Cheat Sheet
Top 10 Right Now
1
Trump Is Pretty Defensive About ‘President Elon Musk’ Jabs
P***ING CONTEST
Published 12.19.24 5:38PM EST 
Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Donald Trump has asserted that he is the leader of the Republican party after some Democrats suggested that Elon Musk was wielding greater influence. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Donald Trump is firing back after some Democratic lawmakers alleged that “President Elon Musk” was the one responsible for killing a bipartisan spending bill. Musk had aggressively campaigned against the stop-gap compromise in a slew of Wednesday X posts beginning as early as 4 a.m., but Trump, who made his opposition known around 12 hours later, is claiming victory after the bill failed to pass. “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR [continuing resolution], Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop,” his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Hill. After support for the bill fell apart, Democratic lawmakers took it as a chance to question Trump’s hold over his party. Some argued that the world’s richest man, whom Trump has tapped to head his thus-unofficial Department of Government Efficiency, was the one who actually turned the tides against the bill. Now, as the government now faces the impending threat of a shutdown, Trump has pitched a new spending resolution that he is urging Congress to pass.

Read it at The Hill

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2
Anna Wintour Hosts Starry Huma-Soros Engagement Soirée
WEDDING BELLS
Published 12.19.24 3:54PM EST 
Huma Abedin and Alexander Soros attend The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City.
Soros and Abedin announced their engagement over the summer on social media only months after the duo took their relationship public. Cindy Ord/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Anna Wintour opened her Manhattan home to liberal mega-donor Alexander Soros and former Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin for their engagement party Wednesday. The star-studded event featured the likes of the Clintons and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. The political power couple’s engagement comes seven years after Abedin, 48, announced her separation from her first husband, Democratic politician Anthony Weiner. Soros and Abedin announced their engagement over the summer on social media only months after the duo took their relationship public. Abedin is a longtime Clinton ally, having interned for the former first lady in the White House before going on to work as a top aide in the State Department, the Clinton Foundation, and Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid. She joined MSNBC in 2022. Meanwhile, Soros, 39, has been a fixture of the political sphere and the upper echelons of government since taking over his father’s multibillion-dollar Open Society Foundations in 2023.

Read it at Fox News

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Cleaning Is Fun and Chemical-Free With This Steam-Powered Device
DREAM STEAM
Updated 12.17.24 9:18PM EST 
Published 12.17.24 9:16PM EST 
Woman using the BISSELL Steam Shot OmniReach handheld steam cleaner to clean bathroom tiles, showcasing its powerful steam cleaning capabilities.
BISSELL

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Bissell is known for its grime-busting devices, and the Steam Shot OmniReach delivers more unbelievable portable cleaning power just in time for holiday hosting. This handheld device blasts steam to break down even tough stains. Think stovetops, bathroom soap scum, outdoor furniture: wherever your toughest stains live, your Bissell will ensure cleaning is the easiest thing to check off your holiday list.

The 16-foot cord means you’ll have maneuverability without worrying about battery life. The tank holds over six ounces of water, minimizing the number of times you’ll need to refill. The ten included specialty cleaning tools–multiple included brush heads and scrapers–will help you bust stains of any size, depth, and (nearly any) surface. And that’s everything you need! The steam-powered cleaning doesn’t require any additional soaps or solvents to sanitize–perfect for households with pets or infants. With just the 100-watt steam power, up to 99.9 percent* of germs are killed.

Steam Shot™ OmniReach™

If you’re the type of person who loves watching grout deep-cleaning videos on Instagram, but hasn’t touched your own on tiles in a decade, this product will bring out your inner cleanfluencer. The fabric steamer, window cleaner tool, and extension wand will have you looking around your home thinking, “What else can I steam?”

*Kills 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Aspergillus niger when used as directed. Testing conducted in a third-party laboratory under controlled conditions. Results may vary.

