January 7 – Severely devastating wildfires begin their rampage across Southern California, forcing many to evacuate their homes. The wildfires are reported to be some of the most destructive winter fires the region has seen in decades.
10 – President Donald Trump, the only former, future, or current U.S. president to be tried on criminal charges, receives another historic first: an unconditional discharge on his 34 felony accounts.
13 – Bill Gates makes an appearance on the Lakeside campus filming a trailer for his memoir. The book, titled “Source Code: My Beginnings,” which explores his childhood and adolescence, also includes snapshots of his life at Lakeside.
15 – Hamas and Israel agree to a proposed ceasefire deal. The proposal includes a six-week ceasefire, an armistice, a hostage/prisoner exchange, Israel withdrawing from Gaza, and a promised reconstruction period of three to five years.
18 – Due to concerns about data security, TikTok is temporarily banned in the US, sparking wide outcry. Around twelve hours later, President Trump announces that, via an executive order, TikTok will be temporarily reinstated.
20 – President Trump’s inauguration occurs inside the United States Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. On the same day, the President announces that the US will withdraw from the World Health Organization.
22 – The MLK assembly honors alumnus T.J. Vassar with a slideshow, video compilation, and live interview. Vassar was a pioneer, serving as Lakeside’s first director of diversity and LEEP director. The slideshow covers his background and upbringing, time at Lakeside, work with other schools, and his impact and legacy, while the video features interviews with faculty and alumni who discuss his work and influence. Finally, BSU invites Vassar’s daughter and Lakeside alumna Asha Youmans for a Q&A session.
30 – A military helicopter and American Airlines airplane collide mid-air over Washington D.C. Of the 67 people involved, there are no survivors, making it the deadliest aviation disaster since 2001. President Trump blames Democratic policies and DEI.
