Grand Central Station transformed as ‘Severance’ cast promotes season 2
New York City’s Grand Central Station turned into the world of “Severance” on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The cast of the hit series brought Lumon Industries to life during an eye-catching promotional event.
Actors Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry and Tramell Tillman portrayed their characters in a glass-enclosed replica of the Lumon office. Director and executive producer Ben Stiller also attended, capturing the event and interacting with fans.
The typically bustling terminal became a stage as commuters paused to watch the cast perform eerily mundane office routines, seemingly unaware of the crowd surrounding them.
Before the event, fake Lumon employees populated the desk setup, adding to the immersive experience. Stiller teased the event earlier that day, posting, “Rush hour today should be interesting.”
What is “Severance”?
“Severance” is a dystopian psychological thriller that explores the balance between work and personal life. Its surveillance and corporate control themes were symbolized by staging the event in a glass box in a busy public area.
The series is set in a world where employees at Lumon Industries undergo a “severance” procedure, splitting their memories and consciousness into two separate identities. Their “innie” represents their work self, while their “outie” is their personal self.
Fans of “Severance” have waited nearly three years since the season one cliffhanger. Season two of the Apple TV+ hit premieres Friday, Jan. 17.
“The View” is making weekend plans. Starting Saturday, Jan. 11, fans can tune in to “The Weekend View” on ABC News Live, according to Variety.
The new show will feature the Friday panel and offer 30-minute episodes that re-air throughout the weekend. ABC hopes the expansion will bring fresh takes on entertainment and trending topics, which are meant to diverge from the weekday show’s political focus.
Karin Gilford, senior vice president of digital media for ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, explained the shift in tone.
“The weekends are also when everybody’s generally taking a break. So it’s an opportunity to highlight some of the stuff the show covers throughout the week, that’s maybe not always in some of those politics arenas,” Gilford said.
A record-breaking season
ABC also reported that “The View” is currently experiencing its most-watched linear season in four years. With this momentum, the addition of “The Weekend View” seems poised to attract even more viewers.
Fans can catch the first episode on ABC News Live starting Jan. 11.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
Five wildfires now burn in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, leaving death, destruction and devastation in their paths. And the infernos led President Joe Biden to cancel his final international trip in office. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
At least five wildfires were burning in the heavily populated Los Angeles area of California on Thursday, Jan. 9, destroying thousands of homes and putting millions of lives in danger. At least five people died from the blaze and more than 100,000 evacuated their homes.
Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the flames.
The newest fire, the Sunset Fire, sparked Wednesday night in the famous Hollywood Hills region. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s latest update at 11:50 p.m. PST on Wednesday, the blaze engulfed 60 acres at 0% contained.
The Palisades Fire remains the biggest threat, covering over 17,000 acres at 0% containment.
Officials said it destroyed at least 1,000 buildings, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
The deadly Eaton Fire near Pasadena and Altadena spanned more than 10,000 acres at 0% contained. All five reported deaths were linked to the Eaton Fire.
Fire crews made headway on the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, containing about 10% of the blaze that spread to almost 900 acres, according to CalFire.
Crews made the most progress in fighting the Lidia Fire in Acton, about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. That fire scorched about 350 acres, but CalFire said it was 40% contained.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 firefighters, including crews from Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state, are battling the flames.
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires.
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're…
While mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for certain areas, officials told everyone in the area to pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.
Celebrities among victims to lose homes in California wildfires
With tens of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in California, come countless personal stories of loss, grief, shock and, in some cases, gratitude. Among those affected in the Los Angeles County and Hollywood area are some famous names.
Celebrities shared their accounts of the devastating scenes, something many said is like out of a movie.
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore posted videos to her Instagram account of the fiery destruction in Altadena, writing, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late. Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all, so many have lost, including my family … our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”
“Seeing our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking,” Hilton wrote.
