Israel and Hamas came to a ceasefire and hostage deal. Several of Donald Trump's Cabinet picks faced off with the Senate. And your maraschino cherries might look a little different after this new FDA rule. |
👋 Hey there! Rebecca Morin here. It's a busy news day. Here's the breakdown. |
Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire deal |
Israel and the militant group Hamas reached a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal after months of stalled negotiations and more than 15 months at war. |
What we know: The multiphase deal begins Sunday with a six-week initial ceasefire and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza. Hamas will also release hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. |
Americans to be released: President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Americans will be part of the initial hostage release, although he didn't specify how many. Seven Americans have been held hostage by Hamas, and four have been confirmed dead. But Edan Alexander, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen are believed to be alive. 👉More on the deal. | U.S. President Joe Biden speaks after negotiators reached a phased deal for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, during remarks at the White House on Wednesday. Evelyn Hockstein, REUTERS |
A transitional week at the White House |
There are just five days left in the administration before a new one takes over. And Wednesday has a flurry of movement as Biden readies to leave the office and President-elect Donald Trump prepares to come in. |
Team Trump takes on Congress: Six of Trump's Cabinet picks had hearings with the Senate on Wednesday, including Pam Bondi for attorney general, Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and John Ratcliffe for CIA director. Sparks flew at Bondi's hearing, considered the main event when she had heated exchanges with two Democratic senators after refusing to acknowledge Biden won the 2020 election but stating she accepted he was president. 👉Follow the hearings. |
Biden's goodbye: Seated behind the Resolute desk, Biden will deliver a farewell address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night. He's expected to tout legislation passed under his watch, such as the sweeping infrastructure bill, and how he wants his tenure to be remembered. 📺 How to watch. | Pam Bondi is sworn in during a Senate Judiciary committee hearing on her nomination to be Attorney General of the United States on Wednesday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images |
The 'last really windy day' amid LA wildfires |
Firefighters are working to get control of two massive wildfires that have decimated the Los Angeles area and caused thousands to evacuate. Fierce Santa Ana winds were expected to hinder progress to contain the deadly blazes but were weaker than predicted. |
Wind update: Although the National Weather Service issued red flag warnings due to the wind, there's some good news. The winds will be focused away from the Palisade Fire, which is only 19% contained. The weather service also said Wednesday "will be the last really windy day." But critical weather could return next week. 👉Follow today's coverage. | Members of the search and rescue team from Fresno, California, walk down a fire devastated street in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Mike Blake, REUTERS |
FDA bans Red No. 3 food dye |
Valentine's Day candy and treats will start looking a little different soon. The Food and Drug Administration officially banned the additive Red No. 3, which gives food and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. |
Why a ban? The announcement comes after advocates filed a petition in 2022 saying the dye was linked to cancer and behavioral problems in children. |
When does the ban start? Manufacturers who use Red No. 3 in food will have until Jan. 15, 2027, to reformulate their products. Those who use the dye in drugs have a longer timeline: Jan. 12, 2028. Imported food will also have to comply with the new regulations. 📍 What to know. |
Rebecca Morin is a senior national news reporter at USA TODAY. She can be reached at: rdmorin@usatoday.com. | | | | As more victims of the LA fires are found, their loved ones are remembering the way they lived, lamenting how they died. | | | | Although the U.S. flag is at half-staff to mark the death of President Jimmy Carter, 8 Republican-led states will raise flags for Trump's inauguration | | | | Drake suing Universal Music Group in federal court after accusing the music label of a "scheme" around Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." | | | | The 18-year-old received massive attention on social media after his father won a second term in office. Here's what you need to know. | | | | Experts said a December surge in Chinese imports as anticipated tariff hikes pushed traders to accelerate shipments out of China. | | | | The DOT filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, citing a pattern of chronic delays, as the government pushes for stricter accountability. | | | | Sheinelle Jones is addressing her absence from the "Today" show amid shifts at the beloved NBC morning show, which has dominated the ratings. | | | | A small temblor startled residents near Richmond this week. Over a decade ago, a 5.8 earthquake in Virginia became the most felt quake in the U.S. | | | | Politics can bring up difficult emotions. Here are three tips from a clinical psychologist on how you can manage political anxiety. | | | | Several states have new gun laws going into effect in 2025. Everytown for Gun Safety released a new ranking Wednesday of the laws in all 50 states. | | | | | | | Brighten your day with one of our games. | | | | | |
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