U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel to continue his tour of the Middle East as he looks to prevent a broader war in the region. And more than 20 people are injured after an explosion at a hotel in Texas. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.
Blinken in Israel to avert broader war as Hezbollah commander killed
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel today, Jan. 9, meeting with top officials as he continues his tour of the Middle East to try to avert the war from spreading in the region. Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, Jan. 8, just as the Israeli military announced it was beginning to enter a new phase of its war against Hamas in Gaza, one with fewer troops and airstrikes.
Before arriving in Israel, Blinken’s fourth trip to the region in three months saw him meeting with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, looking for support to avert a broader war. Shortly before Blinken’s arrival, Israel launched strikes into Southern Lebanon, killing a top commander of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Speaking to troops guarding the border of Northern Israel on Monday, Jan. 8, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was ready “to do whatever is necessary to restore security to the north.”
Blinken said during his meetings with Netanyahu, the war cabinet, and Israeli officials today, Jan. 9, he will discuss what he’s heard throughout his trip with the other nations’ leaders. He will also press Israel on protecting civilians in Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid to the territory.
United, Alaska Airlines find loose parts on 737 Max 9 planes
While the investigation into how a panel detached during an Alaska Airlines flight Friday night, Jan. 5, continues, concern is growing about the safety of Boeing’s 737 Max 9 planes after United Airlines made a startling discovery. The FAA grounded 171 Max 9 planes after the panel flew off midflight. The agency called for inspections of the Boeing model.
On Monday, Jan. 8, United said its preliminary checks found loose bolts on several panels; sources told Reuters that at least 10 of United’s Max 9 planes have been found to have this issue. Alaska Airlines also announced that its technicians found “loose hardware” on some of its planes. Federal investigators said late on Monday, Jan. 8, that they are looking into the possibility that the bolts to keep the panel in place were never installed before the piece blew off the Alaska Airlines flight.
Explosion at historic Texas hotel injures 21
An explosion at a historic hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, injured at least 21 people on Monday afternoon, Jan. 8. The explosion blew out windows and sent large sections of debris, including parts of doors and walls, all across the downtown streets. Investigators believe a gas leak was the cause of the blast at the 20-story Sandman Signature Hotel.
Five of those hurt suffered critical or serious injuries. Authorities said more than two dozen rooms were occupied at the time. Rescue crews found people trapped in the basement. Paula Snider, who witnessed it all, described what she saw.
“I heard the loudest boom I could ever hear,” Snider said. “And I looked up and underneath the awning at the Sandman Hotel, where the valet and parking lot is, was just a huge puff of black smoke, and I screamed, and then all of a sudden, when the smoke fades away, there’s just debris and metal and everything just flying everywhere.”
Investigators said part of the hotel was under construction, but it is not clear at this time if that contributed to the explosion.
Driver in custody after crashing into White House gate
A driver was taken into custody on Monday evening, Jan. 8, after crashing into the gates of the White House. The Secret Service said a vehicle collided with an exterior gate around 6 p.m. Secret Service, D.C. police, and the fire department responded. The driver was apprehended at the scene, and no injuries were reported.
The collision caused traffic closures around the White House, which have since reopened. The Secret Service continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Tiger Woods, Nike announce end of 27-year partnership
Tiger Woods and Nike, a duo that has gone together for 27 years, is splitting up. In a social media post announcing the end of the partnership, Woods thanked Nike co-founder Phil Knight, citing his passion for the brand and for golf.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever.”
Tiger originally signed with Nike in 1996 for $40 million. At the time, it was considered one of the biggest deals in sports, but Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, later called the deal “chump change.” Tiger won 15 major championships with the Swoosh on his chest, and his name became synonymous with Nike; in 2013, Tiger signed his latest deal with Nike, making an estimated $200 million. In his social post, Woods noted that there will certainly be another chapter.
Michigan wins College Football Playoff National Championship
Congratulations go out to Michigan, as the Wolverines are national champions. Michigan defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night, Jan. 8, in Houston. It’s the team’s first national championship since 1997.
This season, the undefeated Wolverines had to battle obstacles not only on the field but off – including a sign-stealing investigation and two suspensions for their head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Michigan’s victory also marks the end of the college football playoff format as we know it; next year, it expands to a 12-team playoff. Our Simone Del Rosario took a closer look at what the new format could mean for players and media outlets; read her report here.