of AI extends across the travel industry workforce. Employees, whether at Agoda or other companies, need to adapt to AI-driven workflows to stay relevant. Those who don’t evolve risk becoming obsolete and searching for new jobs.

https://skift.com/2026/01/24/making-the-case-for-a-short-haul-catering-overhaul/

How to prepare for the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’

Posted on 24/01/2026 by admin

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities, or other investments.

We are in the midst of the Great Wealth Transfer, experts say—a predicted titanic pass-down of assets from older generations to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. According to financial research firm Cerulli Associates, $124 trillion will change generational hands through 2048.

That said, not everyone is going to receive a staggering amount of money—or any inheritance at all, frankly. Much of this wealth is concentrated within a small segment of the population. But if you’re inheriting wealth, you’ll have choices to make. Planning ahead can help you avoid costly mistakes.

“This is something that’s really powerful, that could really propel your financial security,” says Fahmin Fardous, a certified financial planner with Zenith Wealth Partners in Morristown, New Jersey. “Let’s look at where you are, and let’s look at what your goals are in life.”

### Prepare Before the Inheritance

Receiving large sums of money and losing a loved one are both events that can throw you for a loop—emotionally and practically.

“Grief can lead to rushed decisions,” says Scott Bishop, a CFP and co-founder of Presidio Wealth Partners in Houston. Establishing goals, understanding inheritance terms, and researching tax implications can put you in a better place to make smart choices, he adds.

In other words, laying the groundwork now prepares you for the hard work later.

“Emotionally, I often see people swing to extremes—either refusing to spend any money because it feels like ‘blood money,’ or spending too quickly because they don’t feel deserving of it,” says Mitchell Kraus, a CFP with Capital Intelligence Associates in Santa Monica, California.

No matter what emotion you feel at the time, it’s probably normal—whether it’s happiness, sadness, or general overwhelm. “I’ve seen stress, I’ve seen excitement,” Fardous says. Many clients have never had this kind of money before and don’t know what to do with it.

### Avoid Common Inheritance Mistakes

All those feelings can make it hard to act thoughtfully on your newfound wealth, particularly if it’s a life-changing amount.

One thing you shouldn’t do, Fardous says, is start mentally spending the cash.

“Whenever I see someone who’s received a windfall, they think of this wish list they’ve had,” she explains. “And this money is getting spent in their head before it’s even hitting their bank account.” That can derail long-term security before the inheritance has even fully settled.

“Don’t bank on an inheritance until you have it,” Kraus advises.

Other people seek professional advice (good!) but end up with financial pros who try to sell them lots of high-commission products (not ideal!). If you consult with a professional, consider looking for a fiduciary—someone legally bound to do what’s best for the client, Fardous says.

Be sure you understand the difference between a fee-based financial planner, who receives commissions for recommending products, and a fee-only planner, who is paid only by clients.

People sometimes respond to pressure from friends and family by taking hasty action before they’ve had time to really think about it. Kraus recommends telling people you’re taking a “90-day decision-free zone”—a period where you don’t make any irreversible financial moves.

“It gives you a chance to reset, to think about what’s going on and how it’s happening, and that takes a lot of the pressure off,” Kraus says.

### Have the Hard Conversations Early

It’s helpful to know what’s coming your way so you can prepare for taxation and distribution.

If you’re inheriting an IRA, there are rules about when and how you must take distributions from the account. There may be taxes due on what you’re receiving.

If you have the kind of relationship with your loved one where you could discuss what you might be inheriting, do it, Kraus suggests.

“I can’t tell you how many families I see where the parents are going to leave a lot of money for their kids, but their kids are so worried about the parents not being able to get by, they’re saving money in case their parents need help,” he explains. “So having those conversations ahead of time can help.”

Consider asking what you might be inheriting—money, property, investments—and whether there are any restrictions on the assets.

### Make a Plan for Inherited Wealth

After taking some time to absorb the situation and your emotions, experts say there are a few priorities to consider.

Consulting a professional about your tax liabilities should be one of your first steps, Bishop says.

