Month: January 2026

Stansifeld powers Wayne Hills in victory against Ramsey – Boys ice hockey recap

Scott Stansfield tallied three goals with four assists for Wayne Hills in its 7-4 victory against Ramsey at the Ice Vault in Wayne.

Wayne Hills (9-2) and Ramsey each scored a goal in the first period. Richie Atieh scored for Wayne Hills while Evan Pierri tallied a goal for Ramsey (2-9).

Wayne Hills answered back with four goals in the second period, with three goals coming off the stick of Nate Ashkinazi and one from Stansfield. Ramsey added one goal from Thomas Friedland, as Wayne Hills led 5-2 after the second period.

Each team added a pair of goals in the third period. Stansfield completed his hat trick with two goals, his final being an empty net goal, while Ramsey had two goals from Chase Lovell.

Brady Driesse and Ashkinazi each recorded two assists for Wayne Hills. Darin Kohel had one assist.

For Ramsey, Daniel Bajakian, James Essery, Owen Pierri, Hudson Krankel, Lovell, and Friedland each notched one assist.

In net, Lucas Egan made 28 saves for Wayne Hills, while Matthew Cook made 17 saves for Ramsey.
https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2026/01/stansifeld-powers-wayne-hills-in-victory-against-ramsey-boys-ice-hockey-recap.html

Dust Bunny review: Bryan Fuller and Mads Mikkelsen are at their best on the big screen

After decades of creating masterful television with *Pushing Daisies*, *Dead Like Me*, and the forever yearned-for *Hannibal*, it was only a matter of time before Bryan Fuller took his ideas from the TV screen to the silver screen. Fuller’s previous work is prestigious for a reason: he’s able to delight and horrify his audience in equal measure, often by shining a light on our desires and fears, warping them into something fantastical that still feels too close for comfort.

So it’s no surprise that his feature directorial debut, *Dust Bunny*, successfully channels that same sentiment with the glee of Hannibal Lecter feeding a man his own leg.

The story begins in a New York City apartment building, where 8-year-old Aurora (Sophie Sloan) hires her assassin neighbor (Mads Mikkelsen, in a much-hyped *Hannibal* reunion) to kill the monster living underneath her bed. As expected, the hitman (labeled “Intriguing Neighbor” in the credits) isn’t too enthused by the assignment, and doesn’t believe Aurora’s tall tales. He has bigger problems of his own to deal with: his job has put a big target on his back.

The clash of the mundane and the fantastic is what Fuller does best, and just like in *Pushing Daisies* and *Hannibal*, he makes that dissonance feel stylish here. Watching Mikkelsen walk down a dirty alleyway with blue, red, and green fireworks lighting up the sky like a mosaic, or an assassin concealing himself within the flowery grey wallpaper of Aurora’s apartment, Fuller’s fans will see his fingerprints etched everywhere.

The biggest tell is the food. *Hannibal* fans know Fuller loves to make food look like art before underscoring it with something disturbing. He does so again in *Dust Bunny*. At one point, Mikkelsen’s assassin and Aurora dig into a rabbit-shaped dumpling with eyes made of seaweed. However, when the hitman bites into it, it wriggles as if it’s alive.

In another scene, Mikkelsen is offered a sandwich that looks like an ordinary sandwich, but from another angle, it resembles ribbons of flesh curled together. It’s a blink-and-miss-it moment, but it’s so visually distinct you’ll have it seared onto the back of your eyelids all the same.

Fuller has said that his goal was to make a “children’s movie that people would enjoy watching with their kids.” It’s a shame, then, that this movie got an R rating—a classification that feels unwarranted considering the lack of blood, profanity, and gore.

*Dust Bunny* feels exactly like a horror fairy tale ripped straight from a Brothers Grimm book. Even the characters’ names reflect those fairy-tale elements. Aurora shares the name of the protagonist in Disney’s 1959 film *Sleeping Beauty*, and most of the other characters have signifiers rather than names. For example, David Dastmalchian’s and Rebecca Henderson’s characters are known only as Conspicuously Inconspicuous Man and Intimidating Woman.

Through Aurora’s eyes, we see these characters as caricatures rather than people. This broadness makes them feel foreboding and ominous, revealing how Aurora sees the adult world’s tangible but barely understood threats. However, they’re still less threatening than the terrifying monster under her bed.

