It’s Wednesday, but we’ll spare you the “hump day” jokes. Instead, here’s a quick and clever take on the top stories everyone will be talking about today:
1. Big changes in Chicago
Chicago’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel, has fired the city’s police chief, created a task force for police accountability and expanded the use of body cameras in the wake of ongoing outrage over the circumstances of Laquan McDonald’s death. Emanuel has been criticized for his role in keeping video footage of McDonald’s shooting from the public. His changes to the police department are a good first step but it’s too little and too late for a lot of people, and many are still calling for his resignation. — AP
More:Kanye West: Should he run for mayor of Chicago?
2. Sending in reinforcements
The U.S. is sending a special ops force to Iraq to aid in the fight against ISIS. The force will work with the Iraqi government to conduct raids, capture ISIS leaders and gather useful intel about the group. The attacks in Paris and elsewhere have the world on high alert, and many think it’s time to step up our game if we’re going to stop terrorist activity. Many critics have accused President Obama of moving too slowly to thwart ISIS. This is his way of flexing the military muscle without putting too many more boots on the ground. — Reuters
3. Demands by Donald
Donald Trump says he won’t participate in CNN‘s upcoming Republican debate unless the network pays him $5 million. While speaking at a campaign rally in Georgia yesterday, the presidential hopeful rambled on for eight full minutes about his debate demands, even promising to give the money to veterans’ charity organizations. Debates are supposed to be a level playing field, separated from the financial aspect of campaigning. Trump’s tantrums shouldn’t change that. Luckily, CNN is ignoring his demands (so far). — Washington Post
More:Donald Trump’s hair throughout the years
4. Lightning strikes twice
A Modesto, California, man is probably luckier than you. He just won the lottery twice in a row. He purchased a scratch-off ticket and won $1,000. He decided to buy three more tickets and ended up winning another $10 million. The man says he doesn’t know how he’ll spend his winnings yet, but we’re thinking it’s probably going to be a good holiday season in his house. — The New York Times
5. That’s a lot of money
MLB pitcher David Price has reached a record breaking seven-year, $217 million deal with the Red Sox. The agreement is the largest deal offered to a pitcher in major league history, as well as the most the Red Sox have ever offered a pitching prospect. Price is a five-time All-Star and came in second place in last year’s vote for the prestigious Cy Young award. This deal gives him a lot to live up to, but he’s talented enough that he should have no problem delivering on expectations. — The Boston Globe
More:Batter up: Baseball baby names
6. Deck the halls
Tonight is the annual tree lighting at Rockefeller Center. The 10-ton, 78-foot Norway Spruce will be illuminated during NBC’s Christmas In Rockefeller Center special. The special, which begins at 8 p.m. ET, will include performances by some of Hollywood’s biggest names. It will also be followed by an airing of the holiday classic, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Make some cocoa, pop some popcorn, and get in the holiday spirit right from your couch. — USA Today
Leave a Comment