p dir=”ltr”>President Trump has announced the Navy will begin building a new class of warship named after himself. A federal judge has ruled the deportations of more than 100 Venezuelan men to El Salvador were illegal. And, a number of staff members have left the think tank behind Project 2025 to join a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence.
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p dir=”ltr”>(00:00) Introduction (04:09) Trump Announces ‘Golden Fleet’ (07:56) Judge Rules Deportations Illegal (11:45) Heritage Foundation Exodus
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p dir=”ltr”>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
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p dir=”ltr”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Anna Yukhananov, Jason Breslow, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woefle.
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p dir=”ltr”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.
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p dir=”ltr”>We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. is one step closer to being called the Trump-Kennedy Center.
On December 18, 2025, the White House confirmed the board of the Kennedy Center voted to rename the building that is in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
“I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote via X at the time. “Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation. Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur.”
Soon after the news broke, several Kennedy family members spoke out against the board’s decision.
Maria Shriver questioned why Trump has been so interested in having his name be part of the cultural center.
“Next thing perhaps he will want to rename JFK Airport, rename the Lincoln Memorial, the Trump Lincoln Memorial. The Trump Jefferson Memorial. The Trump Smithsonian. The list goes on,” she wrote via Instagram. “Can we not see what is happening here? C’mon, my fellow Americans! Wake up! This is not dignified. This is not funny. This is way beneath the stature of the job. It’s downright weird. It’s obsessive in a weird way. Just when you think someone can’t stoop any lower, down they go…”
According to NBC News, Trump told reporters at the White House that he was “surprised” and “honored” by the board’s vote.
Keep reading to see how other Kennedy family members reacted to the news:
Jack Schlossberg
Jack SchlossbergJoseph Prezioso / AFP
JFK’s only grandson vowed to fight back against the Kennedy Center’s new name.
“SEND ME TO CONGRESS TO SMOKE THESE FOOLS — MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR,” Schlossberg, who is running for New York’s 12th Congressional District, said via Instagram on December 18, 2025. “I won’t back down or be drowned out.”
Joe Kennedy III
After seeing Leavitt’s announcement about the Kennedy Center, JFK’s nephew decided to speak out on social media.
“The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law,” he wrote via X on December 18, 2025. “It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”
Maria Shriver
Maria ShriverEmma McIntyre/Getty Images for Alliance for Women in Media Foundation
The journalist and niece of JFK expressed her disappointment at the Kennedy Center being renamed to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
“The Kennedy Center was named after my uncle, President John F Kennedy. It was named in his honor. He was a man who was interested in the arts, interested in culture, interested in education, language, history,” she wrote via Instagram on December 18, 2025. “He brought the arts into the White House, and he and my Aunt Jackie [Kennedy Onassis] amplified the arts, celebrated the arts, stood up for the arts and artists.”
Shriver continued, “It is beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy. It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. It is not.”
After workers installed Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center building, Shriver spoke out again.
“This will always be the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” she wrote via Instagram later that month. “A great man would have said to his hand picked board, ‘Thank you, but the building already has its name. Let it stand. Let it be. I don’t need that.’ But then again…”
Kerry Kennedy
“President Trump and his administration have spent the past year repressing free expression, targeting artists, journalists, and comedians and erasing the history of Americans whose contributions made our nation better and more just,” JFK’s niece Kerry wrote via X on December 18, 2025. “President Kennedy proudly stood for justice, peace, equality, dignity, diversity, and compassion for those who suffer. President Trump stands in opposition to these values, and his name should not be placed alongside President Kennedy’s.”
One day later, Kerry reacted to Trump’s name being installed on the building.
“Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building, but I’m going to need help holding the ladder,” she wrote via X. “Are you in? Applying for my carpenter’s card today, so it’ll be a union job!!!”
“Perhaps the board isn’t aware that the Kennedy Center is 𝗧𝗛𝗘 memorial to the president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Would they rename the Lincoln memorial? The Jefferson? That would be an insult to great presidents. This too is an insult to a great president,” JFK’s nephew Tim wrote via X in December 2025. “ Notwithstanding their short-sighted action, it is and will remain the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”
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Ladies love getting their hair done while on holiday, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in the city to get it all done – from braids and weaves to balyage and blow outs.
Here are a few of our favourites places:
For Braids, Wigs, and Extensions
Afro Corner
This City Centre hair salon is your one-stop shop for braids, hair colouring, natural hair styling, and extensions. Professional stylists treat your hair with the care it deserves, ensuring you leave looking and feeling amazing!
ASANA is a high-end dreadlocks and natural hair salon founded in 2019 by friends Gugu Nonjinge and Nomahlubi Hewu. But it’s more than just a place for hair; it’s a community and a safe space where you can relax. Treatments include hot oil and scalp treatments for dreadlocks, deep cleans, and protein treatments for natural hair.