Actor Billy Crystal released a statement with his wife after losing his Pacific Palisades home.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979,” Crystal said. “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
James Woods, who once starred on the television show “Shark,” openly wept in a CNN interview as he talked about his immense loss and the search for his neighbors.
As the fires spread across the hub of the entertainment world, organizers postponed multiple movie premieres, TV productions and award shows.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, have been moved to Jan. 26. The Oscar nominations announcement was pushed back two days to Jan. 19.
An NHL hockey game involving the Los Angeles Kings was postponed Wednesday night. The NFL said it is monitoring the conditions as the Los Angeles Rams are slated to host a playoff game Monday night, Jan. 13.
Biden to deliver eulogy at Carter’s funeral, Trump to attend
On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral.
President-elect Donald Trump will also attend the funeral. Trump, along with his wife Melania, were among those to pay their respects as the 39th president was lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
After the funeral, Carter’s body will take one final trip back to his home state of Georgia where he will be buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
While in Washington on Wednesday, Trump held a private meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol to discuss a strategy for top priorities heading into his second term. While speaking to reporters, Trump called the wildfires in California “a true tragedy.”
Biden announced Wednesday he canceled his final international trip of his presidency. He said he will remain in Washington, D.C., to monitor the deadly fires in Southern California.
Biden was set to take part in a three-day trip to Rome and the Vatican where he would meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president. His announcement came just hours after meeting his first great-grandchild, born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Capitol police arrest man who brought machete to Jimmy Carter viewing
As thousands of Americans paid their respects to Carter at the Capitol, authorities arrested a man Wednesday at a security screening for people waiting to view the late president as he lies in state in Washington.
Capitol police said the man, identified as Washington resident Mel Horne, carried a machete and three knives in a bag. Authorities spotted the weapons as the bag went through an X-ray machine. Horne now faces multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon.
Capitol police also said officers arrested a Virginia man who lit a bag containing accelerants on fire on top of his car near the Capitol. They do not believe the two incidents were connected.
Port strike averted after tentative deal reached
Longshoremen reached a tentative new contract deal Wednesday with shipping and port companies along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., averting a potentially crippling strike for now.
The United States Maritime Alliance, which represents ship lines and port operators, and union International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said they’ve agreed on a six-year deal. However, the agreement is not official until ratified by union members.
The ILA represents 50,000 members who fill 25,000 jobs at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. If this deal wasn’t reached, port workers were set to go on strike beginning next Thursday, Jan. 16.
Details of the agreement have not yet been publicly released, but sources close to the matter said it addresses a key sticking point for workers: automation.
In October, Longshoremen agreed to a wage increase of 62% over six years, and the two sides pushed other issues into 2025 to end a three-day strike.
Airbnb.org providing free, temporary housing for displaced California residents
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is providing free, temporary housing for people displaced by the Los Angeles County fires. The organization partnered with the non-profit 211 LA to connect those who lost their homes or have been forced to evacuate with a free place to stay.
New Emmys rules redefine guest stars, theme music and directing honors
A shake-up is about to hit TV’s biggest night, changing who gets a shot at taking home that golden statuette. The Television Academy has announced rule updates for the 77th and 78th Emmy Awards.
Guest performer eligibility sees major change
One of the most notable changes affects how guest performers qualify for Emmy consideration. Performers who were previously nominated or won in the lead or supporting category can no longer submit as guest performers for the same character in the same series.
This rule opens doors for first-time and true guest appearances.
An example of how this impacts past winners? Ron Cephas Jones, known for his role as William Hill on NBC’s “This Is Us.” He won two Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2020. Under the new rule, Jones would not have been eligible to submit for those wins in subsequent seasons, leaving more room for fresh guest talent.
New rules for main title theme music
Starting next year, the Emmys are also shaking up the rules for the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category. A show’s theme must now appear in at least 50% of the eligible episodes submitted to qualify.
This means shows that frequently skip their opening credits for special episodes, finales or to dive straight into a cold open may find their themes ineligible for consideration.
