Ohio State's Veteran Core Eyes CFP Redemption After Cotton Bowl Triumph, Texas QB Quinn Ewers Shows Promise
Ohio State's Veteran Core Eyes CFP Redemption After Cotton Bowl Triumph, Texas QB Quinn Ewers Shows Promise
Ohio State, fueled by a veteran core with "unfinished business," secured a Cotton Bowl victory over Texas, highlighted by Jack Sawyer's pivotal fumble return touchdown. Despite the loss, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers showcased his talent, hinting at a bright future. The Buckeyes' strong performance, driven by experienced players, underscores their determination to contend for the College Football Playoff title in the upcoming season. Their win, paired with Ewers' impressive play, sets the stage for intriguing future matchups.
Slender Man Stabbing: Morgan Geyser Seeks Release as Victim Thrives Years Later
Morgan Geyser, one of two girls who stabbed a classmate in 2014 to appease the fictional 'Slender Man,' is again requesting release from a psychiatric hospital. Geyser, deemed mentally ill at the time, is seeking her third release attempt. Meanwhile, Payton Leutner, the victim of the brutal attack, has recovered and is thriving. The case continues to raise questions about mental illness and accountability in youth crime, highlighting the lasting impacts of this shocking incident.
Trump Faces Sentencing in Hush Money Case After Supreme Court Rejection
Donald Trump is set to be sentenced in his New York hush money case after the Supreme Court rejected his last-ditch appeal. Prosecutors are urging the court to deny his bid to halt the sentencing. Judge Juan Merchan will determine the punishment, which could range from probation to prison time. The sentencing follows Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made during the 2016 election. This case has garnered significant national attention and political debate.
US Labor Market Surges in December: Job Growth Exceeds Expectations, Unemployment Dips to 4.1%
The US job market ended 2024 on a strong note, with December's jobs report significantly surpassing expectations. The economy added more jobs than anticipated, and the unemployment rate fell to a low of 4.1%. This robust performance defied earlier predictions of a potential slowdown, showcasing continued strength in the labor sector. Weekly jobless claims also unexpectedly decreased, further reinforcing the positive trend. This encouraging data suggests resilience in the face of economic uncertainty and indicates that the Federal Reserve may need to reevaluate their stance.
Notre Dame Edges Penn State in Thrilling Orange Bowl, Advances to CFP Championship
Notre Dame secured a hard-fought victory over Penn State in the College Football Playoff Orange Bowl, winning with a last-minute field goal. The game was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing strong offensive performances from both sides. Notre Dame's win propels them into the CFP National Championship game, while Penn State's struggles against top-ranked opponents continue, raising questions about the future. The victory marks a significant milestone for Notre Dame, cementing their place among the nation's elite.
Slick Roads & Scattered Icy Patches Plague North Dallas Commute
North Dallas drivers faced challenging conditions Monday morning due to lingering icy patches and slick roads. While major roadways were generally clear, side streets and bridges remained treacherous, leading to multiple reports of accidents and spin-outs. Authorities urged caution and advised commuters to allow extra travel time. The aftermath of the recent winter weather continued to affect driving conditions, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance on less-traveled routes.
Hoda Kotb's 'Today' Exit: A Look Back and What's Next After 17 Years
Hoda Kotb's tenure on the 'Today' show is coming to an end after 17 years. While some sources incorrectly suggested an imminent departure, Hoda is still on the show, looking forward to what the future holds. She recently shared what she imagines life will be like for her daughters after her time on the show. She expressed deep gratitude for her time on 'Today', highlighting her cherished friendship with co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Hoda is not leaving the NBC family and will continue to work with them in another capacity. The specific details of her next role are still unknown.
Celebrity Homes Engulfed as Devastating Wildfires Sweep Through Los Angeles
A series of intense wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles, forcing numerous celebrities to evacuate and tragically losing their homes. The blazes, impacting areas like the Palisades and Eaton Hurst, have prompted widespread concern and evacuations. Film stars and prominent figures have been among those affected, with many properties sustaining significant damage or complete destruction. The fast-moving fires have presented a major challenge for firefighters, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Survivor's Kenzie Petty & Husband Jackson Celebrate Arrival of First Child!
Kenzie Petty, beloved from Survivor Season 46, and her husband Jackson have joyfully welcomed their first baby! The couple shared the exciting news on social media, posting adorable photos of their newborn. While they haven't revealed the baby's name or gender yet, the announcement is met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and fellow Survivor contestants. This marks a beautiful new chapter for Kenzie and Jackson, away from the challenges of the island and into the joys of parenthood. The online community eagerly anticipates further updates about the growing family.
Pizzagate Gunman, Edgar Welch, Killed in Police Shooting During Traffic Stop
Edgar Maddison Welch, the man who fired an assault rifle inside a Washington D.C. pizza restaurant in 2016 fueled by the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory, was fatally shot by police in North Carolina. The shooting occurred after Welch, during a traffic stop, pulled a gun. Welch served prison time for the 2016 incident at Comet Ping Pong, where he sought to investigate baseless claims of child sex trafficking. He was released in 2021, however, his death marks a tragic end to a saga fueled by online misinformation.
