In a Room Full of Elephants, Er, Republicans, the TikTok Ban Is the Biggest

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Tech

In a Room Full of Elephants, Er, Republicans, the TikTok Ban Is the Biggest

What’s going on: The world’s changed a lot since 2020, but here’s an underrated example: President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on TikTok. Back then, as we posted “Bored in a House” videos, Trump drafted an executive order to ban the app over data collection concerns. Fast forward to today, and he may be trying to save it from banishment, with reports saying Trump is considering an executive order to rescue TikTok. The New York Times reports the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee also invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to Monday’s inauguration, which he plans to attend. The timing could be awkward, as the deadline for TikTok to sell or shut down is just one day earlier.

What it means: Critics speculate that the inaugural olive branch signals Trump and Chew may have worked out a deal to keep the app around. However, Chew’s expected attendance on Monday has many pointing to a broader trend within the tech industry. Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg also plan to be at the inauguration, with Zuck even co-hosting a reception Monday evening. Some experts say these tech bros have ulterior motives: positioning themselves to stay ahead of potential Trump-era regulations. Others have labeled this phenomenon “anticipatory obedience,” referring to the fear among powerful people that Trump “could take vengeance on companies that cross him.”

Related: How Do You Say ‘Desperate’ in Mandarin? Americans Flock to Duolingo Ahead of TikTok’s Potential Ban (Engadget)

Health

The Toxic Truth About Fires in Our Plastic Cities

What's going on: The photos from Los Angeles show apocalyptic scenes of entire neighborhoods reduced to ash, chimneys standing as the only structures where homes once stood. Fire officials say modern homes, packed with synthetic materials like polyester couches, polyurethane foam, vinyl flooring, and plastic-laden paint, are one of the reasons blazes burn hotter and faster. One retired state fire marshal described a typical couch as being “akin to a block of gasoline.” Studies confirm what firefighters are seeing: Rooms filled with synthetic materials reach “flashover” (when the entire room ignites, making escape impossible) in under five minutes, compared to over 30 minutes in natural-material rooms. And it’s not just the speed at which plastic burns — it’s what’s left in the air. Fires fueled by plastics release a “toxic soup” of chemicals that even N95 masks can’t filter out, experts say.

What it means: These fires are exposing more than just the impact of climate change on our weather — they’re revealing the potential hidden dangers packed into modern materials. While hurricane-force winds and extreme conditions played a role in intensifying these blazes, the plastics inside homes can act as key accelerants. Meanwhile, toxic smoke from burning homes isn’t just a temporary byproduct — it can also cause a health crisis. Some of the particles released during these fires have been linked to heart and lung problems, low birth weight, and cognitive issues. That toxic air also impacts how firefighters are positioned and for how long. “It’s one of the reasons why we can’t put firefighters in front of these houses,” the Cal Fire chief explains. While plastics offer convenience, disasters like this force people to confront their growing environmental and health costs.

Related: LA Fires Burned Nearly Everything — Except These Classic Cars. There’s a Reason. (The Drive)

Family

We Finally Know What It Takes To Be the Family Favorite

What's going on: Since the dawn of time, parents have claimed they don’t play favorites with their children. But a new study published yesterday by the American Psychological Association is (finally) calling them out. Researchers analyzed data from more than 19,000 participants and found that parents tend to favor their daughters, eldest children, and more conscientious kids. Instead of directly asking parents to name their favorite (because they obviously would never fess up), the researchers asked children who they believed their parents favored. The findings suggest it might simply come down to which child is easier to parent.

What it means: Playing favorites is not a good thing. The researchers noted that treating siblings differently can have long-term negative effects, particularly on the child who feels overlooked (sorry, middle child). The study does have its limitations. It doesn’t consider how children perceive “fairness” and how parents interact with their kids across different stages of life. One expert said the data doesn’t account for how cultural norms have evolved over the years and influenced parenting. Another expert noted that even though parents may have a favorite, “it doesn’t necessarily mean that they like or love one more than the other.” Sounds like something a favorite child would say.

Related: Eldest Daughter Syndrome Is Very Real. Here Are Some of the Signs (NYT Gift Link)

Settle This

The internet helped Heidi Montag climb the music charts after she lost her home in the LA fires. Which other celeb is seeing a streaming boost for the same reason?

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