Directors get more chances to showcase range
Finally, directors are getting a major boost. Starting with the 2026 Emmys, directors can submit multiple entries per category if their work comes from different shows. This change allows directors to showcase their range rather than being limited to one submission per category.
The new rules aim to make the Emmys more inclusive and reflective of the evolving television landscape. By redefining guest performer eligibility, emphasizing consistent theme music, and expanding opportunities for directors, the Television Academy is attempting to set the stage for a more dynamic and fair awards season.
Hollywood premieres and events canceled amid wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires are disrupting daily life and forcing Hollywood to make significant adjustments. Several high-profile premieres and events have been canceled or postponed as the fires continue to spread.
Studios are prioritizing safety over spectacle. According to Variety, Jennifer Lopez’s “Unstoppable” had a grand Hollywood premiere this week. However, the studio postponed the red carpet event due to the hazardous air quality caused by the fires.
“Unstoppable” is a biopic about a wrestler born without a leg who defies the odds to become an NCAA Division 1 champion. Amazon’s MGM Studios announced that the film will be released globally on Prime Video starting Jan. 16.
Universal Studios’ “Wolf Man” also joined the growing list of postponed premieres. Meanwhile, Paramount’s “Better Man” and Max’s “The Pitt” have added to the tally, bringing the total number of affected premieres to four as of Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Live events also impacted
It’s not just movie premieres feeling the impact. A live event planned for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards nominations is now a virtual format. Organizers announced on X that they’ll unveil the nominations through a press release and their official website.
Here’s a full rundown of Hollywood events affected by the Los Angeles wildfires:
Premieres for “Unstoppable,” “Wolf Man,” “Better Man” and “The Pitt”
Tubi hits 97 million users, shaking up FAST streaming race
Tubi is making major moves in the free streaming world. The platform recently hit 97 million monthly active users, proving it’s a dominant player in the FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) race.
FAST services like Tubi, Roku Channel, Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus are changing how people consume content. These platforms offer viewers thousands of free titles without a subscription.
Tubi’s growth by the numbers
With a catalog boasting over 275,000 movies and TV episodes, Tubi reported more than 10 billion hours streamed in 2024. The surge in viewership follows an impressive jump from 78 million monthly active users earlier this year.
In a press release, Tubi CEO Anjali Sud explained the platform’s ethos. “Our strategy is simple yet powerful: put viewers first by offering unique stories from unique storytellers, a vast selection of content to choose from, and a delightful experience across devices.”
Back in October 2024, Tubi trailed Samsung TV’s85.5 million users. Now, Tubi has surpassed that milestone, further establishing its presence in the competitive FAST landscape.
Tubi’s exclusive content lineup has been a key driver of its growth. Recent releases include the dark western “The Thicket,” starring Peter Dinklage.
The platform has also ventured into talk shows, with “We Got Time Today,” hosted by Deion Sanders and Rocsi Diaz.
Another standout is “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” a Tubi original that brought in the largest number of viewers for any title on the platform in its first seven days. The film also brought more new users to Tubi than any other release to date.
Google announces new AI dev team aimed at simulating the physical world
Google has a new team seeking to advance artificial intelligence even further, possibly changing the game in simulation technology. Tim Brooks, who left OpenAI for Google’s AI research lab DeepMind, announced this week he’s leading the initiative.
“DeepMind has ambitious plans to make massive generative models that simulate the world,” Brooks posted to X. “I’m hiring for a new team with this mission.”
DeepMind has ambitious plans to make massive generative models that simulate the world. I'm hiring for a new team with this mission. Come build with us!https://t.co/pqvALtAvLshttps://t.co/vtwgeXl9Dl
The job listings say the new group will look to develop “real-time interactive generation” tools on top of the models they build. The team aims to study how to integrate them with existing models like “Gemini,” Google’s AI-powered assistant.
One of the job post descriptions says that the team will be on a path to “artificial general intelligence,” or AGI, which is AI that can accomplish the same tasks as humans.