While *Dust Bunny* scales down the gore and guts one might expect from Fuller—who used so much fake blood on *Hannibal* that mold started to grow on the set—it hasn’t softened his razor-sharp edges. Fuller likes to twist audience expectations, and while his script very much leans into kid horror, *Dust Bunny* makes an incredibly mundane thing—a literal dust bunny under Aurora’s bed—feel like a loaded gun.

But the biggest subversion comes from the relationship between Mikkelsen’s hitman and Aurora. Mikkelsen is well-known for playing villains, including Hannibal Lecter in Fuller’s *Hannibal* series. But where his Lecter is a calculating predator whose belief in the wonderful and the insane leads him to places no person would go without a gun, *Dust Bunny*’s hitman is a different beast.

He’s gruff and lethal, but with a soft, quirky side. He defines himself as a monster, but Aurora reflects his own childlike fears and innocence. There’s a loneliness to him, a sense of neglect, that at times makes it seem like precocious, no-nonsense Aurora is the parent in their relationship. It’s the right amount of sweet and discomforting.

*Dust Bunny* may not completely scratch the unhinged itch that Fuller’s previous kaleidoscope of horror and comedy projects gave, largely because it’s so much more kid-friendly. Despite the R rating, Fuller’s vision for *Dust Bunny* is for kids who feel like the outsider.

*Dust Bunny* speaks to your inner child, while also being a not-so-gentle reminder that your fears are only as strong as you make them out to be. It’s a visually and thematically distinct horror fairytale, and one that fans of Fuller will love.

*Dust Bunny* debuted in theaters on Dec. 12.
https://www.polygon.com/dust-bunny-brings-best-of-hannibal-and-bryan-fuller-to-the-silver-screen/

Sheryl Lee Ralph Jokes at Critics Choice Awards 2026 That ‘Lidocaine’ and Gluing Her Shoes Help Her Survive Red Carpets

Sherly Lee Ralph has a lesson or two on acing red carpet fashion. Speaking with E! at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, the Abbott Elementary star, 69, revealed the two hacks she relies on to make her uncomfortable footwear bearable.

“When you’re coming down these red carpets it’s not time for hiccups,” she explained. “I live by Lidocaine if the shoe even has the possibility of being uncomfortable and then I spray the shoe with spray adhesive, get my foot in and there is no flip-floppage.”

Ralph’s arrival at the star-studded awards show, where *Abbott Elementary* is up for Best Comedy Series, was certainly anything but a flop. She made an entrance in a plum Tony Ward Couture gown styled by her daughter, Ivy “Coco” Maurice. The design featured beading on the halter neckline and textured embellishments on the flared pocketed skirt, which actually covered her shoe of choice for the night.

Her hair was styled in a long ponytail, showcasing her statement earrings.

In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, the *Dreamgirls* star opened up about the ways Coco “totally elevated” her style. She explained that her youngest daughter has “given me a look that other women look at and say, ‘Oh my God, I need to try that,’ or, ‘Why didn’t I try being more colorful?’ or, ‘I can add just a little bit of sparkle.’ And I’m like, ‘My God, this is my child,’” she said, adding, “I did not waste one dollar on her education. Not one dollar was wasted.”

Along with Coco, Ralph also shares son Etienne with her ex-husband, Eric Maurice, whom she divorced in 2001.

And while her children may have a connection to Hollywood through her legacy, Ralph told PEOPLE, “They’re not looking at me to help them do this or that. They’re not using nepotism. They’re not coming to me saying, ‘Can you call this? Can you do that?’ They’re doing it themselves, and I just respect them so much for that.

“Sometimes I say, ‘Well, can I help?’ They’re like, ‘No, mom, we got this. We got this.’ And I’m like, ‘Wow, you really do got this,’” she said.
https://people.com/critics-choice-awards-2026-sheryl-lee-ralph-jokes-that-gluing-her-shoes-helps-her-survive-red-carpets-11878880

“We’ll see you at All In,” “TK would’ve overpaid” – Fans erupt after AJ Styles drops a massive AEW reference ahead of WWE retirement

AJ Styles recently made a bold claim regarding AEW on social media, sparking significant attention among wrestling fans. This statement comes in the wake of his potential start of a WWE retirement tour, adding further intrigue to his wrestling career.

Fans have responded with a variety of reactions to AJ Styles’ comment, showcasing a passionate divide in opinions. Some support his perspective, while others have expressed skepticism or disagreement.

