Nova Newsletter
January 7, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,748 words for you today - 9 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dies at 65
Rep. Doug LaMalfa/ Tom Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California has died at 65, House GOP leaders said Tuesday, immediately shrinking the party’s narrow House majority.
Takeaways
LaMalfa’s death reduces the House to 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats after a recent GOP resignation.
The loss adds pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson’s fragile majority ahead of multiple special elections.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom must call a special election within 14 days, with a vote likely by June.
LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District since 2013 and chaired the Congressional Western Caucus.
A fourth-generation rice farmer, he was influential on water policy and served on the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Transportation committees.
Democrats are favored in several upcoming special elections, raising the stakes for House control in 2026. Read More
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2. HHS Freezes $10 Billion In Child Care Funds
The Department of Health and Human Services froze $10 billion in federal child care funding across five Democratic-led states over alleged fraudulent programs.
Takeaways
The funding freeze targets California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, according to an HHS official.
HHS alleges the states were involved in fraudulent child care programming, though details remain limited.
The move escalates federal scrutiny of state-run child care assistance programs.
The action was confirmed to ABC News early Wednesday and represents one of the largest child care funding freezes to date.
Officials have not publicly detailed the specific programs or mechanisms tied to the alleged fraud.
The freeze could disrupt child care providers and families who rely on federal support while investigations proceed.
Expect legal and political pushback as affected states assess next steps. Read More
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3. Wegovy Obesity Pill Hits U.S. Pharmacies Nationwide
A pill form of Wegovy, the popular obesity drug previously available only by injection, is now being stocked by pharmacies./ Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is now available at U.S. pharmacies, offering the first oral version of the blockbuster obesity drug previously sold only as an injection.
Takeaways
The FDA approved the pill Dec. 22 for obesity and for reducing heart attack and stroke risk in overweight patients.
Pharmacies are stocking the starting dose now, with higher doses rolling out by week’s end.
Studies show the pill delivers weight loss comparable to injections, with up to 13.6% average loss over 64 weeks.
The pill must be taken on an empty stomach, with patients waiting 30 minutes before eating.
Side effects mirror injections, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Novo Nordisk set a $149 monthly cash price for the starter dose, rising to $299 for higher doses, while the list price remains $1,349.
Competitor Eli Lilly could soon follow with its own obesity pill. Read More
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Quick Headlines
An undated photo of Jeffrey Epstein released by the Justice Department on Dec. 19. Department of Justice
The DOJ says over 2 million Jeffrey Epstein-related documents are still under review by 400 lawyers for victim privacy, after only 12,000 documents spanning 125,000 pages have been released in three tranches. The review follows complaints from victims about insufficient redactions and is part of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Read More
An unknown Polymarket user made over $400,000 betting cryptocurrency that the U.S. would invade Venezuela and remove President Nicolás Maduro, placing 13 bets totaling about $34,000 before the operation. The event raises concerns that prediction markets could be exploited using classified or insider information, as the bettor’s timing preceded public knowledge of the military mission. Read More
Major European allies, including France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark, warned the U.S. on Tuesday that they would defend Greenland’s sovereignty after President Trump suggested seizing the Arctic territory. The threats have complicated security talks in Paris over Ukraine, raising fears about NATO unity and transatlantic relations. Read More
The Trump administration on Monday reduced the number of federally recommended vaccines for children, leaving others like flu shots optional, while maintaining insurance coverage. Experts warn the change could lower vaccination rates and increase disease, despite officials framing it as aligning U.S. policy with peer nations and boosting public trust. Read More
The Trump administration on Jan. 1 expanded the list of nations whose citizens must post bonds up to $15,000 to apply for U.S. visas, now covering 13 countries mostly in Africa. Officials say the bonds prevent visa overstays, but critics warn they make travel unaffordable for many applicants. Read More
Around 2,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents are deploying to Minneapolis as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement amid Somali community tensions and a welfare fraud probe freezing $185 million in federal child care funding. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Maduro Proclaims Innocence, Claims Presidency in Dramatic US Court Debut
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is escorted, as he heads to an initial court appearance to face U.S. federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and others in New York City, January 5, 2026. (Adam Gray/Reuters)
Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appeared in Manhattan federal court, declaring himself “innocent” and insisting he is “still president” after his capture by US forces in Caracas.