Looking for a wig supplier and expert installations? Ester Hair Salon offers that and more. It’s the spot for ladies to treat themselves, upgrade their looks, and leave feeling fabulous. Hair extensions and quality products complete your perfect style.
Location: No 32 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre Website:EsterHairSalonSA
Afrosundae
Afro Sundae is all about natural hair done right. This Table View salon specialises in coils, curls, and kinks, giving every strand the love it deserves. Kids are welcome too, with gentle, fun treatments that make hair time a breeze.
With locations in Kloof Street and Sea Point, Excentric Hair Salon is all about pushing the boundaries. Living by the motto ‘Dare to be different,’ the team specialises in everything from precision cutting and advanced colour techniques to results-driven treatments. They’re constantly exploring the latest trends, like balayage, contouring, geode, rainbow, and unicorn hair.
With branches across Cape Town, Sorbet’s hairbars handle it all: cuts, colour, treatments, styling, extensions, and straightening. And with an in-salon nail, lash, and brow menu, you can get the full pampering experience and walk out with that unbeatable, ‘just-been-treated’ feeling. Location: Various locations in the city. Details here. Website:www.sorbet.co.za
Blue Lemon Hair & Beauty
“Good Hair Days, Every Day!” That’s the motto at Blue Lemon Hair & Beauty in Green Point. Step in and treat yourself to a full range of hair and beauty services, from blow dries and tints (parting, hairline, and roots) to highlights, Brazilian treatments, perms, and even gents’ cuts and colour.
Location: Shop 3, Portside, 41 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa Website:www.bluelemonhair.com
Snippets Hair Salon
Balayage specialists in Claremont, Snippets Hair Salon turn every appointment into an experience. They’re warm, welcoming, and happy to accommodate German-speaking travellers. While you’re there, kick back with free Wi-Fi, and if hunger strikes, they’ll happily order from the sushi bar or Jack’s Bagel next door.
Location: 22 Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa Website:snippetshairsalon.co.za
Marios Hair Atelier
One of Cape Town’s top hair salons, Marios Atzemoglou and his team have built a true hair sanctuary. Women, men, and kids are all welcome. The menu includes quick blow dry, balayage-Ombre, Bio-Ionic Japanese straightening, and Brazilian Keratin treatments.
Location: 2nd Exhibition building, 81 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town Website:marioshairatelier.com
Head Spas
Plush Head Spa
Inspired by viral trends and growing demand, Plush combines traditional head spa techniques with modern treatments and premium products. The treatment aims to bring deep relaxation, enhance scalp health, and promote overall rejuvenation.
Location: Unit A5, Office Park, Heron Crescent, Century Dr, Century City Website:www.plushheadspa.co.za
Headspace SA
Blending ancient Chinese techniques with modern wellness, this head spa in Claremont promotes deep relaxation and scalp rejuvenation. Guests can choose between a Mini Experience (perfect for those short on time) or the Complete Ritual for a full pampering session. The treatment includes two luxurious washes: one with a clarifying shampoo to cleanse, followed by a nourishing shampoo and hydrating hair mask. This is paired with a head massage, hydro steam therapy, and other calming elements.
The Claremont Head Spa is by appointment only, and it’s a treat for the whole family! Their Asian-inspired head and scalp treatments cater to women, men, teens, and kids. Whether you’re popping in for a simple blow dry, a dandruff detox scrub, or a traditional hair-growth scalp oil, they’ve got you covered. Guys swear by the Alpha Ritual.
Book ahead! Cape Town is in peak season (November to February) and can get busy. Reputable salons, especially those specialising in intricate work like braiding or complex colour, get booked up weeks in advance. Secure your spot before you arrive to avoid disappointment!
HBO’s Heated Rivalry is captivating audiences — but what did the TV adaptation change from Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers book series?
Based on the hit book franchise, Heated Rivalry follows two rival professional hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose animosity on the ice is just a front for a secret romance.
Heated Rivalry blew up on social media after premiering on Crave and HBO Max in November 2025 — in large part due to the heated scenes between Williams and Storrie. Creator Jacob Tierneyopened up about the work that went into developing the fictional TV couple.
“We talked about how every time these guys aren’t touching, they want to be,” Tierney told Swooon at the time. “So the act of not touching should be more difficult for them than touching. They would want to be physical with one another, and that’s part of the public/private dance that they do, and the frustration of being in public.”
He continued: “There’s a magnetism because there are two characters that essentially have this chemistry immediately. This magnetic electric thing is happening between them, and they do not get to satisfy it because they’re not allowed to be physical with each other the way that they would like to be in public.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of what differs in the TV adaptation of Heated Rivalry:
Expanding on Shane’s Life Outside of Romance
HBO
As readers may know, the book series doesn’t explore as much of Shane’s parents or his cultural identity since his mother is Japanese and his father is Canadian.
“I felt like [his cultural identity] needed to be said out loud because his name is Shane Hollander,” Tierney told Teen Vogue. “So you can whitewash him in your brain really easily when you’re reading a book or when you’re listening in a way that I don’t want to with this show.”
