Extra, Extra

Confirmation Class: Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel and RFK Jr… Three of the most controversial Trump nominees were in hearings on Thursday. And being the most controversial in this group of nominees is saying something.

+ Tent Stakes: “Toward the end of the November dinner, Trump raised the matter of the lawsuit, the people said. The president signaled that the litigation had to be resolved before Zuckerberg could be ‘brought into the tent,’ one of the people said. Weeks later, in early January, Zuckerberg returned to Mar-a-Lago for a full day of mediation. Trump was present for part of the session, though he stepped out at one point to be sentenced—appearing virtually—for covering up hush money paid to a porn star, one of the people said. He also golfed, reappearing in golf clothes and talking about the round he had just played.” WSJ: Meta to Pay $25 Million to Settle 2021 Trump Lawsuit.

+ More Hostages Home: Eight hostages released from Gaza amid chaotic scenes as Palestinian prisoners set to be freed.

+ Diversity Draining: “The Defense Department’s intelligence agency has paused observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance and other cultural or historical annual events.” (Here’s a better idea. If you’re willing to risk your life for the country, we celebrate you.)

+ Corruption Illegal? Former NJ Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years for corruption. (He should’ve run for president…)

+ WWEd: “‘What was the story of the match?'” Perry asked as several overeager hands thrust into the air. That prompt launched the students into a lively discussion about the match’s protagonist, antagonist, inciting action, conflict and what they had just witnessed inside the squared circle: resolution.” ESPN: Brooklyn classroom uses pro wrestling as a teaching vehicle.

+ Fire Watch: The LA FireAid benefit concert featuring a host of major acts will take place at two LA arenas and be broadcast on basically every major streaming service starting at 6pm PST.