How Waffle House helps Southerners — and FEMA — judge a storm’s severity

Ultra-processed foods constitute 62% of children's and teens' daily calories and 53% for adults, as reported by the CDC, marking the first estimates of their prevalence in American diets. This report has led to discussions on regulation and health risks associated with these foods, which are heavily marketed to children and linked to various chronic diseases. Want More Context? 🔎

The Kremlin announced an agreed-in-principle meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, set to occur in the coming days, as Trump aims to address the war in Ukraine. This would mark their first in-person discussion during Trump's second term, following a recent shift in Trump's rhetoric towards a tougher stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine. Want More Context? 🔎

An eight-hour hearing regarding environmental concerns over the Florida migrant detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" raised questions about its management and compliance with environmental laws, as witnesses focused on local wildlife impacts rather than operational oversight. The court will resume hearings to address these issues and hear from state and federal officials, while plaintiffs argue that the facility's construction violated federal law due to lack of public input. Want More Context? 🔎

The recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that the wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year may have led to 440 excess deaths, surpassing the reported 30 fatalities. Researchers attributed these additional deaths to factors such as poor air quality and healthcare disruptions, highlighting the long-term health impacts of climate-related emergencies. Want More Context? 🔎

During a nine-hour interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Ghislaine Maxwell stated that President Donald Trump never did anything concerning in her presence, and her legal team indicated she was forthcoming during the discussions. The Trump administration is considering releasing transcripts of the interview, potentially accompanied by audio, while Maxwell, currently appealing her conviction for sex trafficking, previously requested the meeting with the DOJ. Want More Context? 🔎

Trump's Tariffs Take Effect President Trump's comprehensive tariffs, imposing a baseline 10% duty on most imports, took effect after months of delays, increasing the average effective tariff rate to over 17%, the highest since 1935. The move, aimed at reshaping global trade, has raised concerns about inflation and economic stability, with households projected to face an average cost increase of $2,400 this year. Want More Context? 🔎