Jeff Baena, the 47-year-old filmmaker and husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, was found deceased in his home on Friday night. Law enforcement sources reported that his body was discovered by an assistant around 10:30 p.m.
The county medical examiner has yet to officially determine the cause of death, though early reports and subsequent confirmation point to suicide. This tragic news has understandably sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and beyond, leaving many in mourning.
The timing of Baena’s death is particularly poignant given Plaza’s recent role in a film depicting a young widow. The juxtaposition of her fictional portrayal with her sudden real-life grief is jarring and amplifies the devastating nature of this loss.… Continue reading
A nationwide three-hour warning strike is planned for January 15th in Georgia, beginning at 3 PM, to pressure the government into holding new elections and releasing detained protesters. The strike, encompassing employers and employees across the country, aims to highlight the economic consequences of the ongoing political crisis. This action follows October’s disputed parliamentary elections and the subsequent inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, further fueling opposition and international concern. The strike is spurred by the government’s rejection of European integration and a crackdown on protestors, prompting calls for intervention from several Northern European nations.
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Kamala Harris’s role in overseeing the upcoming electoral count is undeniably a significant event, particularly considering the context of Donald Trump’s presidency. It represents a conscious effort to restore a fundamental aspect of American democracy, a process that Trump deliberately disrupted. The very act of Harris taking on this responsibility signifies a return to established norms, a clear contrast to the actions of the previous administration.
The fact that this is even a noteworthy occurrence highlights the extent of the damage inflicted during the Trump era. The casual disregard for established procedures and the blatant attempts to subvert democratic processes have left a lasting impact on the political landscape.… Continue reading
President-elect Trump criticized the planned half-masting of the American flag during his inauguration to honor the late President Carter, claiming Democrats were celebrating the somber occasion. He cited the unprecedented nature of this event and questioned whether the flag would remain at half-mast despite existing presidential memorialization protocols. The White House press secretary confirmed that the established 30-day mourning period will proceed as planned. Despite their past political disagreements, Trump stated he will attend Carter’s funeral.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after the paper refused to publish her cartoon depicting media and tech CEOs kneeling before Donald Trump. The Post’s opinions editor cited concerns about repetition of a similar column, a claim Telnaes disputed, asserting this was the first time a cartoon was rejected due to its subject matter. Telnaes argued this decision was dangerous for a free press, especially given the context of recent actions by other media outlets seemingly appeasing Trump. Her resignation follows the Post’s controversial decision to not endorse Kamala Harris, which resulted in significant subscriber losses.
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The six-day state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter began in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, with a procession passing his boyhood home. The motorcade, carrying Carter’s flag-draped casket and family members, traveled to Atlanta before proceeding to Washington, D.C., for a period of lying in state at the U.S. Capitol. A state funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, followed by a private burial in Plains next to his wife, Rosalynn. The procession route was lined with mourners paying their respects to the 39th president, who died at age 100.
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A two-alarm fire at the Plaza Latina Bazaar in Northwest Dallas resulted in the death of 579 animals housed in an exotic pet store, primarily from smoke inhalation. Most of the deceased animals were small birds, but also included chickens, hamsters, and several dogs and cats; no exotic animals perished. Despite the extensive damage and smoke, firefighters rescued and revived several animals, including a tortoise and a puppy, with Dallas Animal Services now caring for the survivors. The fire, which began around 9 a.m., caused a partial roof collapse and affected multiple businesses within the complex.
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A wilderness survival trainer, John Williams, spent over two years undercover infiltrating prominent right-wing militias, including the Oath Keepers and American Patriots Three Percent, without informing law enforcement or his personal contacts. He amassed a significant trove of documents and recordings revealing the groups’ inner workings, including ties to law enforcement officials and plans for future actions. Williams’ actions, motivated by concerns about the rise of extremism, ultimately led to his becoming a fugitive, fearing exposure. His leaked evidence aims to destabilize the militias from within, sowing mistrust and potentially providing material for future investigations. His actions represent a unique form of counter-extremism.
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Hamas released a video showing IDF lookout Liri Albag, abducted on October 7th, 2023, alongside four other soldiers. At the family’s request, the video’s contents remain unpublished. The release follows previous Hamas footage of the abduction and a pattern of proof-of-life videos from Gaza-based terrorist organizations. This video offers confirmation of Albag’s continued existence.
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Adam Kinzinger, a former six-term Republican congressman, became a vocal critic of Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection, ultimately voting to impeach Trump and serve on the House select committee investigating the event. This decision, however, cost him his political career and alienated him from many former colleagues and family members. The documentary “The Last Republican” chronicles Kinzinger’s experience, highlighting his isolation within the Republican party and his belief that he is upholding true conservative principles. Despite his disagreements with the Democratic party, he emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic institutions and combating the divisiveness within the GOP.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker