Hit the snooze button one too many times this morning? That’s OK because we’ve got all the morning news you missed. Here are the top stories everyone will be talking about:
1. Presidential chit-chat
Last night Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office for the third time during his presidency. He spoke about terrorism, discrimination against Muslims and the need for tighter gun control laws. He also explained his strategy in defeating ISIS and basically told everyone worried about terrorism to calm down because we’ve got this. Reactions to the address fell along the usual party lines, with Democrats nodding along and Donald Trump tweeting, “Is that all there is?” New polls show 53 percent of Americans support putting more troops on the ground in the Middle East, so the topics Obama brought up last night will be the ones that dominate the rest of this election cycle. — CNN
More:Kim Kardashian shares her gun control views in eye-opening interview
2. Violence in London
A knife attack in a London tube station injured three people over the weekend. The attack is being investigated as potentially related to terrorism because the suspect allegedly yelled, “This is for Syria,” before striking. In footage of the attack, a bystander can be heard saying, “You ain’t no Muslim, Bruv,” which took off and inspired a hashtag (#YouAintNoMuslimBruv) where people are tweeting about how the suspect doesn’t represent the larger Muslim community. All of the stabbing victims are expected to recover. — Reuters
3. Roll out the welcome mats
Two Syrian refugee families are slated to arrive in Texas today, and nine others will arrive later this week, despite the state’s efforts to thwart the resettlements. Last week, Texas withdrew its request for an immediate order blocking the refugees’ arrival. Instead, they’re moving forward with a lawsuit based on the assertion that the Refugee Act of 1980 requires the federal government to consult with governors and mayors before relocating refugees. Texas is one of 24 states hemming and hawing about accepting refugees. — USA Today
More:Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt reportedly make plans to adopt Syrian baby
4. Christmas controversy
Coca-Cola has apologized for a holiday ad featuring white millennials bringing gifts of Coke to the indigenous people of Oaxaca, Mexico. Coca-Cola says the ad was intended to spark feelings of joy and unity, but critics say it was racist, insensitive and promoted stereotypes of indigenous people. Critics also questioned the decision to promote soda in a country with “skyrocketing rates of obesity and diabetes.” Coca-Cola pulled the ad from their official YouTube channel, but no official word on whether Santa has removed them from the naughty list yet. — Tech Insider
5. Mark your calendar, place your bets
The teams playing in the College Football Playoff Championship have been announced. Alabama will face off against Michigan State, and Clemson will play Oklahoma in two games on New Year’s Eve. The winners of those two match-ups will face off on Jan. 11. This is only the second time a committee has decided who’ll play in the championship, but the teams are well-matched and the selections should make for two exciting games. — Bleacher Report
More:How to be a feminist and a football fan and not hate yourself
6. A date which will live in infamy
Today is the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The day will be commemorated with a series of events, including parades and ceremonies in both Washington, D.C., and Hawaii. Flags will also be flown at half-staff to honor the 2,400 people who lost their lives in the 1941 attack. You can live-stream many of the day’s events at PearlHarborEvents.com. They’ll also broadcast a dive to the wreck of the Arizona and a special commemoration of the sinking of the USS Oklahoma. History buffs, take note. — USA Today
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