In the whimsical realm of bats, where upside-down slumbers and sonar-guided insect hunts prevail, a recent cold snap in Texas revealed an unexpected vulnerability. As temperatures in Houston plunged to a bone-chilling 24 degrees during a formidable storm, the city’s bat colonies, particularly those under the Waugh Drive Bridge, faced a dire challenge. The Mexican free-tailed bats, unaccustomed to such frigid conditions, found themselves succumbing to hypothermic shock, tumbling from their perches onto the icy pavement below.
Stepping in as unsung heroes, the dedicated team at the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center sprang into action. Responding to the harsh weather conditions, the nonprofit mobilized its staff to rescue the fallen bats scattered across the Houston area.
By Tuesday morning, the compassionate team had successfully rescued 130 bats, providing a warm refuge for these delicate creatures at the Wildlife Center. The rescued bats, some of whom suffered injuries during their unexpected descent, are now receiving top-notch treatment, including evaluations by wildlife veterinarians and around-the-clock care until they regain their ability to fly.
Inside the Wildlife Center, equipped with incubators and life-saving equipment, the rescued bats are not only undergoing rescue but also rehabilitation—a mission that echoes the center’s commitment in 2022 when over 1,600 bats were nursed back to health during freezing conditions. This underscores the Wildlife Center’s unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation, recognizing the vital role bats play in maintaining the delicate ecosystem.
Bats, as nature’s pest controllers, contribute significantly to environmental balance by keeping insect populations in check. The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center is not just a rescuer but a guardian of this balance, urging the community to remain vigilant. A hotline (713-468-8972) has been established for reporting stranded or distressed bats and other wildlife, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement.
For those who encounter a stranded bat in need of temporary care, the Wildlife Center’s website (https://www.houstonhumanewildlife.org/found-an-animal/) offers valuable instructions. Through warmth, care, and community vigilance, the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center ensures that these little winged wonders continue to grace the night skies, dancing through the darkness as nature intended.
As frigid temperatures loom over Houston, homeowners face the dilemma of whether to drip their faucets to prevent frozen pipes. The answer, however, is not universal and depends on the water source.
For those receiving water from a pumping station, which applies to the majority of Houston residents, the recommendation is a resounding “no” to dripping faucets. Conversely, if your water comes from a water tower, as is the case in some areas outside of Houston, the answer is a cautious “yes.”
The City of Houston’s water distribution relies on pump stations on the ground rather than water towers. City officials are actively advising Houston residents against dripping faucets, as it could exert pressure on the water system, potentially leading to a shutdown.
Erin Jones, a spokesperson for Houston Public Works, emphasized the negative impact of running faucets on water pressure, stating, “If water pressure gets too low, then you get a burn water notice. And you don’t want that in the middle of a freeze.”
Instead of dripping faucets, the city recommends alternative measures to safeguard against freezing. Residents are urged to open cabinet doors under sinks located next to outside walls to allow heat in, shut off water to washing machines in unheated garages, and monitor pipes that have experienced freezing in the past. Houstonians planning to be away during the anticipated cold freeze are advised to prepare their homes by draining outside faucets or leaving their home heating system on a low temperature.
As the city braces for an impending cold freeze in the coming days, officials are urging residents to proactively prepare for the frigid weather. The Energy Reliability Council of Texas has notified the public about the expected “extreme cold weather across the region” from Monday, Jan. 15, to Wednesday, Jan. 17, reassuring that “grid conditions are expected to be normal.” Houston homeowners are encouraged to take preventive measures promptly to mitigate the potential impact of freezing temperatures on their water systems.
In a resounding triumph, Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the Iowa caucuses, solidifying his position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. This win marks a historic milestone for Trump, aiming to become the first former president since Grover Cleveland in the 1890s to return to office after losing re-election to a second consecutive term.
Trump’s record-breaking showing in the first contest of 2024 not only secured him a majority of the vote, as projected by NBC News, but also surpassed the 13-point margin of victory achieved by Sen. Bob Dole in the 1996 Republican caucuses. The commanding performance underscores the absence of a decisive demand for an alternative as the race transitions to the upcoming New Hampshire primary.
While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed a second-place finish, prevailing over former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the distant nature of his position raises questions about the momentum gained. Despite the competition for the top spot, both DeSantis and Haley remain optimistic about their positions, emphasizing their strength as the race progresses.
