U.S.

Back to the wild west. Armed ranchers in Oregon have taken over federal land in protest of two fellow farmers who were thrown in jail. The group is occupying part of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns trying to get their land back.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/03/us/oregon-wildlife-refuge-protest/index.html

The White House has now joined snapchat which shows official behind the scenes of the White Houses’ State of Union preparations and footage that is only exclusive on their snapchat. Not only has the president started a snapchat account for the White House, but he has recently launched his own Facebook and Twitter page which him and his administration officials use for Q&A sessions with the public.

http://time.com/4175130/white-house-snapchat/

Science

New “trace fossils” from Colorado have been discovered alongside the trace fossils of dinosaur footprints, which demonstrate nesting displays typical of modern birds, providing the first direct evidence that dinosaurs engaged in courtship rituals like many modern animals. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160107094108.htm

Economy

This powerball has made 67 millionaires already and the jackpot is at an all time high of 1.4 billion dollars. http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/10/news/powerball-prizes/index.html

Entertainment

Conan O’Brien, Kevin Hart, and Ice Cube have started a driving service, here is an example of their work.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/conan-kevin-hart-ice-cube-give-wild-driving-lesson-article-1.2486901

David Bowie, the world-famous singer, songwriter, and actor, passed away Monday morning just after his 69th birthday. His family revealed via facebook that he had been battling cancer for 18 months. His death came just days after the release of his final album, Blackstar.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/arts/music/david-bowie-dies-at-69.html?_r=0

There will be a live adaptation of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, set for a premiere on HBO on March 12th. Broadway fan favourite Audra McDonald stars as Billie Holiday in the adaptation, the role in which she won her sixth Tony award during the Broadway run of the show. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/183393/god-bless-the-child-god-bless-audra-hbos-lady-day-starring-audra-mcdonald-sets-march-premiere-date/

In a hilarious rendition of Beyonce’s Run the World, Channing Tatum surprised the audience by dressing up like Beyonce, with a wig and full make-up. Towards the end of the performance another surprise was delivered when Beyonce herself joined Channing Tatum on stage.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/08/entertainment/channing-tatum-beyonce-lip-sync-battle-feat/index.html

Golden Globes

“The Reverent” wins the Golden Globe for best dramatic film, as well as winning awards in other categories. Read the article to find out more about the Golden Globes.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/11/movies/golden-globes.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Ricky Gervais left no on unburned during the 2016 Golden Globes, especially Mel Gibson. Here are the highlights.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/golden-globe-awards-2016-highlights/

After Lady Gaga won an Academy Award this Sunday, Leonardo Dicaprio wasn’t clapping…

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/01/10/lady-gaga-won-globe-but-leos-reaction-won-night/78611372/