Good morning and happy Wednesday! Things are heating up, literally. We are ending the work week in the low 70s then going right into cold and rainy so enjoy the outside weather these next few days. There are some interesting updates in today’s brief so let’s get into it.

Today’s brief includes:

• 📜Presidential Orders

• 🍭Health Wednesday

• 💸Netflix Prices

• 💝Galentine’s Day Lineup

• ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Wednesday - 62°☀️ | Thursday - 71°☀️ | Friday - 71°☀️

Brief Update…

Presidential Orders and News

President Trump, inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president, signed multiple executive orders, including those addressing immigration enforcement, water access in Southern California, pardons for non-violent January 6 offenders, and ending remote work for federal employees. The immigration order aims to strengthen enforcement against illegal entry, citing national security concerns. The water-focused order seeks to prioritize human needs over species protections. Trump is expected to continue issuing orders.

source: turnto23.com

Oil and Gas

President Trump declared a national energy emergency during his inauguration, aiming to boost the oil and gas industry by easing federal drilling regulations. Kern County petroleum owner Chad Hathaway supports the move, advocating for cleaner fossil fuel technologies. Environmentalist Steve Montgomery from the Sierra Club warns of climate impacts and urges investment in renewables. Hathaway believes collaboration, not opposition, will drive cleaner energy solutions. The initiative sparks debate over balancing industry growth and environmental concerns.

source: turnto23.com

Health Wednesday

The FDA has banned Red No. 3, a food dye linked to cancer, in food and ingested drugs, requiring manufacturers to reformulate products by 2027-2028. Commonly found in red or pink candies, baked goods, beverages, and supplements, its removal will impact many nostalgic foods. While studies show no conclusive human risk, the dye violates the Delaney Clause. Alternatives are available, as similar bans exist in the EU, Australia, and New Zealand.

source: msn.com

Netflix Raises Prices

Netflix is increasing subscription prices for U.S. subscribers, with the standard plan rising to $17.99, premium to $24.99, and the ad-supported plan to $7.99. The changes aim to fund new content, live sports, and popular series like Stranger Things. While Netflix added nearly 19 million subscribers in 2024, the price hikes may impact affordability for some users. Subscribers on ad-supported plans saw significant growth, suggesting Netflix's focus on providing lower-cost options with periodic ads.

source: msn.com

Costco Workers on Strike

Over 18,000 Costco workers authorized a potential strike, with 85% approval, if a fair contract isn’t reached by January 31. The Teamsters union criticizes Costco for refusing fair wage and benefit demands despite a 135% profit increase since 2018. The strike authorization pressures Costco to negotiate but doesn’t guarantee a strike. Costco has not yet commented.

source: ktla.com

❣️Galentine’s Day Lineup❣️

• Charcuterie Workshop - 1/26 - Harrington House

• Wreath Making - 1/31 - Wine Me Up

• Galentine’s Doormat Paint Party - 2/3 - Wine Me Up (almost sold out)

• Candle Party - 2/4 - Wine Me Up

• Girls Night Food Class - 2/6 - The Collective

• Cookie Decorating - 2/10 - Wine Me Up

• Wine Glass Paint Night - 2/11 - Wine Me Up

• Girly Pop Gathering - 2/13 - Jerry’s Pizza (7pm-close)

• Galentine’s Craft Night - 2/13 - The Padre Hotel

• Mini Cupcake/Wine Pairing - 2/13 & 2/14 - Wine Me Up

Plan for Valentine’s Day

• Valentine’s Day Market - 2/8 - Southwest Market/Stockdale High School (5pm-9pm)

• Wine & Dine - 2/14 - The Padre Hotel

• Under the Stars - 2/15 - The Padre Hotel

• Brunch for Lovers - 2/16 - The Padre Hotel

Upcoming Events

• Lunar New Year Event - 1/23 - The Rice Bowl

• Emo Night Tour - 1/24 - 1933 Event Center

• Theresa Caputo Live - 1/24 - The Fox Theater

• Southwest Market - 1/25 - 2800 Buena Vista Rd. (5-9pm)

• Bridal Event – 1/26 – KC Fairgrounds (starts at 11:30am)

• Book & Wine Lovers Night - 1/29 - Wine Me up (bring a book to exchange; 6-8pm)

Future Events

• Nick Swardson: Toilet Head - 2/1 - The Fox Theater

• Super Bowl Sunday - 2/9

• Boots in the Park - 3/7 - Bakersfield Sports Village

• Chicago the Musical - 3/17 - Mechanics Bank Theater

• AKC Dog Show - 3/27-3/30 - KC Fairgrounds

• Bakersfield Marathon - 3/30 - Kern County Museum

• Mac & Cheese Fest - 4/19 - Location TBD

• Mud Factor - 4/26 - Kern County Raceway Park

• Luke Bryan - 5/17 - Sillect Farms in Shafter

• Lightning in a Bottle - 5/21-5/25 - Buena Vista Lake

Kid Brief

• 2/8 - Trout Derby at the River Walk (6am-12pm)

• 2/11 - Mom & Daughter Night at Jerry’s Pizza (RSVP only; $10; 6pm)

• 2/14 - Kids Paint Workshop (Limited space; $18 per child; 11am)

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