An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Trump’s overnight posting spree; Epstein statue; the benefits of ‘house burping’; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Hannah Jewell

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Good morning. It's Tuesday, Jan. 20, and if you've ever wondered why the same cold virus makes some people more miserable than others, the answer is in your nose. Now let's get to the news.

President Donald Trump tied his Greenland takeover bid to the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a text: Trump told Norway's prime minister he no longer had to "think purely of Peace" after he didn't win the prize last year. He later attempted to downplay those remarks.
Overnight: Trump posted what appeared to be a private message from French President Emmanuel Macron, who said he does "not understand" Trump's actions on Greenland.

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The Justice Department is considering a rollback of gun regulations.

How? Officials could ease restrictions on private sales and alter the form required to buy guns to have applicants list their biological sex at birth, among other possible changes.
Why? The Justice Department is seeking to placate part of Trump's base that has criticized the administration for not being aggressive enough in loosening gun restrictions.

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An anti-ICE protest at a church is the latest flash point in Minnesota.

On Sunday: Roughly two dozen protesters confronted church leaders about a pastor's role in an ICE operation. The protest is now the subject of a Justice Department investigation.
Earlier in the weekend: A transgender woman helped rescue a man who was chased away from an anti-immigration rally. Then she learned he was a right-wing provocateur.

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People marched in D.C. to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. — and protest Trump.

The theme of this year's march, which covered a one-mile stretch of MLK Jr. Avenue, was "The Struggle is Real! The Fight is Still." (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

Yesterday: Organizers estimated 2,800 people took part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk. Some said it had a more urgent, political tack this year with Trump in office.
Another Trump protest: A huge replica of a birthday note and a lewd drawing gifted to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 appeared in D.C. — take a look. Trump denies writing the original.

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It's the middle of winter, but drought is covering the country.

The stretch since July has been the driest period nationally since 2012. (Ben Noll/The Washington Post)

From the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast: Over two-thirds of the U.S. are dealing with unusual dryness or drought. Check the situation in your area on these maps.
The worst could be yet to come: Droughts take a long time to recover from. Experts are concerned about water supplies and potential impacts on the upcoming fire season.

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Indiana beat Miami to win the College Football Playoff national championship.

Last night: Indiana bested Miami, 27-21, capping a perfect season. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza slogged through the game before helping himself to a storybook play.
An unlikely story: No team in college football history has been so bad before winning a title. See how Indiana went from doormat to dominance in these seven charts.
In the NFL: A Texans player said he was told not to repeat a "Stop the genocide" message.

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Germany's obsession with opening windows is going viral.

Lüften, meaning "airing out" or "ventilation," is often required as part of apartment lease agreements. (Picture Alliance/Getty Images)

It's known as lüften: Even in the dead of winter, Germans air out their homes several times a day. TikTok influencers have adopted the trend, calling it "house burping."
Want to try it? One expert said it can prevent moisture buildup, mold and carbon dioxide accumulation. We explained all the benefits and recommended techniques here.

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Before you go … does rosemary oil regrow hair? Here's what experts say. Plus: Our columnist uncovered the most complete protein — it's not meat.

One more good read: When to book flights in 2026 to save the most money.

We want to hear from you: Do you have questions about stories you've seen in The 7? Send them here. We'll find the right person to answer them and share responses in our weekend edition.

And finally … take a game break: