Popular protein powders found to contain dangerous heavy metals: Report
A new Clean Label Project report found that nearly half of some of the most popular protein powders may contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium. The nonprofit, which advocates for transparent food labeling, released the report Thursday, Jan. 9.
Researchers discovered that 47% of over-the-counter protein powders contain heavy metal amounts exceeding at least one federal or state guideline.
No level of lead is safe for humans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Plus, cadmium is a carcinogen that’s also toxic to the heart, kidneys, gut, brain, respiratory and reproductive systems.
Researchers tested 160 products from 70 of the top-selling brands representing 83% of the market.
The results found the highest amounts of heavy metals in organic, plant-based and chocolate-flavored protein powders, the report said. It found, on average, organic powders contained three times more lead and twice the amount of cadmium non-organic products did.
Plant-based powders like those made from soy, rice and peas were found to contain three times more lead than whey-based products. Whey is the liquid byproduct created when cheese is made.
Plants already naturally absorb heavy metals from the earth when they’re growing, but lead levels can be higher if they’re grown in soil contaminated by mining, industrial waste and some pesticides and fertilizers.
Chocolate-flavored protein powders that make consuming the product more appetizing are some of the worst offenders. The project found that chocolate-flavored powders contained up to four times more lead and 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored ones.
The same study found bisphenol levels, like harmful BPA, in protein powders were only detected in 3 of the 160 powders tested, compared to 55% in 2018.
“The View” is making weekend plans. Starting Saturday, Jan. 11, fans can tune in to “The Weekend View” on ABC News Live, according to Variety.
The new show will feature the Friday panel and offer 30-minute episodes that re-air throughout the weekend. ABC hopes the expansion will bring fresh takes on entertainment and trending topics, which are meant to diverge from the weekday show’s political focus.
Karin Gilford, senior vice president of digital media for ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, explained the shift in tone.
“The weekends are also when everybody’s generally taking a break. So it’s an opportunity to highlight some of the stuff the show covers throughout the week, that’s maybe not always in some of those politics arenas,” Gilford said.
A record-breaking season
ABC also reported that “The View” is currently experiencing its most-watched linear season in four years. With this momentum, the addition of “The Weekend View” seems poised to attract even more viewers.
Fans can catch the first episode on ABC News Live starting Jan. 11.
As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, creators are flocking to Lemon8, an increasingly popular social media app. The app has been gaining attention for its unique blend of features.
Lemon8 combines TikTok’s short-form videos with Pinterest and Instagram-like feeds. Owned by ByteDance, the same parent company as TikTok, Lemon8 is often referred to as TikTok’s sister app.
Lemon8 focuses on visual aesthetics and personal storytelling. Popular content categories include fashion, beauty, fitness, travel and food. The platform is designed to foster a sense of community while encouraging creativity.
ByteDance ownership raises concerns
However, Lemon8’s future is not guaranteed. Since ByteDance owns both Lemon8 and TikTok, the app could face regulatory scrutiny similar to TikTok’s if the U.S. government increases pressure on the company.
Another app impacted by the ongoing ByteDance controversy is CapCut. The all-in-one video editing and graphic design tool is popular among social media creators. CapCut offers features like green screens, transitions and video templates, making it easy to create polished content.
Its seamless integration with TikTok and other platforms has made it a go-to tool for content creators.
TikTok ban deadline approaches
President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to block a law passed last April calling for a potential ban on the massively popular social media app. For TikTok to avoid the ban, ByteDance must divest its U.S. operations. However, if that doesn’t happen, the ban could take effect as soon as Jan. 19.
Hollywood stars lose homes as Southern California wildfire rages on
The Southern California wildfires are leaving a path of devastation, destroying homes and uprooting lives. Hollywood celebrities are among the thousands forced to evacuate and face losing their homes.
Actor James Woods flees flames
Actor James Woods shared a harrowing experience on CNN of evacuating his home as flames engulfed everything around him. “One day, you’re swimming in the pool, and the next day, it’s all gone,” Woods said during the interview.
Amid the chaos, Woods helped rescue an elderly neighbor with dementia. He urged others to evacuate immediately when warned, emphasizing the importance of staying out of firefighters’ way.
Steve Guttenberg steps in to help
Actor Steve Guttenberg also took action during the evacuations. After fleeing his home, he returned to help clear abandoned cars blocking evacuation routes.
