Le Journal

The 2025 college football season is officially behind us, which means it’s time to start looking ahead to the NFL Draft. Of course, a lot of the draft conversation each year starts with the quarterbacks, but the 2026 class leaves a lot to be desired at the game’s most important position. Fernando Mendoza is the […] The post Examining Carson Beck’s NFL Draft stock after epic College Football Playoff run appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau Faces Ethical Review A study funded by the Trump administration to investigate the effects of hepatitis B vaccines on newborns in Guinea-Bissau will face further ethical review amid conflicting reports about its status. Initially believed to be canceled, this research project will continue under scrutiny, as confirmed by an official from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.The ambiguity surrounding the study highlights the complex challenges faced by global health officials in dealing with policies introduced by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., under President Trump. Criticism has emerged over the study ethics, as some newborns may not receive the vaccine, crucial in a region plagued by hepatitis B.The Africa CDC has been approached by Guinea-Bissau officials seeking assistance for a thorough ethical and technical assessment of the trial. Meanwhile, an official from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refuted any claims of postponement, affirming that the study is proceeding as per the original plan. The issue will be addressed in a press conference, amid ongoing debates over the study's integrity and implications for global vaccine policy.

Financial Markets Surge as Trump Drops Tariff Threats The financial markets experienced gains on Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to retract tariff threats and avoid a dispute over Greenland. Trump's declaration, 'I won't do that,' boosted investor confidence, causing Wall Street indexes to climb, with the S&P 500 achieving its largest increase in two months.In the currency markets, a strengthened dollar pushed the euro down and saw gold prices drop from their previous highs. Meanwhile, equity benchmarks in regions like Australia, Japan, and South Korea, surged with increased investor optimism. Trump's discussions with NATO on potential Greenland agreements, however, lacked specific details.The remarks alleviated concerns of a U.S.-NATO confrontation, affecting U.S. Treasury yields and the VIX index. Investors remain cautious, watching upcoming U.S. core PCE figures and earnings from companies like Intel and General Electric as markets anticipate future interest rate cuts.

Michael Porter Jr. revealed he’s been playing through a knee injury amid a dip in production over the last two weeks. The Brooklyn Nets forward said he suffered an MCL sprain during a Jan. 7 loss to the Orlando Magic. “I actually was dealing with an MCL, a little sprain against Orlando… My knee has […] The post Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. reveals he’s been playing through MCL sprain amid dip in production appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Operation Catch of the Day Sparks Controversy in Maine The Trump administration has launched 'Operation Catch of the Day' in Maine, focusing on refugee communities such as Somalis, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday. This move has sparked controversy and resistance from state officials and local immigrant communities.Over 100 immigration agents have descended upon the state, targeting refugees, although many arrested have no criminal charges. Maine Governor Janet Mills criticized the enforcement tactics as unwelcome, especially as she prepares for a Senate run amid upcoming elections. The operation has exacerbated fears and unease among residents.Public support for Trump's immigration policies is waning, as reflected in recent polls, with federal agents clashing with protesters in several cities. Tensions escalated after a fatal shooting in Minneapolis linked to an ICE agent. In Lewiston, Mayor Carl Sheline condemned ICE for methods he described as terrorizing and inhumane.