Several companies are on that path, including Elon Musk’s Tesla. While it’s not directly building AGI, its work on self-driving cars involves the same AI technologies and push towards machine learning.
Not everyone in the creative industry is on board though. A recent study by the Animation Guild found that over 100,000 U.S. based film, television and animation jobs will be disrupted by AI in 2026.
Some companies are pledging to work with creative professionals, like 3D start up Odyssey, which is planning to have creators wear cameras enabled with an AI system that will allow them to capture cinematic worlds with complete control of the scenery, characters, lighting and motion.
Experts say achieving true AGI still requires work in several areas, like fully trusting its judgement over our own.
Heidi Klum returns to ‘Project Runway’ after 8 years
Heidi Klum is back on “Project Runway” after eight years away. The supermodel is bringing her signature flair to the beloved fashion competition series.
Klum and her co-host Tim Gunn left “Project Runway” in 2017 after 16 seasons, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped fashion reality TV. Together, they built the show’s reputation as a launching pad for aspiring designers.
After their departure, Klum and Gunn launched Amazon’s “Making the Cut,” a show that took their expertise to a global stage. The duo continued spotlighting top-tier design and emerging talent, keeping their dynamic chemistry intact.
Klum’s return to “Project Runway” is a full-circle moment. After hosting 16 seasons and winning an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program, she’s ready to guide a new wave of designers.
On Friday, People magazine first reported the news. The official “Project Runway” Instagram account also confirmed, teasing fans with the caption, “Some things are just too good to keep buttoned up.”
A new platform for a new season
The upcoming season comes with a twist. Initially on Bravo and later Lifetime, “Project Runway” will now air on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+. Season 21 will feature 10 episodes filled with fashion drama and innovative designs.
While the exact premiere date hasn’t been announced, fans are already counting down the days.
Congress to certify Trump’s win; Biden issues warning to ‘not forget’ riots
Congress prepares to re-affirm President-elect Donald Trump as the next president of the United States on the fourth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. And after a weekend of blizzard-like conditions in the Plains and Midwest, a major winter storm aims for the East Coast. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Congress to certify Trump’s win; Biden issues warning to ‘not forget’ Jan. 6 riots
Senators and members of the House of Representatives will gather to tally the electoral votes of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., confirming Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Jan. 5, House Speaker Mike Johnson said a major winter storm heading toward the area would not prevent the congressional joint session from counting the electoral votes.
Monday’s joint session comes four years after the certification of votes affirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. Biden’s certification turned into chaos when rioters stormed the Capitol, looking to prevent then-Vice President Mike Pence from presiding over the certification. Many rioters insisted the election was stolen from Trump.
This year, Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the electoral count of the election she lost and declare Trump the winner. Harris already conceded the race to Trump after he won 312 electoral college votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency. Harris won 226 votes.
Following the 2021 Capitol attack, Congress passed the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. This act clarified that the vice president does not have the power to determine, accept, reject or adjudicate the vote results.
On Sunday, Biden spoke to new Democratic members of Congress about the events that unfolded in 2021 and the importance of the date.
“Tomorrow’s Jan. 6; we gather to certify the results of a free and fair presidential election and ensure a peaceful transfer of power,” Biden said. “It’s a day that [for] most of our history we took for granted, the sixth, but I hope we never take it for granted again.”
Biden wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post on Sunday. In it, he told Americans that while some may no longer want to mention what happened four years ago, it cannot be forgotten.
“We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault. And we should be glad we will not see such a shameful attack again this year…” he wrote. “The election will be certified peacefully. I have invited the incoming president to the White House on the morning of Jan. 20, and I will be present for his inauguration that afternoon. But on this day, we cannot forget.”
Monday’s proceedings are the last official opportunity for any member of Congress to object to the electoral votes. Following the certification, Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20 for his second term. He vowed to pardon those convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 riots.
