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Today’s Rundown:
- PENTAGON WATCHDOG FAULTS HEGSETH’S SIGNAL USE AS RISK TO U.S. TROOPS: A Pentagon inspector general review found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the encrypted app Signal to share sensitive details about a planned strike on Yemen’s Houthi militants. Investigators concluded that sending targeting information over a commercial app risked exposing U.S. personnel and the mission if the data were intercepted. The report says Hegseth’s actions did not follow normal classified-communications rules, even though the strike itself went forward. Members of Congress are now pressing for briefings on how war plans are handled and what steps will be taken to prevent a repeat. The Pentagon says it accepts the watchdog’s findings and is reviewing its communications practices.
- SEN. DUCKWORTH SEEKS $10,000 BONUSES FOR AIR TRAFFIC STAFF AFTER SHUTDOWN: Sen. Tammy Duckworth is urging the Transportation Department to give a $10,000 bonus to every air traffic controller and FAA technician who worked without pay during the recent government shutdown. She argues that it is unfair for the Trump administration to reward only a select group of “favorite” controllers while others who kept the system running get nothing. Duckworth says the across-the-board bonus would recognize the stress and safety risks staff faced while working without paychecks. Her proposal comes as the FAA struggles with staffing shortages, high burnout, and concerns about near-miss incidents in U.S. airspace. The administration has not yet committed to expanding the bonus program as she suggests.
- DEMOCRATS OVERPERFORM IN DEEP-RED TENNESSEE HOUSE SPECIAL ELECTION: In Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election, Republican Matt Van Epps won the open U.S. House seat, but by only about 9 points over Democrat Aftyn Behn. Former President Trump carried the same district by roughly 22 points in 2024, so the tighter margin is being read as a warning sign for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. Analysts say Democrats’ showing fits a pattern of them outperforming past results in several 2025 special elections. GOP leaders still welcomed the win but quietly worry about declining support among independents and lower enthusiasm from parts of their base. Democrats, meanwhile, are treating Behn’s loss as proof they can compete in districts once thought out of reach.
- OKLAHOMA STUDENT’S BIBLE-BASED GENDER ESSAY SPARKS NATIONAL FREE SPEECH FIGHT: A University of Oklahoma student, Samantha Fulnecky, wrote a class essay arguing that traditional gender roles are God-given and criticizing efforts to blur gender categories. After receiving a failing grade, she claimed religious discrimination and took her complaint public, posting the essay online. The essay’s language about teasing gender-nonconforming kids and dismissing “stereotypes” has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ advocates and many students. In response, the university placed the instructor on leave and opened an investigation into whether grading was fair and free of bias. The case has since become a national flashpoint over academic freedom, religious expression, and how gender topics are handled on campus.
- AT&T MOVES TO END DEI PROGRAMS AMID FCC AND POLITICAL PRESSURE: AT&T has told federal regulators it is eliminating all of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles and programs. In a letter to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, the company said it has removed DEI-focused positions and training “not just in name, but in substance.” The move comes as the company seeks approval for a major spectrum deal and amid growing attacks on corporate DEI from some Republican officials. Supporters of DEI say the decision will harm efforts to promote fair hiring and advancement, while critics claim such programs are unfair or illegal preferences. AT&T says it will still follow all anti-discrimination laws but will no longer run dedicated DEI initiatives.
- DOCTOR GETS 30 MONTHS IN PRISON OVER MATTHEW PERRY KETAMINE CASE: A California doctor has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for illegally providing ketamine to “Friends” actor Matthew Perry before his death. Prosecutors said Dr. Salvador Plasencia supplied high doses of the drug outside proper medical settings, despite knowing Perry struggled with addiction. Perry died in October 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine, according to the coroner, though not all of the drug in his system came from the doctor’s prescriptions. The judge called the conduct a serious breach of medical trust, even as Perry’s family and fans continue to mourn the actor. Plasencia is one of multiple medical professionals charged in connection with Perry’s access to ketamine.
- OVER 1.5 MILLION BAGS OF SHREDDED CHEESE RECALLED FOR METAL FRAGMENTS: Great Lakes Cheese Co. has recalled more than 1 million bags—over 260,000 cases—of shredded cheese sold under many store brands at Walmart, Target, Aldi, Publix, H-E-B, and other retailers. The FDA says the products may contain small metal fragments that could cause temporary or medically reversible injuries, such as cuts in the mouth or digestive tract or broken teeth. The recall, first launched in October, was recently upgraded to a Class II recall after officials reviewed the risk. The cheeses include mozzarella, Italian-style blends, pizza blends, and mozzarella/provolone or mozzarella/parmesan mixes with “best by” dates from early 2026. Consumers are urged to check brand names and lot codes against the FDA list and either throw the cheese away or return it for a refund.
- ERIC DANE SHARES EMOTIONAL ALS UPDATE AND HIS ACTING PLANS: Actor Eric Dane, known for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has given a candid update on his battle with ALS during a virtual panel hosted with the group I AM ALS. He revealed that he now uses a wheelchair and has limited use of his arms, but said he feels “surprisingly” resilient despite having “no reason to be in a good spirit.” Dane explained that his life no longer feels like it is “about him” and that advocacy for ALS patients has become a central mission. He also said he plans to keep working, focusing on roles that deal directly with ALS, like his recent performance as a firefighter with the disease on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds.” The actor emphasized the need to cut red tape around treatments and use his platform to raise awareness and push for better care.
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