Addressing supporters in Des Moines, Trump expressed a call for unity, stating, “I really think this is time now for everybody, our country, to come together.” Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who initially defended Trump but later criticized him, suspended his campaign after a fourth-place finish and endorsed Trump.
The contrasts between Trump, DeSantis, and Haley were evident in their campaign strategies and caucus night events. Trump’s comfortable win reflects unwavering loyalty among GOP voters, despite legal challenges. His sophisticated turnout operation, focused on identifying new voters, showcased a level of campaign proficiency not previously associated with Trump.
As Trump continues to dominate the GOP landscape, the focus shifts to New Hampshire, where he is expected to further solidify his position. The results of the Iowa caucuses set the stage for a highly competitive and dynamic Republican primary race, with Trump’s resilience facing both loyalty and legal challenges.
If you have ever applied for a loan, a credit card, or any other form of credit, you have probably heard of the term FICO score. But what exactly is a FICO score and why is it important for your financial health?
A three-digit FICO score, often simply referred to as a credit score, is a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness. It is a crucial financial metric that lenders, creditors, and financial institutions use to assess the risk associated with lending money or extending credit to consumers. The term “FICO” is an acronym derived from the company that developed this scoring model, the Fair Isaac Corporation.
FICO scores range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better credit. A FICO score of 670 to 739 is generally considered good credit, while a score of 740 to 850 is considered excellent credit. Lenders use FICO scores to help them decide whether to approve your loan application and what interest rate to charge you. A higher FICO score can help you qualify for lower interest rates and better loan terms.
FICO scores are based on five main factors that reflect your credit behavior:
Payment History (35%): This is the most significant factor in assessing whether you have made on-time payments on your credit accounts, such as loans and credit cards.
Credit Utilization/Amounts Owed (30%): This factor examines the amount of credit you are currently using compared to your total available credit limits. Lower utilization rates are generally better for your score.
Length of Credit History (15%): Longer credit histories tend to have a positive impact on your score.
Credit Mix (10%): Having a diverse mix of credit types, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can positively impact your score.
New Credit (10%): Opening multiple new credit accounts in a short period can negatively affect your score.
Each factor has a different impact on your FICO score depending on your overall credit profile. For example, if you have a long and positive credit history, a few late payments may not hurt your score as much as if you have a short and negative credit history. You can check your FICO score for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus. You can also get your FICO score from many lenders and credit card companies.
Here are some tips for improving your FICO score:
Pay your bills on time and in full every month.
Keep your credit utilization low. This means using less than 30% of your available credit.
Keep your credit history long. Avoid opening too many new credit accounts in a short period of time.
Have a mix of different types of credit.
Check your credit reports regularly for errors and dispute them if you find any.
A FICO score is a key indicator of your financial health and reputation. By understanding what it is and how it works, you can take charge of your credit and achieve your financial goals. Improving your FICO score can take time, but it is worth it in the long run. A good FICO score can help you qualify for lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, save money on insurance premiums, and get approved for apartments and housing. Maintaining a good credit score can open doors to better financial opportunities, while a poor score can limit access to credit and lead to less favorable terms and higher borrowing costs. Therefore, understanding and managing your credit responsibly is essential for your financial well-being.
The recent conservation appeal in Texas concluded after residents willingly held back power consumption for two consecutive days during early morning hours, contributing to grid reliability during record-breaking peak times. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) expressed gratitude towards the efforts of Texas residents and businesses, acknowledging their collaboration in managing energy demands.
In a statement, ERCOT conveyed, “Thank you to Texas residents and businesses. Your conservation efforts, along with additional grid reliability tools, helped us get through record-breaking peak times (Tuesday) and (Monday) morning.” Despite the conservation appeal officially ending at 9 a.m., ERCOT emphasized the continuation of an ERCOT Weather Watch through Wednesday, serving as an advance notification of anticipated significant weather with high energy demand.
During an interview with ABC13’s Nick Natario on Monday, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas acknowledged the elevated risk associated with extreme weather events, highlighting the severity of one of the coldest winter weather events in Texas. Vegas affirmed ERCOT’s commitment to doing everything possible to maintain power supply amidst challenging conditions.