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3
Trump Celebrates Anchor Neil Cavuto’s Departure from Fox
DANCING ON HIS GRAVE
Updated 12.19.24 7:30PM EST 
Published 12.19.24 5:52PM EST 
Donald Trump speaks at the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020 in Washington,DC.
Donald Trump speaks at the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020 in Washington,DC. Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump celebrated longtime Fox News host Neil Cavuto’s departure from the network Thursday after many years of clashing with him over his coverage. “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA! Neil Cavuto, the lowest-rated anchor on Fox, by far, is leaving - Should have happened a long time ago!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Cavuto criticized Trump several times on air over his Covid polices, hurricane misinformation and debate performance. In response, Trump has frequently attacked the business host as “one of the WORST on Television” and said he would “prefer the losers at CNN and MSDNC.” “I don’t work for you,” Cavuto once responded to Trump. “My job is to cover you, not fawn over you or rip you, just cover you.” Over his 28 career on the network, Cavuto has hosted Your World, Cavuto Live and Cavuto: Coast to Coast. Your World was one of Fox News’ top 12 shows in 2024.

Read it at Truth Social

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4
Drones Banned in New Jersey After Mysterious Sightings
GROUNDED
Published 12.19.24 1:30PM EST 
A drone spotted over Ridge, New York.
A missing shipment of radioactive material reported in New Jersey was already found—meaning the numerous drones spotted over the Garden State were likely not seeking the hazardous substance. Newsday LLC/Newsday via Getty Images

After weeks of mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a month-long ban on drone flights over a large portion of the state. The ban, which begins on Wednesday and ends on Jan. 17, covers 22 New Jersey towns that house “critical New Jersey infrastructure,” and includes the state’s biggest cities: Newark, Elizabeth and Jersey City. A Homeland Security spokeswoman said in a statement that the drones don’t pose a public safety threat, and the ban was implemented “out of an abundance of caution” at the request of “our critical infrastructure partners.” The presence of the drones, which were first spotted a month ago in New Jersey and have since appeared in other East Coast states, has stoked fear and confusion among residents. In response, several U.S. defense agencies said that the drone sightings were a combination of lawful drones, planes and helicopters. Now only government drones will be permitted to fly unchecked. Commercial drones will have to apply for a permit.

Read it at The New York Times

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Crush Dry January With These Alcohol-Free THC Seltzers That Give You a Buzz Without the Hangover
BOOZE-FREE BUZZ
Published 12.19.24 4:24PM EST 
An assortment of Happi's Alcohol-Free THC drinks on a yellow background. There are two cans, one orange and one green. Three glasses filled with liquid and ice cubes. Plus, three boxes stacked on top of each other.
Happi

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A new year offers a clean slate to make positive changes. For many, that change is re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol and taking part in the Dry January movement, which is no easy task. From work events to gatherings with friends, alcohol is a constant. The relaxation and social buzz a glass of wine or cocktail provides is hard to beat, but comes with consequences like headaches, anxiety, and upset stomach the next day. If you’re looking for a zero-proof alternative, you can have the best of both worlds with Happi.

This collection of THC seltzers provides a light buzz without the hangover. Happi’s beverages are all-natural, organic, non-GMO, alcohol-free, and only 20-50 calories a can. The THC used in Happi is Delta-9. Delta 9 is naturally derived from hemp and is known for its soothing and uplifting buzz.

Raspberry Honeysuckle THC Seltzer (12-Pack)

Happi designed its drinks to mimic the onset of a glass of wine or a beer, so you feel the effects right away—around 15 minutes and last about two hours.

There are many drinks to choose from, but the Raspberry Honeysuckle is a clear fan favorite. It’s bursting with a sweet-tart berry flavor and a hint of honeysuckle. With over 140 reviews, Raspberry Honeysuckle holds a 4.9 rating on Happi’s website. Plus, in 2024, it won Gold at the L.A. Spirits Awards. If you’re ready to enjoy a new type of Happi hour this season, look no further than these THC-powered seltzers.