After that, think about emergency savings and debt.

“We don’t want to allocate anything toward anything else without you having an emergency fund of three to six months in high-yield savings, then making sure you don’t have any high-interest debt,” Fardous advises.

Then consider your goals. Do you want to put money toward your children’s college education, buy a house, bump up your retirement nest egg?

“The first thing you don’t want to do is go out and buy three Ferraris,” Bishop says.

Think about what’s important to you and what this money means for you.

Where do you want to go? Does this inheritance mean you can retire early? Would you want to retire early?

“Think of it as an opportunity to reset your life,” Bishop says. “Big checks invite big mistakes. It’s important to slow down, have a plan, and then execute.”

—

**Related Articles:**

– [4 Ways to Relaunch Your Finances in 2026](#)

– [6 Clever Ways I’ve Saved Money (That Weren’t as Scary as I Thought)](#)

– [Will U.S. Intervention in Venezuela Change Prices at the Pump?](#)

—

*Kate Ashford, WMS™ writes for NerdWallet.*
Email: kashford@nerdwallet.com
Twitter: [@kateashford](https://twitter.com/kateashford)
https://www.lowellsun.com/2026/01/24/great-wealth-transfer/

Peter Welch: The perils and promise of ‘America First’

Posted on 23/01/2026 by admin

This commentary is by Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who represents Vermont in the U.S. Senate.

As far back as the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, our small state has wielded outsized influence in the nation and the world. Former Vermont senator Warren Austin was the country’s first ambassador to the United Nations. My predecessor, Sen. Patrick Leahy, worked tirelessly to build relations with people and governments in other countries. In Washington and abroad, Leahy found ways to project a positive face of America.

His efforts not only helped improve the lives of countless people enduring poverty, injustice, conflict, and disease, but also enabled the U.S. to find ways to work together with governments that had previously been aligned with our adversaries. Vietnam is one example: Leahy worked to build trust and address some of the worst legacies of the Vietnam War, like cleaning up contamination from Agent Orange and helping tens of thousands of people injured by landmines and bombs.

Those and other war legacy programs continue today; they formed the foundation for U.S.-Vietnam reconciliation and our comprehensive strategic partnership. There are many other instances where our foreign aid has been a catalyst for closer relations and partnerships with governments around the world: efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and other infectious diseases; educational and cultural exchanges; the Peace Corps; programs to combat hunger and protect biodiversity and endangered species; and work to counter corruption, repression, and impunity.

These efforts required proactive, sustained engagement, cultivating relationships over many years with foreign officials and average citizens in those countries, on a bipartisan basis. This was Leahy’s vision of “America First.” He and his Senate colleagues understood that what happens beyond our borders directly affects us. To deal with climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and other threats, the U.S. needs allies and partners who share our goals.

President Trump’s new “America First” National Security Strategy is the opposite of what bipartisan leaders have spent decades working hard to achieve. In a mere 12 months, much of that work has been undone.

President Trump and Elon Musk dismantled our foreign aid programs practically overnight. Billions of dollars for those programs—which passed with bipartisan support—have been rescinded. This has life-and-death consequences for hundreds of millions of people who depend on U.S. aid.

Thousands of career Foreign Service officers and local employees at the State Department and our embassies have lost their jobs. They were our eyes and ears, providing objective analysis of evolving threats around the world and building relations with counterparts in foreign countries.

President Trump’s misguided policies extend far beyond U.S. aid. His national security strategy lampoons building alliances in defense of democracy and freedom, while lauding business deals with dictators like Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Saudi royal family.

He is trying to dominate weaker neighbors. His economic agenda hinges on reckless tariffs, which immediately led to a trade war. These tariffs not only amount to tax hikes for Americans and lost revenue for our farmers and businesses; they have also weakened our alliances and partnerships, including with our closest neighbors Canada and Mexico.

Today, these and many other countries no longer see the United States as a reliable partner and are seeking stronger trade and security ties with our adversaries, China and Russia.