Biden signs Social Security Fairness Act into law
Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law Sunday. It’s expected to be one of the last major pieces of legislation of his term.
Today, I signed legislation expanding Social Security benefits for millions of teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers, other public employees, and their spouses and survivors.
The law repeals a rule that limited certain public sector job retirees who collect pensions — such as firefighters, teachers, postal workers and police officers — from also claiming social security benefits.
The new law also eliminates limits on the benefits that surviving spouses can receive after they die.
The Senate passed the bill in December after the House approved it in November with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign this week: Reports
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as early as Monday, according to multiple news outlets. It comes as his party, the Liberal Party, is set to hold its national caucus meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Last month, Trudeau’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, publicly announced her resignation in a letter criticizing the prime minister. Since then, calls for his resignation have grown publicly and privately within his own party.
This is just the latest in a series of recent political struggles for the prime minister. In September, Trudeau faced a no-confidence vote in parliament, which later failed.
Trudeau and Trump have been locked in a public back-and-forth over tariffs with Trump threatening to put a 25% levy on Canadian imports.
Details emerge about New Orleans suspect’s actions in weeks before attack
More details emerged about the man authorities said killed 14 people and injured dozens more when he drove a rented truck into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
The FBI said Sunday the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, visited the city twice in the weeks leading up to the deadly act of terrorism and recorded video of the area using Meta Smart Glasses.
The glasses allow users to record video hands-free and can also livestream on Meta platforms. Investigators said Jabbar wore the glasses to capture video while he rode a bicycle through the city’s French Quarter. He reportedly wore the glasses during the attack on Bourbon Street but was not livestreaming.
Authorities also believe Jabbar set fire to a short-term rental house in New Orleans where investigators found bomb-making material. They said he planted two bombs in the French Quarter before the truck attack but neither detonated.
Jabbar was killed after opening fire on responding police officers.
Millions of Americans under blizzard alerts as winter storm moves east
A major winter storm will continue to move through the Mid-Atlantic region today, followed by dangerously cold temperatures spreading across the central and eastern U.S. pic.twitter.com/sogRlbC6Y9
Major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are preparing for snowy and icy conditions Monday and into Tuesday, Jan. 7. Meanwhile, parts of Virginia are expecting 5 to 12 inches of snow.
Impacts of this weather system could also be felt in the South, with severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging winds expected to hit Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and other southern states Monday night.
2025 Golden Globes crown best in movies, television
The 2025 Golden Globes rolled out the red carpet Sunday night for the best and brightest stars of film and television — but only a select few walked away with awards.
In the movie categories, the big winners were the films “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist.” “Emilia Pérez” won four awards, including best musical or comedy. “The Brutalist” took home best drama and two other awards.
Over on the TV side of things, “Shōgun” topped the competition with four awards, including Best TV Drama. “Hacks” won Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy.
It was an especially memorable night for actress Demi Moore, who won her first acting award. She won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as an aging Hollywood star who undergoes a cloning procedure in “The Substance.”
South Korean investigators suspend efforts to detain impeached president after standoff
The FBI unveils more information about the man who drove a truck into a New Orleans crowd on New Year’s Day, killing more than a dozen. And multiple reports indicate President Joe Biden could make a big decision on the proposed takeover of U.S. Steel. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
South Korean investigators suspend efforts to detain impeached president after standoff
After an hours-long standoff, South Korean investigators suspended efforts to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The standoff between South Korea’s anti-corruption agency and the presidential security service lasted nearly six hours at Yoon’s presidential residence Friday, Jan. 3.
The agency called off its agents due to concerns for their safety after the presidential security service and Yoon’s supporters blocked them from entering Yoon’s residence.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, defied investigators’ attempts to question him for weeks in connection with the short-lived period of martial law he imposed at the beginning of December.
A Seoul court issued a warrant for Yoon’s detention Tuesday, Dec. 31, but enforcing it is complicated. Yoon’s lawyers, who filed a challenge to the warrant Thursday, Jan. 2, said it could not be implemented at his residence due to a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge.
