Here's a roundup of news trending across the nation and world today.
What to know now:
1. Broadcasts begin: Following the detonation of a nuclear device North Korea claims was a hydrogen bomb, South Korea on Friday began propaganda broadcasts that criticize North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and blast pop music north across the border. The broadcasts, which North Korea considers an act of war, includes criticism of the ruling family and the country's dismal economy. One of the songs being played sings the praises of "an incredibly immature young man who is useless at his job."
2. Town hall on guns: President Barack Obama dismissed what he called a "conspiracy" theory that the government wants to "come grab your guns" as he took part in a nationally-televised town hall meeting Thursday that focused on gun violence. The president took questions from CNN's Anderson Cooper – the network sponsored the event called "Guns in America" – and from members of an audience at George Mason University. Obama also attacked the National Rifle Association, saying he blames the group for ramping up the fear that the federal government wants to seize weapons from Americans.
3. Beyonce's back: Beyonce will headline the Super Bowl halftime show, NFL officials announced Thursday. The singer, who starred in the 2013 Super Bowl show, will perform along with the band Coldplay during the Feb. 7 game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
4. So, an egg's ok: The Obama administration's latest dietary guidelines are backing off on warnings of too much cholesterol in our diets, but are singing a familiar refrain -- stay away from sugar. The guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA released Thursday say eggs are OK, but, daily, we should be consuming no more added sugar than is found in about half a can of soda pop.
5. Sexual assault at military academies: Reports of sexual assaults at the nation's three military academies jumped by more than 50 percent in the 2014-15 school year, The Associated Press reported. More students are reporting assaults, a senior defense official says, because of an increase in confidence in the reporting system.
And one more
The Powerball jackpot continues to grow and so do the lines at outlets selling tickets for the now record-breaking jackpot. As of Friday morning, the jackpot sits at $700 million. The drawing is set for Saturday night.
In case you missed it
Here’s what Jimmy Kimmel heard when he asked people to congratulate North Korea on detonating a bomb.
About the Author
