TODAY’S AUDIO | SUBSCRIBE | BUY ME A COFFEE
Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- CONSERVATIVES SLAM TRUMP’S ROB REINER POST AS INSENSITIVE: Some prominent conservatives criticized President Trump after he posted about the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner in a way they said was inappropriate and disrespectful. Reporting says Trump suggested, without evidence, that Reiner’s politics or criticism of Trump somehow played a role in what happened. Several Republicans publicly urged empathy and warned against turning a violent death into a political message. Trump later defended his comments when asked, but the backlash continued across parts of the right. The episode shows how even within Trump-aligned circles, there are limits on what some supporters see as acceptable rhetoric after a tragedy
- TRUMP SUES BBC FOR $10B OVER EDITED JAN. 6 SPEECH: President Trump filed a lawsuit seeking up to $10 billion from the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of defamation and deceptive editing of his January 6, 2021 speech. The complaint says the documentary cut out lines where he urged supporters to protest peacefully and stitched clips in a way that made him look like he encouraged violence. The BBC has said it made an error of judgment and previously apologized, but it has rejected Trump’s legal claims. Legal experts say Trump must meet a high bar in U.S. courts, including showing the BBC acted with “actual malice.” The case adds to a broader pattern of Trump using litigation to challenge major media organizations.
- DAN BONGINO WEIGHING WHETHER TO STAY AS FBI DEPUTY DIRECTOR: Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is considering whether to remain at the bureau, according to reporting that cites sources familiar with the situation. One account says he has not made a final decision and is expected to decide in the coming weeks. The reporting comes amid broader scrutiny and internal criticism of FBI leadership and recent controversy surrounding the handling of sensitive investigations. The FBI has not publicly announced a resignation, and conflicting reports dispute whether Bongino’s office has been “empty.” Until Bongino or the FBI confirms a decision, the situation remains unsettled and rumor-prone.
- HUNTER BIDEN DISBARRED IN CONNECTICUT AFTER GUN, TAX CONVICTIONS: A Connecticut judge disbarred Hunter Biden following complaints tied to his federal gun and tax convictions. Even though he was later pardoned, the court said the convictions and related conduct still violated attorney ethics rules. Biden agreed to the disbarment and admitted to professional misconduct under the rules, without admitting criminal wrongdoing in that disciplinary process. He had also been disbarred in Washington, D.C., earlier. The decision ends his ability to practice law in Connecticut, where he had been admitted for decades.
- BRIAN WALSHE CONVICTED OF MURDERING HIS WIFE ANA WALSHE: A Massachusetts jury found Brian Walshe guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Ana Walshe, who disappeared on January 1, 2023. Prosecutors relied heavily on digital and circumstantial evidence, including internet searches about disposing of a body and purchases of cleaning supplies and tools. Ana Walshe’s body has not been found, but investigators testified about evidence recovered from trash bags, including personal items and traces of blood. Walshe had previously pleaded guilty to misleading police and other charges related to the case but denied murdering her. He faces a mandatory life sentence without parole, with sentencing expected soon.
- KATIE PAVLICH TO HOST NEWSNATION’S 10 P.M. HOUR AFTER BANFIELD: Conservative commentator Katie Pavlich is moving to NewsNation to host the network’s 10 p.m. Eastern time slot. The new show replaces Ashleigh Banfield’s program, after NewsNation said Banfield would shift into leading a true-crime digital division and related content. Industry outlets describe the move as part of NewsNation’s effort to reshape its primetime lineup and compete more aggressively for political-news audiences. Pavlich is known for commentary work at Fox News and in conservative media, and her new role is positioned as a nightly flagship. NewsNation and Nexstar have framed the change as an expansion of programming, not a cancellation of Banfield’s presence at the network.
- STEPHEN CURRY PASSES MICHAEL JORDAN IN 40+ POINT GAMES AFTER 30: Stephen Curry set a new NBA mark by passing Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after turning 30, according to multiple reports. The milestone came during a strong scoring performance that added to Curry’s long list of records and late-career achievements. Supporters say it highlights Curry’s durability and how his shooting style can age well, even as many stars slow down. The record is narrow but notable, because it compares peak scoring bursts across careers and eras. Curry’s season continues with Golden State trying to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
- CHIMPANZEES COPY “GRASS AND STICK ACCESSORIES” LIKE A SOCIAL FAD: Researchers observed chimpanzees at a sanctuary adopting a quirky behavior: placing blades of grass or sticks in their ears—and sometimes other places—like accessories. The behavior did not appear to help them with hygiene or health, which led scientists to think it may be more about social bonding and copying others. The “trend” spread within one group and was not seen in other nearby groups living under similar conditions. Scientists say this kind of harmless imitation looks like a simple form of culture, where a group picks up a habit because it is socially meaningful. The finding adds to evidence that chimps can develop and pass along behaviors that are not strictly tied to survival.
WATCH TODAY’S VIDEO HERE:
More Of The Conversation Project Can Be Found Via…
CLICK HERE TO PARTNER WITH THE CONVERSATION PROJECT
Our revenue comes from a combination of direct subscriptions from users and commissions earned by affiliate commissions from sponsors’ links and banners. Some of the links you click may be affiliate links that generate that revenue.
