January 13, 2025 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
Local:
-Toga Spirit Week starting this Monday: Starting today, January 13th, Saratoga Springs High School is holding its winter Spirit Week!!! Tomorrow Tuesday, 1/14th is Twin Day, so get out a matching outfit with your best friend and coordinate! Wednesday is Mismatch Day, Thursday is Snow Gear Day, and Friday is TOGA BLUE OUT! Bring the school spirit and have fun with the themes the Toga Student Council came up with this year!!!
National:
– Los Angeles Wildfires Continue to Leave California in Ashes: Starting on January 7th, the infamous and deadly California fires broke out on the west side of Los Angeles and continue to escalate by the day. The blaze has ferociously spread across LA County, supposedly started and fueled by exceptionally dry western conditions and strong winds. Over the past few days, 16 people were confirmed dead, thousands of homes burned down to their framework, and over 37,316 acres have been damaged and charred. Firefighters from all over the U.S. and the world have rushed to California’s aid in the hopes of combatting the flames and saving as many people and homes as possible. More than 100,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders as the Eaton, Hurst, Palisades and Kenneth Fires continue to spread.
Source: nbcnews.com
January 11, 2025 – California wildfires news | CNN
What caused the California fires: How strong wind and abnormal dryness fueled the blazes in L.A.
Live updates: Los Angeles wildfires, wind warnings as Palisades, Eaton fires burn | CNN \
-Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S President, Dies at 100: On December 29th, the United States’ oldest living President in history and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Winner passed away at 100 years old. His death has left the country saddened at the loss of the beloved former President and political figure. Previously diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, he had struggled with spreading tumors ever since his cancer battle began in 2015. President Biden has since ordered that U.S. flags are to be flown half-mast for 30 days in national mourning, and on Thursday, all living former presidents attended his funeral. From 1977 to 1981, Carter governed the U.S. with strong democratic ideals, dedicating his time in office to health, peace and diplomacy. He will forever be known in America for his care, compassion and service to America.
Jimmy Carter, 39th president, dies at 100 – The Washington Post
-Tik Tok is Set to be Banned Next Sunday- However, a Pause on the Ban may be in Progress: Tik Tok, currently one of the most used and controversial forms of social media; known for its relatable reels, news, and widespread trends, could soon be banned for U.S. Citizens on January 19th. TikTok’s appearance in the Supreme Court on Friday was the final attempt to prevent the app’s national ban and convince those behind TikTok to separate from its Chinese owner. The app has raised concerns throughout its rise to social media dominance for its connection to the Chinese Communist Party and its threats to U.S. security. Much uncertainty on the ban has been shared, and many citizens and government officials are worried the ban will violate the First Amendment. President-elect Donald Trump is hoping to postpone the decision to after his entrance into office, so he can provide a “political resolution”- which is suspected to be an attempt to put an end to the ban.
What happens to my TikTok if the ban goes through? | CNN Business
TikTok could be banned this month. Here’s how to prepare – NBC New York
TikTok Ban 2025 Explained: What Is Actually Happening? – Newsweek
-President Biden Awards 19 Presidential Medals of Freedom: On January 4th, President Biden announced 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is “the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” states WH.GOV. Few recipients of note include Chef Jose Andres, Lead singer of U2 Bono, Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox and Jane Goodall. President Biden has said that these recipients are “great leaders who have made America and the world a better place” and those that have made large and positive contributions to the good of society and the world.
President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom | The White House
Biden awards Anna Wintour, George Soros and Bono with Medal of Freedom
Global:
-Canadian Government Replies to the US President-Elects’ Ideas of Canada Becoming the 51st State: In Trump’s recent comments on his goals for his second term, he has mentioned that he wants Canada to become America’s 51st state. Shortly after saying this, many Canadian political officials have clapped back at Trump for this idea. The Canadian prime minister stated that Trump’s comments have all been a “distraction from the economic impact a trade war [between the countries regarding tariffs] will have on American workers and businesses,” Politico reports. Not only has Canada made it clear they don’t want to be a part of the U.S., but Canadian Green Party leader Elizabeth May even suggested that U.S. states like California, Washington and Oregon could be added as a new province in Canada- offering them universal healthcare and stricter gun laws.
Trump’s ‘51st state’ comments a distraction from tariffs, Canada’s retaliation plans, Trudeau says
Former Canadian leader’s blunt advice for Trump: ‘Give your head a shake!’ | AP News
Canada Lawmaker Suggests Letting 3 US States Join, Get Free Health Care – Newsweek