While the conservation appeal ceased at 9 a.m., ERCOT urged residents to sustain electricity conservation efforts between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Tuesday due to ongoing freezing weather in the Houston area. ERCOT’s online tracker indicated yellow grid conditions early Tuesday morning, signifying some strain on the grid. However, by the appeal’s expiration at 9 a.m., conditions had returned to the green, indicating normal grid operations.
Vegas disclosed ongoing collaborative efforts with transmission utility companies over the past few years to implement controlled outages, ensuring that electricity interruptions are minimized during adverse conditions. Residents were encouraged to monitor grid conditions on the ERCOT website for real-time updates.
Addressing potential outages, ERCOT clarified that any disruptions were local in nature and unrelated to grid reliability. As Texas navigates through challenging winter weather, the collaborative efforts of residents and ERCOT’s strategic measures continue to play a crucial role in sustaining power reliability.
The Houston Texans secured a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns in their postseason opener, setting the stage for a more challenging matchup in the AFC divisional round against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans, seeded fourth, were initially slated to face the Kansas City Chiefs had the Pittsburgh Steelers won on Monday. However, the Buffalo Bills’ triumph over the Steelers altered the Texans’ course, leading them to a showdown with the top-seeded Ravens.
The Ravens, boasting the NFL’s best regular-season record at 13-4 and a formidable scoring defense of 16.5 points per game, present a significant hurdle for the Texans. Houston aims to reach the conference championship round for the first time in franchise history.
Key information for fans ahead of the playoff clash:
NFL Playoff Bracket: AFC
4) Houston Texans at 1) Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs at 2) Buffalo Bills
Kickoff Time and TV Info:
The Texans-Ravens game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
ABC and ESPN will broadcast the game, with live streaming available on ESPN+.
Previous Meeting: In Week 1, the Texans faced the Ravens, keeping it close in the first half but ultimately falling short with a 25-9 loss. Despite limiting MVP favorite Lamar Jackson to 207 total yards and securing an interception, the Texans struggled as Baltimore rushed for three touchdowns, while Houston’s offensive production was limited to three field goals.
By the Numbers:Houston Texans
Scoring offense: No. 13
Total offense: No. 12
Scoring defense: No. 11
Total defense: No. 14
Turnover differential: No. 5 (tied)
Baltimore Ravens
Scoring offense: No. 4
Total offense: No. 6
Scoring defense: No. 1
Total defense: No. 6
Turnover differential: No. 1 (tied)
The Texans face a formidable test against the Ravens, and fans eagerly anticipate an intense battle as Houston strives to make franchise history in the pursuit of the conference championship.
A man is accused of killing a 22-year-old Texas mother, and witness in a murder case, who went missing near her place of work in Houston, according to investigators.
Friends and family called Deundrea Ford reliable, police said in Harris County court documents filed Jan. 11. When she disappeared without a word, it quickly became clear that something was wrong — she would never be apart from her 4-year-old son for long, family told police.
Ford was a witness in a murder case in which a man riding in a vehicle with her was fatally shot in May, KHOU reported.
According to court documents in that case, a text message between two suspects implied Ford’s life was in danger, saying “She ain’t safe in Houston … at all,” KTRK reported.
Ford was working at Divas Bikini Sports Bar and Grill at about 1 a.m., Sept. 22, when she encountered the man police say would soon kill her, investigators said. Cameras captured her talking to Yoland Washington, a 51-year-old New Jersey man, before getting into a white van parked outside, police said, adding that it was the last time she was seen.
Her boyfriend was going to pick her up, but at 1:34 a.m. she texted him to say she had found a “date,” according to investigators. He texted her back but the message was left unread, and he went to the club at 2:23 a.m. to look for her.
One minute before the boyfriend arrives, police say Washington can be seen pulling out of the parking lot and driving away.
Investigators spoke with Washington several days later, according to police. He said the reason she was never seen getting out of his van is because he dropped her off at another location.
Ford’s body still hasn’t been found, but during a search of Washington’s van police used a chemical that reacts with blood, which “illuminated” spots all over the the interior, spanning from the back back doors to the driver seat. Using a DNA sample from Ford’s son, investigators say they found “DNA consistent with (Ford) … mixed with (Washington’s) DNA on 3 of the blood stains” on a shirt he wore the night of Ford’s disappearance.
Investigators say Washington has “an extensive history of violent offenses against women.”
