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Today’s Rundown:
- HAMAS FREES 13 REMAINING LIVING HOSTAGES TO RED CROSS: Israel’s military said the last living hostages held by Hamas were handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferred to Israel for medical checks. Reporters on the scene noted multiple handoffs occurred overnight as buses moved through Gaza. The releases follow a first-phase deal that paired a cease-fire window with prisoner exchanges. Families urged continued pressure until the remains of the dead are also returned. Officials cautioned that implementation details and future phases remain fragile.
- POLLS SHOW AMERICANS BLAME BOTH PARTIES—AND TRUMP—FOR SHUTDOWN: A new survey finds significant shares of voters fault Republicans in Congress and President Trump for the ongoing shutdown, with Democrats also drawing notable blame. The topline tracks other polls showing the GOP bearing the largest share, but not exclusively. Independents split, reflecting fatigue with brinkmanship in both chambers. Analysts say the numbers will shape messaging if the standoff stretches on.
- TRUMP’S WASHINGTON MOVE FUELS CALLS FOR ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON TO RESIGN: The Associated Press reports that a federal intervention in D.C.—from troop patrols to expanded federal policing—has intensified criticism of the District’s longtime delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton. Some allies argue she hasn’t pushed back forcefully enough amid the city’s autonomy fight. Norton’s office points to bills she’s introduced to shield key agencies during shutdowns and preserve D.C. control. The debate has become a proxy for how the city should confront federal overreach.
- STEPHANOPOULOS CUTS OFF TENSE INTERVIEW WITH VP JD VANCE: ABC’s George Stephanopoulos ended an interview after a heated exchange with Vice President JD Vance over the Tom Homan cash controversy. The segment quickly ricocheted across social media, with Vance blasting ABC and supporters on both sides claiming bias. The White House leaned into the moment to rally its base, while ABC defended its editorial call. Expect more sparring as both parties weaponize media flashpoints.
- DEFENSE SEEKS TO TOSS KEY CHARGES IN UNITEDHEALTH CEO KILLING: Lawyers for Luigi Mangione asked a federal judge to dismiss the firearm-murder count that could bring the death penalty in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The defense argues prosecutors stretched statutes and that crucial evidence was seized unlawfully. Separate filings challenge whether the alleged “stalking” qualifies as a predicate violent crime. Prosecutors haven’t publicly detailed any change in strategy as pretrial motions stack up.
- OVER HALF OF RECENTLY FIRED CDC STAFFERS ARE REINSTATED: Roughly 700 CDC employees who received termination notices have been brought back, according to union and media reports. The partial reversal followed internal reviews amid broader workforce cuts. Public-health groups warned the whiplash could hurt retention and morale. The CDC has not released a full accounting of how many positions remain at risk.
- GOP SENATORS PUZZLED BY RFK JR.’S AUTISM–CIRCUMCISION CLAIMS: After Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. floated a link between circumcision, Tylenol and autism, several Republican senators who supported his confirmation expressed confusion. Medical experts reiterated that vaccines do not cause autism and that claims around acetaminophen remain unproven. The flap underscores the political risks of promoting fringe science from inside government.
- MARK SANCHEZ RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL AND PROCESSED INDIANAPOLIS BY POLICE: Former NFL quarterback and TV analyst Mark Sanchez was discharged after being stabbed during an Indianapolis parking-lot fight and has now been booked and released. Police say the altercation began with a dispute over parking and escalated when Sanchez confronted a 69-year-old truck driver who claims self-defense. Sanchez faces a felony battery charge plus misdemeanors. Investigators are still reviewing video evidence.
- DOCTORS WARN ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ RAMEN TREND IS CAUSING BURNS: Hospitals and public-health outlets report a spike in scald injuries tied to a viral instant-noodle “slurp” challenge inspired by KPop Demon Hunters. Physicians urge parents to supervise and let cups cool, noting that thick broths and narrow containers can retain heat. Safety tips include using bowls, adding ice/water, and avoiding quick tilts toward the face. The warnings have spread alongside clips on TikTok and YouTube.
- BELICHICK–UNC DOC SCRAPPED AT HULU, NOW BEING SHOPPED ELSEWHERE: A planned Hulu series following Bill Belichick’s first season at North Carolina was shelved, but the production is now being pitched to other platforms, according to multiple reports. People magazine says creative differences—rather than outright cancellation—prompted Hulu’s exit. ESPN and other outlets confirmed Hulu pulled back amid the team’s rocky start. Producers insist the project remains alive as they seek a new home.
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