Malibu Inferno: Actor Trapped as Wildfire Engulfs Mansion, Recounts 'Hellish' Escape
A terrifying wildfire swept through Malibu, trapping an unnamed actor who sought refuge behind boulders as flames consumed his mansion. The actor described the experience as "hell," highlighting the intense heat and lack of escape routes. The blaze destroyed the luxury property and forced numerous residents to evacuate. The article details the dramatic scene of the fire and the actor's harrowing survival story amid the widespread devastation.
TikTok's Fate in Limbo: Supreme Court Hears Arguments as Ban Looms, Potential Sale Emerges
TikTok faces a critical juncture as the Supreme Court hears arguments challenging the US ban, with a potential ban set for January 19th, 2025. Billionaire Frank McCourt has made a formal offer to purchase the platform, but the fate of the app remains uncertain. The legal battle centers on free speech concerns and national security worries, with the government claiming ByteDance's Chinese ownership poses data risks. If the ban is upheld, it will be a major blow to the app’s millions of US users, raising questions about the future of the social media landscape.
College Football Playoff Semifinals: Orange & Cotton Bowl Game Times, Channels Revealed
The College Football Playoff Semifinal matchups are set! The Orange Bowl will feature Georgia vs. Florida State, kicking off at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN. Following that, the Cotton Bowl showcases Michigan against Alabama, with a start time of 8:00 PM ET, also on ESPN. Both games take place on Friday, December 29th and will determine which two teams will advance to the National Championship game. Tune in to ESPN for all the playoff action.
Arson Suspect Arrested in Connection with Kenneth Fire as California Wildfires Rage
Authorities have arrested an arson suspect in connection with the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills, amidst a series of devastating wildfires across California. The arrest follows a rapid investigation into the blaze that ignited in the West Hills region. While the exact cause of other fires remains under investigation, police have also made another arrest in connection to a separate arson incident, prompting a significant police presence. The Kenneth Fire is one of several contributing to a rising death toll from California wildfires.
Bush's Lighthearted Moment: Belly Tap at Funeral Draws Smiles Amidst Somber Ceremony
At Rosalynn Carter's memorial service, a moment of levity emerged as George W. Bush playfully tapped Barack Obama's stomach, eliciting chuckles from Obama and Jimmy Carter. The lighthearted interaction, captured on video, offered a brief respite during the solemn occasion. The gathering, attended by numerous political figures, honored the former First Lady's life and legacy, while this unexpected friendly gesture highlighted the enduring bonds between leaders, transcending party lines, even in times of mourning.
Finale's Musical Closure & NYT Mini Crossword's Tricky Thursday: A Tale of Endings and Wordplay
This week's news blends the world of musical terminology and daily puzzles. 'Finale,' in music, refers to the concluding section of a composition, offering a sense of closure. Meanwhile, the New York Times Mini Crossword on January 9th, 2025, presented some challenging clues. These ranged from a 'sinister' English word and a Latin term to a 'Muppet,' a 'pet,' and even a 'slimy' creature. The puzzle also tested solvers with a 'high-tech beam' and a playground retort, making it a genuinely tricky Thursday challenge.
Billy Crystal and Wife Janice Lose Beloved Home of 46 Years in Devastating Palisades Wildfire
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, tragically lost their Pacific Palisades home of 46 years to a recent wildfire. The couple, married for over 50 years, are among several Los Angeles residents impacted by the devastating blazes. While the loss is immense, Crystal also recently shared a humorous anecdote about Martin Scorsese's reaction to his own acting, adding a touch of levity amidst the personal hardship. The fire underscores the ongoing threat of wildfires in the region.
Michelle Obama's Absence and George W. Bush's Lighthearted Moment at Jimmy Carter's Funeral
While former presidents and first ladies gathered to honor Jimmy Carter, Michelle Obama was notably absent, reportedly due to a prior commitment. Despite her absence, the funeral saw moments of connection, including a lighthearted interaction where George W. Bush playfully tapped his belly with his hand, bringing a smile to the solemn occasion. The service was a tribute to Carter's life of service, attended by many dignitaries, but also highlighted the personal nature of mourning, with some former leaders unable to attend.
TikTok's Uncertain Future: Ban Looms as Bidding War Intensifies
TikTok faces a potential US ban in early 2025 due to national security concerns, prompting a flurry of activity. Billionaire Frank McCourt and investor Kevin O'Leary are among those vying to acquire the platform from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company. Legal challenges against the ban are underway, with the Supreme Court potentially playing a key role. The outcome remains unclear, leaving millions of users and creators in limbo as the deadline approaches and various deals are proposed to try and circumvent the ban.