Washington’s “account is also suspicious, and some of it is clearly a lie,” police said, adding that video surveillance and Google location data contradict parts of Washington’s story.
Washington is charged with murder.
Police did not say whether they believe Ford’s killing is related to her being a witness in a separate murder investigation.
The drowning deaths of a woman and two children from Mexico near the US-Mexico border have magnified the rift between Texas and federal officials over who has jurisdiction in that part of the Rio Grande area and how to tackle the migrant crisis.
The tragedy happened days after state authorities blocked the US Border Patrol from accessing 2.5 miles of the US-Mexico border near Eagle Pass, Texas – which was recently the epicenter of the migrant crisis. The area includes Shelby Park, a city park on the Rio Grande that Texas authorities blocked off with fencing, gates and razor wire – effectively denying access to federal border patrol agents.
But whether a lack of access may have played a role in the deaths is in dispute.
On Monday, authorities with Mexico’s National Institute of Migration identified the deceased as Victerma de la Sancha Cerros, 33; Yorlei Rubi, 10; and Jonathan Agustín Briones de la Sancha, 8.
Around 9 p.m. Friday, “Mexican officials advised Border Patrol of two migrants in distress on the U.S. side of the river in the area near the Shelby Park boat ramp,” a US Customs and Border Protection lead field coordinator wrote in the Supreme Court filing. “Mexican officials also informed Border Patrol that three migrants – one woman and two children – had drowned at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the same area.”
Prior to the filing, Democratic US Rep. Henry Cuellar said in a social media post that six migrants were reported to be in distress.
A Border Patrol agent went to an entrance gate at Shelby Park and informed Texas National Guard members there of the distress call, according to the filing.
“Speaking through the closed gate, the guardsmen refused to let the (Border Patrol agent) enter because they had been ordered not to allow Border Patrol access to the park,” the filing says.
The Border Patrol agent also spoke with the guardsmen’s supervisor over the phone but was again denied access, according to the filing. The supervisor conveyed that Border Patrol is not permitted to enter the area “even in emergency situations” and guardsmen would be sent to investigate, the filing says.
The next day, Mexican officials confirmed to Border Patrol that they had recovered three drowned bodies and rescued two distressed migrants and another two migrants who had attempted to cross in the night, according to the filing.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed the deaths and said Border Patrol agents were stopped from assisting at the border.
“In responding to a distress call from the Mexican government, Border Patrol agents were physically barred by Texas officials from entering the area,” a DHS spokesperson told CNN in a Saturday statement. “The Texas governor’s policies are cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, and Texas’s blatant disregard for federal authority over immigration poses grave risks.”
“Texas officials blocked US Border Patrol agents from doing their job and allowed two children to drown in the Rio Grande,” US Rep. Joaquin Castro, another Texas Democrat, said in a statement Saturday.
What Texas authorities say happened
But the Texas Military Department said by the time Border Patrol agents requested access to the site Friday night, “the drownings had occurred, Mexican authorities were recovering the bodies, and Border Patrol expressed these facts to the TMD personnel on site.”
The Texas Military Department Saturday said it was contacted by Border Patrol at 9 p.m. Friday about a “migrant distress situation” and searched the river with lights and night vision goggles, but “no migrants were observed.”
About 45 minutes later, Mexican authorities were seen responding to an incident on the Mexican side of the riverbank, said the Texas Military Department, which then “reported their observations back to Border Patrol, and they confirmed that the Mexican authorities required no additional assistance,” according to its statement.
“At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the US during this period,” the Texas Military Department said. “Also, at no point was TMD made aware of any bodies in the area of Shelby Park, nor was TMD made aware of any bodies being discovered on the US side of the border regarding this situation.”
National Guard soldiers stand guard Friday on the banks of the Rio Grande at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Mexico’s foreign ministry speaks out
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its condolences over the deaths of the migrants in a statement released Sunday by the Mexican Consulate in Eagle Pass.
Mexico’s Beta Groups – part of the National Institute of Migration of Mexico dedicated to protecting the human rights of migrants and specializing in rescues and first aid – and the Mexican National Guard recovered the bodies from Mexico, the statement said. Two other Mexicans were rescued.
Apprehensions increase near Eagle Pass
After a significant decrease in migrant encounters earlier this month, migrant apprehensions in the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector have increased since last week, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the operations. Eagle Pass is located in the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector.