The anti-corruption agency said it would discuss the next steps but did not immediately say whether it would make another attempt to detain Yoon. The warrant for his detention is valid for one week.
New Orleans attack investigation continues as city hosts Sugar Bowl
The FBI now believes the suspect in a deadly New Orleans truck attack on New Year’s Day likely acted alone. The agency said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, killed 15 people and injured dozens more early Wednesday, Jan 1, after driving into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the city’s French Quarter.
The agency called the attack “a deliberate act of terror,” and said Jabbar was “100 percent inspired” by the radical Islamic terror group ISIS.
The FBI concluded this after conducting hundreds of interviews, reviewing phone calls, social media accounts and electronic devices connected to the suspect.
Investigators said there appears to be no “definitive link” between the New Orleans attack and the explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas at this time.
Law enforcement investigating the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas identified the man who carried out the attack as Matthew Alan Livelsberger on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Livelsberger was an active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret. He was reportedly on leave at the time of the attack.
Authorities identified Livelsberger’s burned body by matching his tattoos.
Back in New Orleans, life started to return to normal Thursday as the city hosted the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome. Plus, visitors were once again allowed back into the French Quarter.
Notre Dame went head-to-head with the Georgia Bulldogs and came out on top. With Notre Dame’s victory, the college football playoff semifinals are now set.
The Fighting Irish will face Penn State in the Orange Bowl next Thursday, Jan. 9. Texas will meet Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
The two winners will play in the National Championship game on Monday, Jan. 20. It will be the first championship game since the NCAA went to a 12-team playoff format.
2 dead, 19 hurt after small plane crashes into California building
Two people are dead and 19 more injured after a small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building in southern California on Thursday.
The people who died were believed to have been on the plane while those injured were among the 200 or so people inside the building. Paramedics transported 11 people to the hospital and treated eight others at the scene.
The crash occurred about half a mile from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. Investigators are working to learn what led up to the incident.
Biden to block Nippon Steel’s bid to take over US Steel: Reports
President Joe Biden decided to block Nippon Steel’s bid to purchase U.S. Steel due to national security risks, according to multiple reports. Biden is expected to announce his decision as early as Friday, reports said.
Senior advisers warned Biden that the U.S. rejecting the Japanese corporation’s $14.9 billion offer could damage relations between the two countries.
Biden’s decision comes after the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment could not conclude the risks of Nippon’s offer, leaving the decision up to the White House.
While U.S. Steel shareholders backed the takeover, the proposed deal faced opposition from union members and politicians.
President-elect Donald Trump, who a group of American steelworkers backed during his campaign, also vowed to block the deal when he takes office later this month.
Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel indicated they would take legal action if the federal government blocked the deal.
119th Congress begins Friday with GOP taking control of House and Senate
The 119th Congress starts Friday with Republicans in full control of the House and Senate for the first time since 2019. The new term, which lasts two years, begins when House members are sworn in.
Despite narrowly hanging on to the GOP majority 219-215, Rep. Mike Johnson’s speakership hangs in the balance. At least one Republican said he would not back Johnson and others expressed concerns about his leadership.
Johnson received a major boost this week when Trump publicly backed Johnson.
In the Senate, Republicans will officially take the reins after flipping the majority in the November election. The new Senate Majority Leader will be Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.
Golden Globes kick off award season this Sunday
Hollywood’s award season officially kicks off Sunday, Jan. 5, with the Golden Globes.
Nominees include Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez and Angelina Jolie.
Movies looking to win big include “A Complete Unknown,” “Emilia Perez,” “Wicked” and “The Brutalist.”
“The Bear,” “Shogun,” “Nobody Wants This” and “Only Murders in the Building” are among the television series looking to take home trophies.
Comedian Nikki Glaser, who hosted the Tom Brady roast, will lead the award ceremony. This year, the Golden Globes will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.