Diplomatic tensions rise between U.S. and China after downed spy balloon

Diplomatic tensions continued to rise on Sunday as officials in Beijing blasted the U.S. for shooting a Chinese spy balloon out of the sky. Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry, described the move as “a clear overreaction,” saying in a statement Sunday that his country reserved “the right to use necessary means to deal with …

Evacuation orders remain in place after 50-car train accident causes massive fire in Ohio

Home evacuations remain in place for dozens in northeastern Ohio following a train derailment which ignited a massive fire.  Luckily, no one was killed or injured in the accident in East Palestine, Ohio.  Mayor Trent Conaway told reporters that a mandatory evacuation order was imposed around the scene of the derailment in the town, comprised of 4,700 …

Kyrie Irving traded to Dallas Mavericks from Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.  The Athletic’s Shams Charania tweeted: “The Brooklyn Nets are trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round and multiple second-round picks.” The Mavericks traded Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and draft equity to complete the deal, according to …

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry out indefinitely with leg injury

The Golden State Warriors announced on Sunday that Stephen Curry has been ruled out indefinitely after suffering partial tears to his superior tibiofibular ligaments and interosseous membrane, as well as a lower leg contusion. An official timeline for Curry’s return will be announced at a later date, but sources say the injuries are expected to …

Chris Stapleton extends his ‘All-American Road Show’ tour

Chris Stapleton has announced an extensive run of headlining shows on the 2023 edition of his “All-American Road Show.”  Stapleton posted the news on social media , saying: “JUST ANNOUNCED: New 2023 All-American Road Show dates. Tickets on sale Friday, February 10th. Featuring special guests Allen Stone, Charley Crockett, Marcus King, Margo Price, Marty Stuart, Nikki Lane, …

Syndicated talk show ‘Dr. Phil’ ending after 21 seasons

The syndicated talk series ‘Dr. Phil’, hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw, is ending after 21 seasons.  The program, launched in September 2002, was co-created by McGraw and Oprah Winfrey. The 72-year-old McGraw said in a statement. “With this show, we have helped thousands of guests and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness …

House votes to oust Rep. Ilhan Omar from Foreign Affairs Committee assignment

U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., from the Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday. The resolution to remove Omar passed 218 to 211. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that Omar’s removal is in relation to past behavior the lawmaker has demonstrated, such as a tweet that was condemned by Democratic leadership …

Memphis library shooting leaves one dead, one officer in critical condition

The Memphis Tennessee police department said on Thursday that one officer is in “extremely critical condition” and a second individual is dead following a midday shootout at a local library. The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. when cops responded to a call at the Poplar-White Station Library in East Memphis. Police said the wounded officer was …

North Carolina and head coach Mack Brown agree to 1-year contract extension

North Carolina announced Thursday afternoon that head coach Mack Brown has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the team, keeping Brown under contract through the 2027-28 season. Brown said in a statement: “I appreciate the Board of Ttrustees, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham and the athletics department for continuing to invest in our football …

WNBA point guard Courtney Vandersloot announces she’s signing with NY Liberty

WNBA point guard Courtney Vandersloot announced on social media she is signing with the New York Liberty for the upcoming WNBA season. The veteran point guard is joining a star-studded roster that recently added two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart and 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones, who will be joining 2022 WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu. The details of …