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5

Stampede Kills Dozens of Kids After They Were Promised $3.20 Each

TRAGIC EVENT
Published 12.19.24 3:51PM EST 
Several children killed in stampede at a holiday fair event in Nigeria.
Several children killed in stampede at a holiday fair event in Nigeria. AP

At least 35 children were killed and six others critically injured when a stampede broke out at a Christmas fair on Wednesday in southwest Nigeria. What was supposed to be a fun occasion turned tragic after thousands of children and their parents showed for a chance to receive N5,000 (around $3.20) promised to the first 5,000 kids by the event’s organizers. According to the Africa Report, a local radio station urged more people not to attend the event out of safety concerns. “The organizers of the event also did all they [could] to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event,” the radio station said in a statement. State governor Seyi Makinde added in a statement that the event’s organizers were arrested on the scene when security forces arrived. “We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue,” the governor said on X. One parent added, “I shouldn’t have come. My child is dead.”

Read it at The Africa Report

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6
Paris Hilton Teases Run for Political Office
THAT'S HOT
Published 12.19.24 1:33PM EST 
Celebrity hotel heiress Paris Hilton poses for photographs outside the U.S. Capitol on the day the House of Representatives is set to vote on The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act on December 17, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Hilton’s presence in Washington, she claimed, is only just beginning. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Paris Hilton is said to be considering shifting from being a socialite to a public servant. The Hilton hotel heiress is reportedly entertaining the idea of running for elected office. “I can maybe see that happening,” she told The Hill Wednesday. Hilton championed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which passed the House after unanimously clearing the Senate last week. “After coming here so many times over the past couple of years and seeing that my voice really can make a difference, and I can really shine a spotlight on things that are important around the world to make it a better place and safer for children,” she said while celebrating her legislative victory. “I’m so emotional right now. I never felt prouder in my life.” The bill advocates for increased transparency and accountability in youth residential programs and seeks to ensure teen facilities are “safe, supportive, and nurturing environments,” according to its website. Hilton’s presence in Washington, she claimed, will only grow. “This is just the beginning. There’s definitely more to do,” she added.

Read it at The Hill

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7
Local Paper Shuts Down After Mayor’s $1.1 Million Defamation Suit
END OF AN ERA
Published 12.19.24 11:50AM EST 
Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and his wife Stacy held a press conference at his lawyer's office to discuss the $1.1 million settlement in his defamation lawsuit against the Everett Leader Herald.
Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Everett Leader-Herald, a Massachusetts local paper in business for nearly 140 years, will shut down over a $1.1 million defamation suit for fabricating stories about Everett’s mayor. Court documents showed that the paper’s editor, Joshua Resnek, admitted to making up allegations about Mayor Carlo DeMaria to hurt him politically, including branding him as “Kickback Carlo.” “Each week, 52 times a year, I invent the Leader Herald… The mayor is my enemy… It takes me two days away from important writing every week to create this s---,” Resnek wrote in an email, according to the court docs. DeMaria filed a suit against the paper’s leaders in 2021. After the settlement, he said in a statement: “What the Everett Leader-Herald, its owner, and its publisher and editor did to my family and me... wasn’t just dishonest. It was corrupt.” The paper agreed to cease publication this week and pay the mayor $1.1 million, he said.

Read it at Mediaite

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8
John Lennon’s Son Julian Reveals Shock Cancer News
EMERGENCY SURGERY
Published 12.19.24 12:41PM EST 
Julian Lennon attends the amfAR Gala Venezia 2024 presented by Red Sea International Film Festival and World Gold Council at Hangar Nicelli on September 01, 2024 in Venice, Italy.
Although his surgery was successful, he added that the results of his biopsies may not come until after the holidays. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

John Lennon’s son revealed he underwent a seven-hour emergency surgery after discovering a cancerous mole on his arm. Julian, the eldest son of the late Beatles legend, detailed the medical emergency in a post on X, five years after his first public skin cancer scare. The 61-year-old explained that the abnormal growths were spotted by his dermatologist, whom he visited ahead of a trip to New York. She urged him to come back for surgery on his shoulder and forearm shortly after he appeared on Good Morning America. “So instead of going home to put my Christmas tree up and happily finish the year off, relaxing at home, I flew directly back to Los Angeles, after all my work in New York was done,” he wrote on X. “And went directly from LAX airport, to surgery, with a surgeon recommended by Dr. Tess, who spent several hours cleaning up and operating on me, with large margins, in the hope that we have, at the end of the day - clear margins...” Julian also encouraged his followers to get their skin checked regularly. Although his surgery was successful, he added that the results of his biopsies may not come until after the holidays.