“If anybody has a car and they leave their car, leave the keys so we can move the car so these firetrucks can get up Palisades Drive,” Guttenberg said in an interview with KTLA.
Paris Hilton loses Malibu home
Media personality Paris Hilton shared her heartbreak over losing her Malibu home. In a post on social media, Hilton wrote, “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.”
Hilton described the home as a place where her son, Phoenix, took his first steps and where she and her family dreamed of building a lifetime of memories. She added that her team is working to find ways to support the community.
Jamie Lee Curtis urges preparedness
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, speaking as an American Red Cross ambassador on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness.
Her family has pledged $1 million to relief efforts supporting those affected by the fires.
Billy Crystal and other stars share losses
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, also lost their longtime home to the Southern California wildfires. In a statement to ABC, Crystal said, “Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love.”
Actress Heidi Montag joined the list of celebrities affected, sharing an emotional message on TikTok: “I’m so sad our house is gone.”
Other stars impacted by the fires include singer Jhené Aiko, actor Cameron Mathison, chef Sandra Lee and former talk show host Ricki Lake.
How to help
The devastation from the Southern California wildfires is widespread, but there are ways to help. Organizations like the Red Cross and local relief funds are accepting donations.
Planet Fitness is offering free showers and charging stations for those affected, while Airbnb is providing temporary housing.
Girl Scouts retiring two cookie flavors after 2025 season
It’s that time of year again –– Girl Scout cookie season is kicking off this week. But it’ll be your last chance to snag two retiring cookie flavors.
And while these flavors will be heading for the history books, neither are longtime classics.
The Girl Scouts of the USA said in a statement that Girl Scout Smores, first introduced in 2017, and the French toast-flavored Toast-Yays, introduced in 2021, will be retired after the 2025 cookie season.
A Girl Scouts spokesperson told NPR, “We routinely reevaluate our cookie lineup to make room for new innovations. Discontinuing Toast-Yay! and Girl Scout S’mores may lead to something new and delicious.”
The most popular Girl Scout cookie flavors—including Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs—are all sticking around for the foreseeable future.
But this isn’t the first time the Girl Scouts have retired cookies. The shortbread cookie, Scot-Tea, ended its more than 30-year run in the 1980s.
Other flavors, such as Mango Cremes, Friendship Circles and Rah-Rah Raisins, have also disappeared from the cookie lineup.
Delta introduces new in-flight perks, announces YouTube partnership
Delta Air Lines has unveiled new perks for those looking to fly. The airline announced innovative updates to its in-flight experience during its 100th-anniversary celebration at CES.
The airline is soon phasing out wired headphones on its flights. The new in-flight entertainment system includes a partnership with YouTube, offering SkyMiles members ad-free access to their favorite creators, music and podcasts while flying.
AI-powered travel assistant
Delta also unveiled its new “assistant” powered by artificial intelligence, Delta Concierge, which is on track to roll out this year. The assistant will provide travel guidance, including passport expiration alerts and visa requirement updates, enhancing the customer experience.
Collaboration with Thales Aviation
The airline is teaming up with aerospace technology company Thales Aviation. This partnership aims to improve air traffic management and elevate in-flight entertainment.
Starting in 2026, Delta plans to roll out hardware and software upgrades, including:
4K HDR QLED displays.
Bluetooth capabilities in all cabins.
96-terabyte storage system for content and streaming.
Recommendation engine to tailor content to customer preferences.
“Do Not Disturb” seat back feature.
“Whether through fast, free Wi-Fi, our industry-leading seat back screens, or other personalized channels in Delta’s digital ecosystem, we’re committed to creating a seamless and enriching experience for our SkyMiles members,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
Earn miles with Uber
Delta’s new partnership with Uber offers SkyMiles members 15% off all Uber rides to and from the airport. Customers can join the waitlist now to receive the latest updates on this feature.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
Five wildfires now burn in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, leaving death, destruction and devastation in their paths. And the infernos led President Joe Biden to cancel his final international trip in office. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
At least five wildfires were burning in the heavily populated Los Angeles area of California on Thursday, Jan. 9, destroying thousands of homes and putting millions of lives in danger. At least five people died from the blaze and more than 100,000 evacuated their homes.
Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the flames.
The newest fire, the Sunset Fire, sparked Wednesday night in the famous Hollywood Hills region. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s latest update at 11:50 p.m. PST on Wednesday, the blaze engulfed 60 acres at 0% contained.
