An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Harris’s ironic role in Trump’s certification; bird flu death; a dinosaur highway; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Hannah Jewell

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Good morning. It's Tuesday, Jan. 7, and our finance columnist Michelle Singletary is answering your questions on retirement planning. Submit one here. Now let's get to the news.

Vice President Kamala Harris certified Donald Trump's election win.

It was a remarkable moment: Harris had the agonizing, ironic role of finalizing Trump's victory, and her own defeat, ahead of Trump's second inauguration on Jan. 20.
How did it go? Without a hitch, despite the snow. It was a contrast to the pro-Trump riot at the Capitol in 2021, and it reflected Trump's successful efforts to downplay that attack.

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A judge denied an effort to block Trump's sentencing in his hush money case.

Why? A New York judge said Trump's team recycled failed arguments, so sentencing remains scheduled for Friday. Trump is set to become the first serving president who is a felon.
In other Trump news: His team is trying to stop the release of a special counsel report. And Donald Trump Jr. is visiting Greenland today as his father touts buying the island.
One more thing: Amazon announced a new Melania Trump documentary.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he'll resign.

Why? His deputy prime minister resigned last month and his popularity has cratered ahead of elections this year. In power since 2015, he said yesterday it was time for a "reset."
What now? Trudeau will remain in his position until the Liberal Party picks a new leader. His successor will face challenges, including Trump's threatened tariffs against Canada.

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A massive earthquake killed at least 95 people in Tibet.

This morning: The 6.8-magnitude quake struck near China's border with Nepal. Multiple aftershocks were recorded and more are expected in the coming days.
The damage: The quake brought down more than 1,700 homes, officials said. Emergency responders are still assessing the extent of the destruction.

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The first person has died of bird flu in the U.S., officials said.

Who? An older Louisiana man who officials said had been in contact with sick and dead birds on his property. Most reported bird flu cases in the U.S. have been mild.
In other health news: The U.S. today issued rules to remove medical debt from credit reports. And fears over human metapneumovirus in China are overblown, experts say.

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Toxic "forever chemicals" from medicines were found in treated wastewater.

What are they? Compounds, known as PFAS, found in hundreds of household items. They have been linked to risks such as cancer — find six tips to reduce your exposure here.
The latest: Wastewater treatment plants can't fully filter out the chemicals before they enter drinking water, a study found. Most of the compounds came from prescription drugs.

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A 166-million-year-old "dinosaur highway" was unearthed in Britain.

What you're looking at: Nearly 200 footprints left by at least five dinosaurs. The tracks from two of them intersect, raising the possibility that they interacted.
How were the tracks preserved? They were marked into sediment soft enough to leave prints. A quarry worker spotted unusual bumps last year, leading to the discovery.

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Before you go … we analyzed dozens of ultra-processed foods: Here are the healthiest options. Plus: Most supplements aren't worth your money — this one is.

One more good read: How should the news industry cover Trump? Ten top journalists weigh in.

And finally … test your news knowledge with The Post's daily quiz, On the Record. Click here to play. Or try our word games, Keyword and the brand-new Wridges.

You're all caught up. See you tomorrow.