Smugglers are pushing large groups of migrants to cross the Rio Grande through residential areas and places west of Eagle Pass – which are outside the river area taken over by Texas, the source said. This geographic shift in the flow of migrants creates a new challenge for federal border authorities because there is no infrastructure in these areas, especially as temperatures dip in the overnight hours, the source said.
About 1,000 migrant apprehensions took place Sunday in the Del Rio Sector, compared to between 500 and 600 earlier in the week, according to the source.
The number of migrant apprehensions on Friday and Saturday were 659 and 624, respectively, the source said.
The rift between Texas and the feds
Tensions have been high between the state and federal officials as the Biden Administration has challenged the policies of Texas’ Republican governor, including the use of razor wire along the border and a new law that makes entering Texas illegally a state crime.
On Friday, the Biden administration complained to the US Supreme Court about the state blocking Border Patrol from the Shelby Park area and asked the high court to quickly intervene. On Saturday, Texas told the high court it was “working promptly” to ensure Border Patrol has access to a boat ramp at Shelby Park.
In the deadly weekend incident, “Border Patrol specifically requested access to the park to secure two additional migrants that were presumed to have traveled with the deceased, though had crossed to the boat ramp,” the agency said Sunday night. “Two migrants were apprehended by (the Texas Military Department), with one turned over to (the state Department of Public Safety) and the other transferred to EMS in response to initial hypothermic conditions.”
But the Biden administration said in its Monday court filing that the two migrants were rescued by Mexican officials.
On Saturday, Texas began allowing Border Patrol limited access to the Shelby Park boat ramp area and another port of entry gate, according to the filing. A Border Patrol agent was also able to enter the restricted area Monday and drive onto an access road, the document notes.
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection said CBP was “saddened by tragic migrant drownings in Eagle Pass.”
“We remain gravely concerned by actions that prevent the US Border Patrol from performing their essential missions of arresting individuals who enter the United States unlawfully and providing humanitarian response to individuals in need,” the spokesperson said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and the Texas Department of Public Safety both referred CNN to the Texas National Guard for further information. But Abbott has defended the state’s action to seize control of land at the US-Mexico border.
“Texas has the legal authority to control ingress and egress into any geographic location in the state of Texas. And that authority is being asserted with regard to that park in Eagle Pass, Texas, to maintain operational control of it,” Abbott said at a press briefing Friday, before the drownings took place.
On Sunday, the White House called the recent migrant deaths “tragic” and characterized Abbott’s directives on the border as “political stunts,” according to Angelo Fernández Hernández, White House assistant press secretary.
“While we continue to gather facts about the circumstances of these tragic deaths, one thing is clear,” Fernández Hernández told CNN in a statement. “Gov. Abbott’s political stunts are cruel, inhumane, and dangerous. US Border Patrol must have access to the border to enforce our laws.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Caroll Alvarado, Sara Weisfeldt, Ashley Killough, Karol Suarez and Jennifer Deaton contributed to this report.
The 80th Golden Globes Awards were presented Tuesday in Los Angeles.
ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and HBO’s “The White Lotus” were some of the big TV winners of the night, and in film, “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “The Fabelmans” walked away with two of the most coveted awards of the night.
See below for a full list of nominees with the winners, indicated in bold.