The Palisades Fire remains the biggest threat, covering over 17,000 acres at 0% containment.
Officials said it destroyed at least 1,000 buildings, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
The deadly Eaton Fire near Pasadena and Altadena spanned more than 10,000 acres at 0% contained. All five reported deaths were linked to the Eaton Fire.
Fire crews made headway on the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, containing about 10% of the blaze that spread to almost 900 acres, according to CalFire.
Crews made the most progress in fighting the Lidia Fire in Acton, about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. That fire scorched about 350 acres, but CalFire said it was 40% contained.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 firefighters, including crews from Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state, are battling the flames.
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires.
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're…
While mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for certain areas, officials told everyone in the area to pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.
Celebrities among victims to lose homes in California wildfires
With tens of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in California, come countless personal stories of loss, grief, shock and, in some cases, gratitude. Among those affected in the Los Angeles County and Hollywood area are some famous names.
Celebrities shared their accounts of the devastating scenes, something many said is like out of a movie.
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore posted videos to her Instagram account of the fiery destruction in Altadena, writing, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late. Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all, so many have lost, including my family … our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”
“Seeing our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking,” Hilton wrote.
Actor Billy Crystal released a statement with his wife after losing his Pacific Palisades home.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979,” Crystal said. “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
James Woods, who once starred on the television show “Shark,” openly wept in a CNN interview as he talked about his immense loss and the search for his neighbors.
As the fires spread across the hub of the entertainment world, organizers postponed multiple movie premieres, TV productions and award shows.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, have been moved to Jan. 26. The Oscar nominations announcement was pushed back two days to Jan. 19.
An NHL hockey game involving the Los Angeles Kings was postponed Wednesday night. The NFL said it is monitoring the conditions as the Los Angeles Rams are slated to host a playoff game Monday night, Jan. 13.
Biden to deliver eulogy at Carter’s funeral, Trump to attend
On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral.
President-elect Donald Trump will also attend the funeral. Trump, along with his wife Melania, were among those to pay their respects as the 39th president was lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
After the funeral, Carter’s body will take one final trip back to his home state of Georgia where he will be buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
While in Washington on Wednesday, Trump held a private meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol to discuss a strategy for top priorities heading into his second term. While speaking to reporters, Trump called the wildfires in California “a true tragedy.”
Biden announced Wednesday he canceled his final international trip of his presidency. He said he will remain in Washington, D.C., to monitor the deadly fires in Southern California.
Biden was set to take part in a three-day trip to Rome and the Vatican where he would meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president. His announcement came just hours after meeting his first great-grandchild, born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Capitol police arrest man who brought machete to Jimmy Carter viewing
As thousands of Americans paid their respects to Carter at the Capitol, authorities arrested a man Wednesday at a security screening for people waiting to view the late president as he lies in state in Washington.
Capitol police said the man, identified as Washington resident Mel Horne, carried a machete and three knives in a bag. Authorities spotted the weapons as the bag went through an X-ray machine. Horne now faces multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon.
Capitol police also said officers arrested a Virginia man who lit a bag containing accelerants on fire on top of his car near the Capitol. They do not believe the two incidents were connected.
Port strike averted after tentative deal reached
Longshoremen reached a tentative new contract deal Wednesday with shipping and port companies along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., averting a potentially crippling strike for now.
The United States Maritime Alliance, which represents ship lines and port operators, and union International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said they’ve agreed on a six-year deal. However, the agreement is not official until ratified by union members.
The ILA represents 50,000 members who fill 25,000 jobs at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. If this deal wasn’t reached, port workers were set to go on strike beginning next Thursday, Jan. 16.
Details of the agreement have not yet been publicly released, but sources close to the matter said it addresses a key sticking point for workers: automation.
In October, Longshoremen agreed to a wage increase of 62% over six years, and the two sides pushed other issues into 2025 to end a three-day strike.
Airbnb.org providing free, temporary housing for displaced California residents
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is providing free, temporary housing for people displaced by the Los Angeles County fires. The organization partnered with the non-profit 211 LA to connect those who lost their homes or have been forced to evacuate with a free place to stay.
New Emmys rules redefine guest stars, theme music and directing honors
A shake-up is about to hit TV’s biggest night, changing who gets a shot at taking home that golden statuette. The Television Academy has announced rule updates for the 77th and 78th Emmy Awards.
