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Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Today’s Rundown:
- ROB REINER AND WIFE FOUND DEAD; LAPD INVESTIGATES APPARENT STABBING: Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their home in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, and police are investigating the deaths as a homicide. Authorities believe both suffered stab wounds, and the case is being handled as a major investigation. Officials have not announced a suspect or a motive, and they have not released many details while evidence is being reviewed. Tributes have poured in from public figures and colleagues as the news spread. Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
- JIMMY LAI CONVICTED IN HONG KONG NATIONAL SECURITY TRIAL: A Hong Kong court convicted pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai in a landmark national security case, including a collusion-related charge. Lai founded the now-closed newspaper Apple Daily, and the verdict is being closely watched worldwide as a test of free speech and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The national security law allows severe penalties, including the possibility of life in prison, depending on sentencing decisions. A pre-sentencing hearing is scheduled for January, and Lai’s legal team has said an appeal decision would likely come after sentencing. The U.S. and U.K. have criticized the prosecution, while Hong Kong officials say the case shows the law is being enforced.
- BROWN UNIVERSITY SHOOTING: DETAINED PERSON RELEASED AFTER QUESTIONING: Police say a person who was detained and questioned after the Brown University shooting has been released. Investigators said there was enough early information to hold the person briefly as they worked to connect evidence, but the case is still active and developing. The shooting killed two people and injured others, and authorities continue to search for the shooter and confirm the sequence of events. Brown has increased safety measures and is offering support services for students and staff. Police are urging the public to share tips and avoid spreading rumors.
- AUSTRALIA: 15 KILLED IN BONDI BEACH ATTACK AT HANUKKAH GATHERING: Australian officials say at least 15 people were killed and many more were injured when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Authorities have described it as a targeted terrorist attack, and the incident has intensified fears about antisemitism and public safety. Reporting says investigators are examining the suspects’ backgrounds and how the weapons were obtained or legally held. In response, Australia’s prime minister has called for tougher national gun laws and changes to licensing rules. Community groups have held vigils while police continue to process the crime scene and collect evidence.
- ASHLEIGH BANFIELD STEPS OFF-AIR TO LEAD NEWSNATION TRUE-CRIME UNIT: NewsNation anchor Ashleigh Banfield is leaving her nightly on-air role to lead the network’s true-crime digital division. Reports say she will also focus more on her true-crime podcast and related programming. Her final newscast is expected in January 2026. The shift reflects a larger media trend of investing in podcasts and digital series, especially in true crime, where audiences are strong. NewsNation has not framed the move as a departure from the company, but as a change in focus.
- YOUTUBE TV TO ADD CHEAPER “PLANS” BUNDLES IN 2026, INCL. SPORTS: YouTube TV says it will launch new lower-cost “Plans” in early 2026 for people who want a smaller set of channels. The company says one package will be a Sports Plan that includes major broadcasters and sports networks, including ESPN channels and “ESPN Unlimited,” with optional add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket. YouTube TV says customers will keep key features like unlimited DVR and multiview. The announcement comes as streaming companies experiment with smaller bundles after years of “one big package” pricing. Final pricing and exact channel lineups may vary by plan and rollout.
- ‘ZOOTOPIA 2’ RETURNS TO NO. 1 AS ‘ELLA MCCAY’ OPENS WEAK: Disney’s Zootopia 2 moved back to the top spot at the domestic box office in its third weekend and has passed $1 billion worldwide. Reports point to strong international ticket sales—especially in China—as a major reason the movie’s global totals are so high. Meanwhile, Ella McCay had a very soft debut, with low sales and poor reviews. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 fell sharply from its holiday opening, which is common for franchise sequels. Studios are now looking to upcoming holiday releases to keep theaters busy.
- PHILIP RIVERS’ COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN COLTS’ CLOSE LOSS TO SEAHAWKS: Philip Rivers, 44, returned to start for the Colts, but Seattle beat Indianapolis 18–16 on six field goals by Jason Myers, including a long kick late in the game. Rivers completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown, but the Colts’ final play ended with an interception on a desperation throw. Seattle’s offense set up the winning kick with a late drive, while the Colts’ fourth straight loss added pressure to a team trying to stay in playoff position. Both teams emphasized how tight the game was and how small mistakes decided it. Rivers’ return also raised questions about Indianapolis’ injuries and quarterback depth.
- GUNTHER MAKES JOHN CENA TAP OUT IN MATCH BILLED AS CENA’S LAST: WWE’s Gunther defeated John Cena by submission, with coverage describing it as Cena’s final match after a year-long farewell run. The bout took place at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., and reports say Cena stayed in the ring afterward for an emotional goodbye with fans. Several outlets noted that Cena has said he intends to remain connected to WWE in some role even after stepping away from full-time matches. Reaction from fans has been mixed, with some unhappy about the finish and others calling it a fitting “passing of the torch.” WWE has promoted the moment as a major end-of-era event.
- MERRIAM-WEBSTER NAMES “SLOP” ITS 2025 WORD OF THE YEAR: Merriam-Webster chose “slop” as its 2025 Word of the Year, highlighting how the word has become shorthand for low-quality online content. The dictionary says the modern use often points to mass-produced, frequently AI-generated posts, images, and videos that look fake or careless. Editors said interest in the term rose as people searched for ways to describe the flood of questionable content across social media. Merriam-Webster framed the choice as a sign that many people are craving authenticity and trustworthy information. The shortlist included several other culture-heavy words, but “slop” stood out for how widely it spread.
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