As AJ Styles continues to make headlines, the wrestling community eagerly awaits his next move and how this bold claim will impact his legacy in the industry.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-we-ll-see-all-in-tk-would-ve-overpaid-fans-erupt-aj-styles-drops-massive-aew-reference-ahead-wwe-retirement

Cattle Rally to Kick Off the New Year

Live cattle futures were supported by a rallying cash market, with contracts gaining between $3.50 and $4.40 in the front months. February futures saw a weekly increase of $6.35.

Cash trade activity picked up this week, settling at $232 across the country, which is $2 to $3 higher than last week.

Feeder cattle futures also showed strong gains, rallying between $5.85 and $8.05 in the front months on Friday to start the new year. January contracts were up $9.925 over the week. The CME Feeder Cattle Index increased by $1.57, reaching $350.22 as of January 1.

USDA wholesale boxed beef prices were higher in the Friday afternoon report. The Choice/Select spread narrowed to just $3.05. Choice boxes rose $2.52 to $349.97, while Select boxes increased by $4.54 to $346.92.

This week’s USDA federally inspected cattle slaughter was estimated at 474,000 head. This represents a 48,000 head increase from last week but remains 30,893 head below the same period last year.

**Live Cattle Futures Closing Prices:**
– Feb 26: $236.00, up $4.40
– Apr 26: $235.98, up $3.78
– Jun 26: $230.35, up $3.58

**Feeder Cattle Futures Closing Prices:**
– Jan 26: $356.10, up $5.85
– Mar 26: $352.95, up $7.63
– Apr 26: $352.25, up $8.03

Don’t miss a day of comprehensive commodity analysis — from crude oil to coffee. Sign up free for Barchart’s best-in-class market insights.

*On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data are solely for informational purposes.*

For more information, please view the [Barchart Disclosure Policy](https://www.barchart.com/disclosure).

—

**More News from Barchart:**
– How Much Higher Will Cattle Prices Go?
– Cattle Prices Are Climbing Higher. Here’s 1 Way to Trade the Trend.
– Here Are the Levels to Watch as Cattle Prices Keep Moving Higher
– Cattle and Hog Prices Have Bottomed Out. Now Get Ready for Upside.

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/cattle-rally-kick-new-year

West Covina man accused of assaulting grandparents, leaving them with severe injuries

A West Covina man was arrested for allegedly assaulting his grandparents, leaving them hospitalized with severe injuries.

The suspect, identified as Joshua Philip Day, 28, was taken into custody according to the West Covina Police Department.

On New Year’s Day, police responded to a family disturbance at a home located on the 1700 block of West Mossberg Avenue. Further details about the incident are being investigated.
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/west-covina-man-accused-of-assaulting-grandparents-leaving-them-with-severe-injuries/

Time to mourn, time to embrace, time to heal on LA wildfires’ anniversary: A list of public events

Events Marking the 1-Year Anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades Fires

Jan. 4 – Altadena Forever Run

A tribute to those who lost, those who helped, and those who are rebuilding. This event features a 10K Run, a 5K Walk/Run, and a 1K Family Walk/Run. Registration is now closed, but the public is encouraged to cheer on participants starting at 8 a.m. (the 10K run).

The event was created to honor Altadena’s resilience, support long-term recovery, and raise funds for Altadena residents impacted by the Eaton fire. Proceeds from the event and donations to a GoFundMe account benefit the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund and the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena.

Location: Mariposa Junction, 849 E. Mariposa St., Altadena.
Check the official website for route maps and donation information.

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Jan. 6 – Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church

The Rev. Matt Hardin leads an evening prayer service at 7 p.m. at Brentwood Presbyterian Church (12000 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood).

He also leads a morning prayer gathering on Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. at the church’s destroyed campus site (15821 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades).
Phone: 310-454-0366
Website: www.palipres.org

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Jan. 7 – Eaton Fire Remembrance

La Cañada Presbyterian Church
The church will host “grief stations” throughout the day and a worship service at 6:30 p.m.
Location: 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge
Phone: 818-790-6708

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
A Day of Remembrance and Renewal: The restored gardens are open for peaceful contemplation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A moment of silence will be signaled by a gong every hour on the hour for visitors around the lake. No reservations required.