Last November, 194 countries attended COP30, the United Nations climate conference in Brazil. The U.S., the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, was absent, along with two failed states, Afghanistan and Burma.

To President Trump, “America First” means mining for as much carbon-polluting coal, oil, and natural gas as possible, including on public lands. Meanwhile, China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, sent nearly 800 delegates to COP30, and it is the largest producer of renewable energy technology, including over 80% of the world’s solar manufacturing.

President Trump is turning over the keys to America’s future security to the fossil fuel companies and our global competitors.

And recently, with the unauthorized use of military force to capture Venezuela’s dictator Nicolas Maduro, the President has entangled the United States in a costly, open-ended nation-building venture in Venezuela that harks back to the days of 19th-century gunboat diplomacy.

A year ago, speaking of Greenland, he said, “One way or the other, we’re going to get it.” Last week, he warned, “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. If we don’t do it the easy way, we’ll do it the hard way.”

The President’s foreign policy strategy is rooted in greed and bullying. It breeds resentment and anger, and over time, that will become a dangerous liability. We are already seeing the seeds of that, as one foreign leader after another looks for alternative markets and partners.

It may make an easy campaign slogan, but it is the American people who will struggle to pay the price for his ill-conceived, isolationist policies.

President Trump’s foreign policy might be more accurately summed up as “Trump First.” It is certainly not putting Americans first. Under this administration, our values, our credibility, and our reputation are under assault.

As Vermonters, we face a choice: pull the covers over our heads or renew a commitment to global leadership and engagement consistent with our ideals.

The United States must continue to set an example as a generous nation. We must continue to stand for democracy and freedom. Austin did this at the United Nations, and Leahy did this so effectively throughout his Senate career. They showed that diplomacy and cooperation are almost always better than conflict.

I am working to carry on their vision in the Senate. When we make that effort, we allow for the possibility of better outcomes for ourselves, for our country, and for people everywhere.
https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/23/peter-welch-the-perils-and-promise-of-america-first/

Thief’s Roulette

Posted on 23/01/2026 by admin

You arrive in a strange place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. You and 14 others have been taken and forced to compete for your lives in a series of challenges, hosted by a mysterious woman known only as Lady Luck.

Lady Luck proclaims that these 15 strangers are Thieves, and for that reason, she has brought them here to fight for their survival. To make it out alive, you must complete all of Lady Luck’s Challenges.

Thief’s Roulette is a first-person puzzle game with a mysterious story waiting to be unraveled. At the core of the game lies a series of challenging tasks conducted by Lady Luck herself.

Prepare to face a wide variety of puzzles and obstacles as you navigate through this gripping journey and strive to uncover the truth.
https://www.gamespot.com/games/thiefs-roulette/

Inside ‘MELANIA’: The unprecedented access behind Melania Trump’s first film

Posted on 22/01/2026 by admin

EXCLUSIVE: First Lady Melania Trump Takes On Every Element of New Film “MELANIA”

From the music and cinematography to the lighting, marketing, and beyond, First Lady Melania Trump has meticulously planned every aspect of her upcoming film, “MELANIA.” Speaking to Fox News Digital, her agent and exclusive senior advisor, Marc Beckman, described her involvement in bringing her vision to life as “unparalleled.”

Set to hit theaters globally on January 30, “MELANIA” is a 104-minute film debuting across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and more.

### Washington Premiere at the Trump-Kennedy Center

The night before the global release, on January 29, premiere events will take place nationwide. Amazon is bringing the film to theaters, hosting premieres in cities including New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, Nashville, Orlando, Orange County, San Francisco/Palo Alto, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Boston, Austin, Houston, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

Fox News Digital has learned that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the prominent Washington premiere event at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center.

### First Lady’s Involvement: A Hands-On Approach

Marc Beckman, who serves as Melania Trump’s agent and exclusive senior advisor, told Fox News Digital that the First Lady has been deeply involved from the beginning.

“The First Lady’s involvement and her participation in this film is unparalleled,” Beckman said. “She is fully committed—from the ideation of the concept itself to the creative direction across all touchpoints.”