TELEVISION
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Donald Glover, “Atlanta”
Bill Hader, “Barry”
Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” *WINNER
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” *WINNER
Kaley Cuoco, “The Flight Attendant”
Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday”
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Jeff Bridges, “The Old Man”
Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone” *WINNER
Diego Luna, “Andor”
Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul”
Adam Scott, “Severance”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Emma D’Arcy, “House of the Dragon”
Laura Linney, “Ozark”
Imelda Staunton, “The Crown”
Hilary Swank, “Alaska Daily”
Zendaya, “Euphoria” *WINNER
Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Taron Egerton, “Black Bird”
Colin Firth, “The Staircase”
Andrew Garfield, “Under the Banner of Heaven”
Evan Peters, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” *WINNER
Sebastian Stan, “Pam and Tommy”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jessica Chastain, “George and Tammy”
Julia Garner, “Inventing Anna”
Lily James, “Pam and Tommy”
Julia Roberts, “Gaslit”
Amanda Seyfried, “The Dropout” *WINNER
Best Television Series Drama
“Better Call Saul”
“The Crown”
“House of the Dragon” *WINNER
“Ozark”
“Severance”
Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
“Black Bird”
“Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
“Pam and Tommy”
“The Dropout”
“The White Lotus” *WINNER
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”
Julia Garner, “Ozark” *WINNER
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
John Lithgow, “The Old Man”
Jonathan Pryce, “The Crown”
John Turturro, “Severance”
Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary” *WINNER
Henry Winkler, “Barry”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jennifer Coolidge, “The White Lotus” *WINNER
Claire Danes, “Fleishman Is in Trouble”
Daisy Edgar-Jones, “Under the Banner of Heaven”
Niecy Nash-Betts, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
Aubrey Plaza, “The White Lotus”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
F. Murray Abraham, “The White Lotus”
Domhnall Gleeson, “The Patient”
Paul Walter Hauser, “Black Bird” *WINNER
Richard Jenkins, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
Seth Rogen, “Pam and Tommy”
Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy
“Abbott Elementary” *WINNER
“The Bear”
“Hacks”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Wednesday”
FILM
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
“Babylon”
“The Banshees of Inisherin” *WINNER
“Everything Everywhere All at Once”
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
“Triangle of Sadness”
Best Motion Picture – Drama
“Avatar: The Way of Water”
“Elvis”
“The Fabelmans” *WINNER
“TAR”
“Top Gun: Maverick”
Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language
“RRR” (India)
“All Quiet on the Western Front” (Germany)
“Argentina, 1985” (Argentina) *WINNER
“Close” (Belgium)
“Decision to Leave” (South Korea)
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Todd Field, “Tár”
Tony Kushner & Steven Spielberg, “The Fabelmans”
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin,” *WINNER
Sarah Polley, “Women Talking”
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Carolina,” Taylor Swift (“Where the Crawdads Sing”)
“Ciao Papa,” Guillermo del Toro & Roeban Katz (“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”)
“Hold My Hand,” Lady Gaga and Bloodpop (“Top Gun: Maverick”)
“Lift Me Up,” Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)
“Naatu Naatu,” Kala Bhairava, M. M. Keeravani, Rahul Sipligunj (“RRR”) *WINNER
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Brendan Gleeson, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Barry Keoghan, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Brad Pitt, “Babylon”
Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” *WINNER
Eddie Redmayne, “The Good Nurse”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took the stage at Atlanta’s Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday morning, delivering a heartfelt and passionate speech that seemed to acknowledge, for the first time, the affair allegations leveled against her last week. The event, held in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, provided Willis with a platform to address the controversy surrounding her, as well as to defend the special prosecutor she appointed for the election interference case against Donald Trump.
In her address, Willis humorously remarked, “I hope for y’all this week I don’t look like what I’ve been through.” The speech touched on the challenges she has faced as the Fulton County DA, addressing the recent affair allegations and the broader scrutiny she has encountered.
Former President Donald Trump’s co-defendant in the Georgia election interference case, Michael Roman, is seeking to dismiss the indictment against him and disqualify DA Willis. Roman alleges that Willis engaged in a romantic relationship with one of the top prosecutors she brought in for the case, potentially resulting in financial gain for both.
During her speech, Willis repeatedly referred to herself as “flawed” and “imperfect” while discussing the difficulties she has faced in her role. She emphasized feeling “isolation,” “loneliness,” and constant death threats that forced her out of her home. The emotional address included Willis reading a letter she wrote to God, expressing feelings of unworthiness for her position.
While not directly addressing the affair allegations, Willis defended the special prosecutor, Nathan Wade, without mentioning him by name. She highlighted his credentials and suggested that attacks on him were motivated by race. Willis questioned the criticism of bringing in multiple special prosecutors and emphasized that she paid them all the same hourly rate.
The court filing from Roman accuses Willis of potential fraudulent acts by failing to disclose the alleged relationship with Wade, asserting that she personally benefited from it. Trump’s attorney has indicated considering joining the complaint against Willis.
In response to Willis’s speech, Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, pushed back against the suggestion that the allegations were racially motivated. She emphasized that the focus was on the alleged relationship and the financial arrangement with Wade.
The indictment against Roman, Trump, and others in the case involves charges related to their efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Willis’s investigation has faced criticism from Trump, who views it as politically motivated. The developments in the case continue to unfold as the legal proceedings progress.