Guest performer eligibility sees major change
One of the most notable changes affects how guest performers qualify for Emmy consideration. Performers who were previously nominated or won in the lead or supporting category can no longer submit as guest performers for the same character in the same series.
This rule opens doors for first-time and true guest appearances.
An example of how this impacts past winners? Ron Cephas Jones, known for his role as William Hill on NBC’s “This Is Us.” He won two Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2020. Under the new rule, Jones would not have been eligible to submit for those wins in subsequent seasons, leaving more room for fresh guest talent.
New rules for main title theme music
Starting next year, the Emmys are also shaking up the rules for the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category. A show’s theme must now appear in at least 50% of the eligible episodes submitted to qualify.
This means shows that frequently skip their opening credits for special episodes, finales or to dive straight into a cold open may find their themes ineligible for consideration.
Directors get more chances to showcase range
Finally, directors are getting a major boost. Starting with the 2026 Emmys, directors can submit multiple entries per category if their work comes from different shows. This change allows directors to showcase their range rather than being limited to one submission per category.
The new rules aim to make the Emmys more inclusive and reflective of the evolving television landscape. By redefining guest performer eligibility, emphasizing consistent theme music, and expanding opportunities for directors, the Television Academy is attempting to set the stage for a more dynamic and fair awards season.
Hollywood premieres and events canceled amid wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires are disrupting daily life and forcing Hollywood to make significant adjustments. Several high-profile premieres and events have been canceled or postponed as the fires continue to spread.
Studios are prioritizing safety over spectacle. According to Variety, Jennifer Lopez’s “Unstoppable” had a grand Hollywood premiere this week. However, the studio postponed the red carpet event due to the hazardous air quality caused by the fires.
“Unstoppable” is a biopic about a wrestler born without a leg who defies the odds to become an NCAA Division 1 champion. Amazon’s MGM Studios announced that the film will be released globally on Prime Video starting Jan. 16.
Universal Studios’ “Wolf Man” also joined the growing list of postponed premieres. Meanwhile, Paramount’s “Better Man” and Max’s “The Pitt” have added to the tally, bringing the total number of affected premieres to four as of Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Live events also impacted
It’s not just movie premieres feeling the impact. A live event planned for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards nominations is now a virtual format. Organizers announced on X that they’ll unveil the nominations through a press release and their official website.
Here’s a full rundown of Hollywood events affected by the Los Angeles wildfires:
Premieres for “Unstoppable,” “Wolf Man,” “Better Man” and “The Pitt”
CES food tech gadgets that could transform your kitchen
The latest food tech gadgets showcased at CES are simplifying how people eat, drink and cook. From devices that turn air into water to compact dishwashers, these innovations aim to make modern kitchens more convenient and efficient.
Kara Water turns air into drinking water
Kara Water found inspiration in a beetle that gathers moisture from the air.
“We replicated the beetle on how it can harvest … turning air into water,” Cody Soodeen, CEO of Kara Water, explained.
The appliance works by pulling in air, removing impurities and using heat exchange to condense the air into fresh drinking water. Unlike bottled water, Kara Water offers an eco-friendly and sustainable option for staying hydrated.
Their latest product takes it a step further. It’s a self-filling coffee brewer that uses the same air-to-water technology to make your next cup of coffee.
Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon enhances flavor
If cutting back on sodium sounds bland, Kirin Holdings has a solution. The Electric Salt Spoon is designed to enhance the saltiness and umami flavors of low-sodium foods.
The Tokyo-based company notes that Japanese adults consume almost double the World Health Organization’s recommended daily salt intake. To help address this, Kirin created the Electric Salt Spoon, which went on sale last year for $120.
To use it, you simply turn it on, adjust the salt intensity, and use the spoon like a regular utensil. It’s perfect for meals like curry, fried rice and soups, ensuring your food is flavorful without the extra sodium.
Lissome offers a compact countertop dishwasher
Washing dishes doesn’t have to be a chore. Lissome’s countertop dishwasher is designed for people living in small spaces where a full-sized dishwasher isn’t an option.
“Many apartments and houses are very old and small. It’s difficult for people to install a normal dishwasher,” Steve Xie, founder of Lissome, said.
The compact dishwasher is just 11 inches wide and can clean dishes in 15 minutes. It uses an artificial intelligence sensor to detect water clarity, optimizing water pressure and detergent use for a more sustainable wash. It’s available on Kickstarter for just $370.