Known as a highly visual person with an exceptional sense of style and design, Melania has long had the desire to enter the film industry.

Beckman explained, “From the very start, the First Lady aimed to create a rich, cinematic experience unlike anything created before. This is not a documentary; this is a film. It offers her fans, Americans, and people around the world an unprecedented look into the life of a very private First Lady.”

### What the Film Covers

The film offers audiences insight into Melania Trump’s business endeavors, philanthropic work, and family life as she prepares to serve another term as First Lady of the United States.

Viewers will see intimate moments with her husband, interactions with the U.S. Secret Service, geopolitical events, meetings with world leaders, and a notable emphasis on fashion—a self-described “fashion explosion.”

Beckman emphasized, “Vogue can’t keep up with the First Lady’s fashion. She is undeniably the most fashionable First Lady in history.” The film grants access to unprecedented meetings and moments between a First Lady and President preparing to take office again.

### Behind the Deal: Amazon Wins Bidding War

Beckman led the initial negotiations with major companies such as Amazon, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Paramount, Netflix, and Disney.

“Disney, Netflix, and Paramount all sought exclusive rights for the film,” Beckman said. “Amazon and MGM submitted the highest bid, ultimately securing the license for $40 million—the largest documentary deal in history.”

He added, “The competitive bidding process was intense, but Amazon stood out not only for their financial offer but also because they had the ideal team to help create the high-quality theatrical film the First Lady envisioned.”

Following the film’s theatrical release, Amazon will also produce a docuseries to allow the First Lady to delve deeper into the stories and themes introduced in the film.

### Creative Team and Production Highlights

The film is directed by Brett Ratner, known for directing the “Rush Hour” series. According to Beckman, Ratner has been impressed by Melania Trump’s natural talent and creativity.

“Brett said it’s as if Mrs. Trump has been working in Hollywood her whole life. She helped set the tone—not only on concept but also on lighting and filming,” Beckman said.

In post-production, Melania was actively involved in editing, color correction, and hand-selecting the soundtrack. She also contributed heavily to marketing, collaborating with Ratner and Amazon to produce the film trailer, commercials, and ad campaigns.

The film’s photography is by renowned fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, famous for her work with Chanel, Dior, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. The First Lady and von Unwerth share a strong bond, partly rooted in their mutual passion for foster care advocacy, which strengthens their professional collaboration.

### Global Release and Marketing Campaign

“MELANIA” will launch simultaneously in the United States and 30 other countries, including Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Israel, Mexico, Hungary, Slovenia, and more.

“Each country will have its own ad campaign in the local language,” Beckman said. One notable campaign in Florence, Italy, features movie images projected on the iconic Duomo cathedral.

### Premiere Events and Exclusive Details

For the January 29 premieres, Melania Trump personally planned every detail—from guest gifts and seating arrangements to menus and collectible packaging designs like popcorn tubs.

Beckman summarized, “It’s all her vision and creativity.”

The exclusive trailer released in December 2025 opens with the First Lady walking into the U.S. Capitol rotunda before her husband’s second inauguration, dressed in her iconic inauguration outfit, saying, “Here we go again.”

The trailer shows powerful images from the inauguration, moments with Barron Trump and Melania’s father, to iconic symbols like Air Force One and the presidential seal, accompanied by the famous MGM lion roar.

### More From Melania: Bestselling Memoir and Collector’s Edition

The film follows the success of Melania Trump’s memoir, titled *Melania*, released one year prior. The book offers an intimate portrait featuring personal stories and family photos not previously shared. Since release, it has remained at the top of The New York Times bestseller list.

### Conclusion

With “MELANIA,” First Lady Melania Trump brings a unique, artistic, and intimate cinematic experience to theaters worldwide, combining personal storytelling, style, and unprecedented access. Fans and audiences globally will soon be able to see this exclusive look at the life of one of America’s most private and stylish First Ladies.

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*Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as “MELANIA” premieres in theaters near you.*
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-melania-unprecedented-access-behind-melania-trumps-first-film

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Monthly Archives: January 2026