News for January 16, 2025

President Joe Biden is leaving office after five decades in public life amid deep party anger, a damaged legacy, and questions about whether his final years in power hurt Democrats and helped Donald Trump.

A federal ruling said HIV-positive people can join the military, but the Biden administration has not fully enforced it, leaving some recruits still blocked as the case may shift to the Trump administration.

The CDC is urging faster flu testing in hospitals so doctors can spot human bird flu cases sooner and track any possible spread.

Experts say wildfires can cause long-lasting mental health problems, and UCLA specialist Dr. David Eisenman warns that many people may go untreated as support fades over time.

Scott Bessent told senators he supports tougher Russia sanctions and wants to keep the IRS Direct File program in place if he becomes treasury secretary.

A new map-based look at wildfire risk shows that danger is not limited to California, with many homes in western states and some other parts of the U.S. facing high risk over the next 30 years.

The IRS is sending automatic $1,400 payments to about 1 million taxpayers who missed a recovery credit on their 2021 tax returns.

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani reached a settlement with Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss over a defamation judgment tied to his Florida condo and World Series rings.

Two American Israelis, including Sagui Dekel-Chen, are expected to be released in the first phase of the Hamas ceasefire-hostage deal, though families say they will not believe it until the men are actually home.

UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty said the U.S. health system needs major fixes as the company reported record revenue but weaker-than-expected quarterly results.

Business Insider reviews the billionaire owners of NFL teams, focusing on how they got their teams, how those teams have performed, and how players rated their ownership.

Houston police evidence storage has a rat problem that may affect hundreds of drug cases, prompting the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to warn defense lawyers.

Ian Cleary has been extradited to the United States over a Pennsylvania campus sex assault case and a later Facebook message that said, “So I raped you.”

Rudy Giuliani reached a settlement with Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss that may let him keep his Florida condo and other property while ending the long-running defamation fight.

Larry Ellison used his huge wealth to help Michigan land a top football recruit, showing how big money is now shaping college sports much like it has shaped politics.