USA – Page 37 – Prologue Journal

Biden Announces Ceasefire Deal Between Hamas, Israel in Farewell Address

Defense.gov President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal between Israel and Hamas — a truce that Defense Department officials believe signals a possible end to 15 months of conflict in the region. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4032622/biden-announces-ceasefire-deal-between-hamas-israel-in-farewell-address/

Two Watchdogs Were Rebuffed From Joining Trump’s Cost-Cutting Effort

New York Times “We have no room in our administration for Democrats,” a transition spokeswoman replied after good-government activists tried to join the president-elect’s new efficiency department. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/us/doge-trump-watchdogs.html

President-elect Trump taps slew of administration picks days before inauguration

Fox News President-elect Trump on Thursday announced multiple nominations just days before his inauguration on Jan. 20. In a series of posts on Truth Social on Thursday afternoon, Trump congratulated his picks. Nominees include a former test engineer of missile defense systems for secretary of the Air Force, as well as a trade partnership CEO…

State Farm offers homeowners in fire areas a chance to renew insurance policies.

New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/us/state-farm-insurance-renewals-la-fires.html

Toyota truck unit fined $1.6 billion for emissions violations

Washington Post Toyota’s heavy-duty trucking unit was fined $1.6 billion on Wednesday over fraudulent emissions testing and other violations. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/16/hino-toyota-emissions-fine/

While Trump, Biden claim credit for Israel-Hamas cease-fire, some Republicans call it a ‘bad deal’

Fox News While President-elect Trump and President Biden are jockeying for credit for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, some Republicans are wary of the deal and whether it will stick. “There’s no part of me that trusts Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Al-Aqsa martyrs Brigade, Fatah or the rank-and-file people that voted for Hamas,”…

Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell and Lady Gaga Set for FireAid Benefit Concert

New York Times The concert, which also includes Dave Matthews, Katy Perry, Stevie Nicks and more, will take place on Jan. 30 at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/us/fireaid-benefit-concert-billie-eilish-joni-mitchell.html

Former NFL player nominated as HUD secretary wants to help Americans escape government assistance

Fox News Scott Turner, a former NFL player turned Texas state legislator, said Thursday during his confirmation hearing to be the next Housing and Urban Development (HUD) secretary his goal will be to help people escape government assistance and become more self-sustainable. Testifying before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Turner said,…

State Attorneys General Ask Courts to Preserve Biden-era Gun Control Measures

New York Times Days before Trump returns to office, the legal fight with Democratic state officials over his agenda has begun. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/us/democrats-gun-control-trump.html

Donation Scams Compound Suffering for Wildfire Victims

New York Times Online fund-raisers with stories of loss and desperation have become a symbol of the Los Angeles wildfires’ destruction. Officials warned of scammers using them to prey on people’s generosity. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/us/la-fires-donation-scams.html