Read it at Daily Mail

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Nutribullet’s New Portable Blender Streamlined My Morning Smoothie Routine
SMOOTHIES ON THE GO
Published 12.19.24 12:27PM EST 
Nutribullet Flip Portable Blender
Nutribullet.

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved smoothies, but they were something I only enjoyed once in a while. So, five years ago, I asked for a Nutribullet blender for the holidays, and I’ve probably averaged 350 smoothies a year ever since. They’ve become part of my morning routine, and starting my day with fruit, veggies, and protein feels fantastic. What I don’t love is the clean-up. Plus, when I travel, I have to give up my smoothie fix (which is why I’m at 350 smoothies a year and not 365). Enter the Nutribullet Flip, an insulated portable blender. The size is just right for making my morning smoothie—wherever I am.

Nutribullet Flip Insulated Portable Blender
Buy At Amazon$100

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The portable blender is incredible for mornings when I’m in a time crunch and just need to get out the door. Plus, I can easily pack it on road trips. Best of all, I just put a little soap and water in it and press the blend button to clean it. Viola! Charging the Flip is easy, as it uses a USB-C port, and the insulated, stainless steel tumbler can keep smoothies cold for 24 hours, making it easy to blend and go (or go and blend later). I didn’t really think my smoothie habit could get much more efficient, but the simplicity of this mini blender has saved me some serious time during my morning routine. Now, I can have smoothies 365 days out of the year.

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9
Aaron Hernandez’s Troubled Brother Admits to Threatening UConn Shooting
FAMILY TIES
Published 12.19.24 11:51AM EST 
FILE - Dennis Hernandez, the troubled brother of the late New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, stands with his public defender Sandra Crowell during his arraignment, Aug. 1, 2023, at Connecticut Superior Court in New Britain, Conn.
Douglas Healey/Douglas Healey/POOL

The brother of late Patriots player Aaron Hernandez has pleaded guilty to threatening a mass shooting at the University of Connecticut’s main campus. Federal prosecutors said Dennis Hernandez, 38, who played football at UConn, sent threatening Facebook messages in July 2023. Police said Hernandez drove to UConn and Brown University, where he once served at the quarterbacks coach, to “map the schools out” for a shooting. “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything,” Hernandez wrote, according to court documents. “And don’t give a f–k who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. ... Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.” He pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure, which carries up to five years in prison. Hernandez has been in jail since his arrest in 2023. His younger brother, Aaron, was arrested for murder after three seasons as a tight end for the Patriots. He died by suicide in jail in 2017.

Read it at Daily Mail

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10
Cheryl Hines Says RFK. Jr Was Forced to Eat McDonald’s With Trump
FAST FOOD ORDER
Published 12.19.24 8:18AM EST 
RFK Jr. had no other food choices on the flight with Donald Trump's plane, according to his wife Cheryl Hines.
Donald Trump Jr./X

RFK Jr. faced a tricky dilemma as he sat with Donald Trump on the jubilant president-elect’s plane shortly after the election. Trump has made no secret of his liking for McDonald’s fast food and the table—where Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and House Speaker Mike Johnson were also seated—was set with trays full of Big Macs, fries, and soda. By the same token, Kennedy is disdainful of junk food, calling it “poison.” But according to his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, Kennedy decided he had no choice but to take his “poison.” She told TMZ: “I don’t think he had a choice … it’s all they had.” But Hines isn’t worried that he’ll be swayed by Trump’s bad eating habits in Washington, D.C. if he is confirmed as the nation’s next health chief. “Bobby is a very strong-willed, strong-minded person,” she said, adding that she plans to continue acting even if Kennedy does join Trump’s administration. “I will pay attention to my career and do what I do and support my husband,” she said.

Read it at TMZ

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