Speaking of Shane’s arc, his excessive dieting is addressed in Heated Rivalry‘s sequel book The Long Game. But the show doesn’t wait to hint at Shane’s complicated and concerning relationship with food.
Investing More Time in Scott Hunter
The third episode of the show focused on Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip’s (Robbie G.K.) romance, which is actually the central story of Reid’s Game Changer. Elsewhere in the HBO series, Scott is utilized more when it comes to Shane and Ilya’s romance.
Building up the suspense is a priority in the show, which waited years while the book spanned only two weeks between Shane and Ilya’s initial hookup and then taking the next sexual step.
Ilya’s Life Out of the Spotlight
HBO
Notably, Svetlana (Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova) and Sasha’s (Kaden Connors) individual roles in Ilya’s life are expanded on in the show compared to the book.
Less Locations
There are some places book fans were hoping to see that Tierney confirmed were cut due to budget restrictions preventing them from showing more areas on screen.
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The Longkloof Precinct sits in the suburb of Gardens, just off Kloof Street in Cape Town’s City Bowl. Once historic buildings that originally served industrial and educational purposes, the area has been transformed into a dynamic mixed-use hub lined with trendy shops, restaurants, and a hotel.
Here’s everything you can enjoy in Longkloof on your next visit:
Things To Do
Shop At Rosey and Vittori
This South African fashion brand is redefining edgy sophistication. Founded by creative duo Isabella Rosa Bisogno and Steven Eddie Rosenbaum (whose grandmother’s surname, Vittori, inspires the brand’s name), the label began its journey a decade ago with a focus on menswear. At the Longkloof store, you will find statement dresses, tailored sets, pants, and jackets for men and women. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a few coveted pieces on sale.
You can’t miss ShangriLa; its green building stands proudly on Park Road. Step inside, and you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, art and décor pieces that reflect creativity and calm. Beyond retail, ShangriLa is a space to breathe, move, and recharge. Join one of their yoga or meditation sessions (see their website for details), then relax at the cozy café for a cup of tea.
Girlies who love sunnies, listen up! You will find the perfect pair at Ballo, a quaint little store with the season’s trendiest shades. There are fun, playful colours to match your mood.
Innovation City is an exclusive workspace that brings together a community of startups, scaleups, corporates, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. This members-only space (application forms are available on their website) aims to drive collaboration and business growth in the city. When you need a break, the on-site coffee shop is the perfect place to connect, recharge, or spark your next big idea.
Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night. Tucked just off Park Road, Vine and Dandy lets you enjoy the best of both worlds: freshly brewed coffee and award-winning wines. Vine and Dandy is pet-friendly, so bring your dogs along to relax on the pup sack beds while you catch up on work or hang out with your mates. Wine lovers, every Thursday, the restaurant hosts wine tastings from 5pm to 7pm, where you can sample a variety of wines and discover new favourites.
Cafe Sofi by tashas is the brainchild of Natasha and Savva Sideris, the founders of Tashas Group, as an ode to their mother, Sophia Electra. Every detail is animated by Sophia’s spirit. Her loves, from cakes, cats and polka dots, to orchids, leopard print, and the Pink Panther, echo through the interiors and daily specials. Her fascination with flavour comes to life on a menu of simple, soulful dishes, including honey butter croissants, rosti and beef ragu, tiramisu, and a steak roll. Café Sofi is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
If you’re looking to enjoy delicious treats in a gorgeous setting, Custodian Pastry Bar, the latest edition from Hoghouse Brewing Company, is for you. Sip on freshly brewed coffee while indulging in baked pastries, rustic breads, and all-day toasties. There’s also a carefully curated selection of deli items and frozen goodies to take home and enjoy later.
From the culinary brilliance of Chef Bertus Basson comes Ongetem Restaurant & Bar at Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof. “Ongetem,” Afrikaans for “untamed,” perfectly embodies the restaurant’s spirit. The menu celebrates bold, flame-cooked dishes bursting with flavour, perfectly paired with equally inventive cocktails.
Canopy by Hilton Longkloof brings bold design, local flair, and laid-back vibes to one of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods. Just steps from Kloof Street, expect warm welcomes, a sweet Cape Town treat in your room, and epic views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Dine at Ongetem Restaurant & Bar, sweat it out at the 24-hour gym, or bar-hopping nearby -it’s the perfect base for exploring the city.
More than a million federal workers are missing their first full paycheck as the shutdown stretches into week four, with pressure building on Washington to end the standoff. A wild NBA gambling scandal involving secret gadgets lands an active player and a Hall of Fame coach in legal trouble. And Russia’s president shrugs off new U.S. sanctions after President Trump cancels his summit with Vladimir Putin.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Emily Kopp, Russell Lewis, Kate Bartlett, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland.
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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas
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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
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p class=”readrate”>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor
