Biggest news you missed this holiday weekend
Authorities search for assailant behind Istanbul nightclub attack
A manhunt continued Monday for a gunman who opened fire at a packed nightclub during New Year's celebrations in Istanbul, killing at least 39 people and injuring 69. In what officials described as a terror attack, a gunman shot and killed a policeman and civilian outside the Reina club around 1:15 a.m. local time Sunday before entering and shooting up the club. Some of the attack was captured on video, which shows the gunman dressed in black (initially it was reported he wore a Santa Claus hat) and carrying a backpack as he shoots the officer. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack Monday, saying it was in revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.
The national championship is Alabama vs. Clemson
For the second consecutive year, the national championship game will feature Alabama and Clemson. How’d we get here? Washington hung with Alabama for a quarter before the Crimson Tide’s relentless defense took over, helping lead them to a 24-7 win. Clemson blanked Ohio State 31-0 — the first time in Urban Meyer’s head coaching career his team had not scored — using its suffocating defensive line and Deshaun Watson’s dynamic playmaking. With No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Clemson meeting for it all, we couldn’t ask for more for Jan. 9 in Tampa. But unfortunately for Alabama, they'll have to play without their offensive coordinator.
Russia penetrated a U.S. utility company's computer
Malicious software believed tied to a Russian hacking group associated with attempts to influence the U.S. presidential election was found Friday within a computer belonging to one of Vermont’s electrical utilities. Burlington Electric found the malware on a laptop not connected to the operation of the grid, said Commissioner Christopher Recchia of Vermont's Public Service Department. Meanwhile, Sen. John McCain, who has emerged as the chief opponent within the Republican Party to Donald Trump's warming relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscored his tough anti-Putin stance by spending New Year's Eve at a forward combat outpost with Ukrainian troops.
Amanda Nunes crushes Ronda Rousey at UFC 207
Ronda Rousey's long-awaited return to the octagon was short, bloody and ugly. Fighting for the first time in 13 months, Rousey suffered a punishing TKO defeat against bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes on Friday night at T-Mobile Arena. With Rousey bloody and dazed, the referee stopped the fight 48 seconds into the first round of the scheduled five-round fight. Rousey didn't land a single punch. Edmond Tarverdyan, Rousey’s coach, caught much of the heat for his pupil’s loss to Holly Holm 13 months ago and can expect more of the same this time around.
Mariah Carey's New Year's performance was a talker
The blame game is strong in 2017 when it comes to Mariah Carey's New Year's Rockin' Eve performance. The award-winning singer couldn't seem to keep up with a pre-recorded track Saturday night. Her camp came to her defense early Sunday, blaming technical difficulties on producers. The production company issued its own statement Monday saying they "would never intentionally compromise the success of any artist" and to suggest that is "defamatory, outrageous and frankly absurd."
Queen Elizabeth misses church due to 'heavy cold'
Queen Elizabeth II missed a traditional New Year's Day church service Sunday because of the effects of a lingering cold. Buckingham Palace said the queen "does not yet feel ready to attend church as she is still recuperating from a heavy cold." There was no indication she is suffering from a more serious illness. It was unusual for Elizabeth not to attend the service, long part of her New Year's Day routine. Elizabeth also missed the Christmas church service last week for the first time in decades. She is recuperating out of the public eye at Sandringham, one of her favorite homes.
Court reinstates Kennedy cousin Skakel’s murder conviction
The Connecticut Supreme Court on Friday reinstated the 2002 murder conviction of Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel in the 1975 death of teen Martha Moxley. The move is a rejection of a lower court ruling that Skakel's trial lawyer did not adequately represent him. Skakel's lawyer told the Associated Press he was reviewing the decision and that he had no immediate comment. Skakel, now 56, was released from prison in 2013 after serving 11 years of a 20-year sentence. Moxley, 15, was found bludgeoned to death in a wooded area near her family's home in Greenwich, Conn., on Halloween in 1975.
'M.A.S.H.’ star dies at 84
M.A.S.H. star William Christopher died Saturday at his home in Pasadena, Calif. He was 84. The actor died peacefully, according to his agent Robert Malcom. Malcom said Christopher was diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago and had been in hospice since the beginning of the week. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his two sons. Christopher is best known for the role of Father Francis Mulcahy on M.A.S.H., the 1970s TV show set during the Korean War.
António Guterres succeeds Ban Ki-moon as the United Nations secretary-general
Portuguese diplomat António Guterres will succeeded Ban Ki-moon as the United Nations secretary-general Sunday. Here are four things to know about the ninth leader of the world organization. 1. He wants more women at the U.N. Guterres has said "gender parity" is key for the organization to thrive. 2. He wants to meet Trump "as soon as possible." Meeting with the president-elect takes on added significance after he condemned last week's U.N. Security Council resolution criticizing Israeli settlements on land claimed by Palestinians. 3. He may refocus efforts on refugee programs. Guterres spent a decade as the U.N.'s High Commissioner for Refugees. 4. He wants a "culture of prevention." He wants the U.N. to focus on preventing crises rather than managing them after they occur.
Contributing: The Associated Press