Takeaways
Maduro pleaded not guilty to sweeping narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges, rejecting US jurisdiction.
His defense signaled a potential claim of head-of-state immunity, challenging the legality of his capture.
Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty, with attorneys citing injuries suffered during the military operation.
The case intensifies global tension as Trump asserts US control over Venezuela and the UN weighs legality concerns.
Maduro and Flores appeared before Judge Alvin Hellerstein at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, flanked by defense counsel and court interpreters. Maduro entered in shackles and jail slippers, greeting spectators before asserting, through an interpreter, “I am the president of Venezuela.”
When asked how he pleaded, Maduro responded, “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man.” His attorney argued there are serious questions surrounding the legality of the military abduction, signaling future motions challenging US authority to prosecute him.
Prosecutors accuse Maduro of leading a 25-year conspiracy with violent drug cartels, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, money laundering, and weapons offenses. He faces decades to life in prison if convicted.
Flores told the court she is the “first lady of the Republic of Venezuela” and pleaded “not guilty, completely innocent.” Her attorney requested medical review, citing visible injuries from the operation.
Outside the courthouse, dueling protests reflected deep divisions over the arrest. Inside, Maduro shouted as he was led away, calling himself a “prisoner of war.”
The next hearing is set for March 17, as the case tests the limits of US power, international law, and regime change politics. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. Evangeline Lilly Reveals Brain Damage After Beach Injury
Evangeline Lilly Photo by Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP
Actor Evangeline Lilly says she has brain damage following a traumatic head injury sustained after fainting and hitting her head on a rock at a beach.
Takeaways
Lilly says brain scans show reduced function across most areas of her brain.
Doctors diagnosed her with a traumatic brain injury, with other factors still under review.
The injury followed a fainting episode, something she says she has experienced since childhood.
In an Instagram video posted Friday, the 46 year old Marvel star said she received scan results on Jan. 1 confirming cognitive impairment.
She described the recovery ahead as difficult but said the injury forced her to slow down, leading to a calmer end to 2025.
Lilly previously disclosed the beach fall in May and has shared updates on her concussion recovery since June.
The actor says she is focused on treatment and grateful to continue working and living fully. Read More
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6. Tom Brady, Alix Earle Spark Romance Rumors
Former NFL star Tom Brady and social media influencer Alix Earle fueled romance buzz after a New Year’s Eve getaway in St. Barts.
Takeaways
Sources say Brady, 48, and Earle, 25, shared immediate chemistry at a yacht party, spending private time together.
Earle recently ended a relationship with NFL player Braxton Berrios and is reportedly not seeking anything serious.
Neither has publicly confirmed a romance, though Brady shared a reflective quote on Instagram following the trip.
The pair met through mutual friends and reportedly laughed, danced, and enjoyed each other’s company in a private cabin during the party.
The getaway is described as a fun, low pressure vacation for Earle, who has been embracing enjoyable experiences and downtime.
Brady reportedly hesitated about public attention but stayed close to Earle throughout the evening. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day — January 7
Galileo Discovers Jupiter’s Moons, 1610 – Galileo Galilei identifies Io, Europa, and Ganymede, the first moons of Jupiter ever observed, expanding our understanding of the solar system and challenging geocentric views of the universe.
US Lifts Guatemala Arms Embargo, 1983 – President Ronald Reagan ends the U.S. arms embargo against Guatemala, signaling a shift in American foreign policy during the Cold War in Central America.
Lewinsky Denies Affair, 1998 – Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky signs an affidavit denying a sexual relationship with President Bill Clinton, amid the ongoing political and legal fallout of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🧦 🪟 Use Socks to Clean Blinds
Cleaning dusty blinds doesn’t have to be tedious. Slip an old sock over your hand and lightly dampen it with water or cleaner. Gently wipe each slat to trap dust and grime, keeping it from falling onto the floor. It’s a simple, mess-free way to get your blinds looking fresh again.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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