Virginia state election determined by choosing name out of a bowl
After a recount of votes led to a dead tie between Republican David Yancey and Democrat Shelly Simmons in the race for the Virginia House of Representatives, the winner was determined by choosing a name out of a bowl, according to ABC News. Virginia had not picked a name out of a bowl since 1971, but this instance had even more on the line: the winner would also determine who the house majority would be. Yancey won the draw.
Gretchen Carlson hints at changing Miss America contest
After derogatory emails were leaked from CEO Sam Haskell and other top executives, Gretchen Carlson has been announced as the new chairwoman of the board of directors for the Miss America pageant, according to USA Today. Carlson, who won the pageant in 1989, said not to be surprised if changes come to the competition, which she wants to focus on empowering women.
North Korea agrees to talks with South Korea
South Korean spokesperson Baik Taehyun announced that North Korea has finally agreed to the South’s invitations to talks, CNN reports. The talks which will take place in person on Jan. 9 will be the first high-level contact that the two countries have had in two years to discuss “issues related to improving inter-Korean relationships including the Pyeongchang (Winter) Olympic Games.” It is the hope of some commenters that the talks will help ease tensions with North Korea, whose leader has threatened missile launches at the U.S.
Alex Trebek to take medical leave from ‘Jeopardy!’
Long time host of the trivia game show “Jeopardy!” Alex Trebek announced that he will be taking a brief medical leave to recover from surgery, according to USA Today. The surgery was to remove blood clots that resulted from a fall the 77-year-old had in 2017. Producers don’t foresee the show being majorly impacted by Trebek’s leave of absence, as it is taped in advance.
‘Fire and Fury’ author disputes Trump
Michael Wolff, author of the book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” has publicly defended himself against claims by the White House press secretary Sarah Sanders that he never spoke with President Trump, according to ABC News. The book claimed that Trump never wanted to be president and that White House advisers made fun of his intelligence. The president tweeted on Jan. 4 that the book was completely false and untrue, prompting Wolff to go on Good Morning America and refute the claims.