The Lake Shrine, founded in 1950, is part of the worldwide Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.
Location: 17080 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades
Phone: 310-454-4114

American Legion Post
The post will livestream a ceremony from 9 to 10 a.m. outside the post location at 15247 La Cruz Drive, Pacific Palisades. The public is invited to watch.

They Let Us Burn – Call for Fairness, Accountability and a Vision for the Rebuild
A non-partisan demonstration and rally by Pacific Palisades residents and business owners at a press conference featuring various speakers (check website for updates), 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. RSVP requested.
Location: Palisades Village, 15307 Antioch St. (corner of Swarthmore Avenue), Pacific Palisades
Website: www.pacificpalisades.com

Corpus Christi Catholic Church and School
Noon gathering on the church school steps (890 Toyopa Drive) to commemorate the devastating Palisades fire.
Later at 7 p.m., Rev. Msgr. Liam Kidney celebrates a Mass of Remembrance and Reflection at St. Monica Catholic Church, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica.
Corpus Christi Church (15100 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades) was destroyed in the Palisades fire.
Website: corpuschristichurch.com

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
Concerts of Remembrance, Healing and Renewal:
– Community prayers at noon followed by a 1 p.m. concert featuring violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon.
– Community prayers at 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. concert with Anne Akiko Meyers and the Pacific Strings, conducted by Lucinda Carver.

Free to attend; suggested donation $45 payable at the door or online.
Location: 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades
Facebook: The Parish of St. Matthew’s
Donation link: tinyurl.com/4ujrkfu5

City of Malibu Palisades Fire Remembrance – Finding Strength in Community
The event includes a Chumash blessing, moment of silence for lives lost, a remembrance poem by Malibu’s poet laureate Charlotte Ward, an art gallery tribute to first responders and community members, and a memorial area at 4 p.m.

The formal program (4–5:30 p.m.) will be livestreamed on Malibu’s YouTube Channel.
Location: Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road
Website: malibucity.org/palisades1yrremembrance

Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR)
Community Commemoration of Eaton Fire 1-Year Anniversary at 5 p.m., rain or shine. Features remembrances, music, and light refreshments.
Location: Grocery Outlet parking lot, 2270 Lake Ave., Altadena

Altadena for Accountability
A peaceful, silent demonstration held simultaneously at 5 p.m.
Location: In front of Grocery Outlet, 2270 Lake Ave., Altadena
Email: foraltadena@gmail.com

Rise Malibu
A Night to Honor, Remember, and Rise Together begins at 6 p.m., featuring musical performances and a screening of the 2025 documentary “Big Rock Burning.”
Text “BIGROCKBURNING” to 44834 for tickets.
Proceeds support the Malibu Education Foundation.
Location: Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive, Malibu

A Concert for Altadena
Hosted by John C. Reilly at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $150. Performers include Aloe Blacc; Dawes & Friends featuring Eric Krasno; Everclear; Brandon Flowers (The Killers); Jenny Lewis; Lord Huron; Lucius; Mandy Moore; Ozomatli; Brad Paisley; Taboo (Black Eyed Peas); Rufus Wainwright.

Proceeds go to the Altadena Builds Back Foundation through the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
Tickets available on Ticketmaster: tinyurl.com/4vccyk4h

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Jan. 9 – Music Center’s Innovation Social

Reflections on Loss, Hope, and Renewal: Guests can experience Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality stories and explore interactive 3D stations documenting personal and environmental stories from LA wildfires. The event features a performance by Evolve Altadena and TreePeople will distribute acorns.

Free to attend; reservations required.
Parking: $10 at Music Center or Walt Disney Concert Hall garages.
Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Founders’ Room and Stern Grand Hall, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Website: musiccenter.org/innovationsocial

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Jan. 11 – Altadena Candlelight Vigil

Kinfolks Helping Hands and Connect 2 Rise host a commemoration of the Eaton Fire featuring performances by a children’s choir and the Benn Family (“America’s Got Talent”). Early entry at 6:30 p.m., ceremony begins at 7 p.m.

Please note: This event was postponed and relocated from its original Jan. 7 outdoor date.
Location: Altadena Town and Country Club, 2290 Country Club Drive, Altadena
Email: changematters99@gmail.com

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For additional details and updates on all events, please check respective websites or contact event organizers directly.
https://www.sgvtribune.com/2026/01/02/time-to-mourn-time-to-embrace-time-to-heal-on-la-wildfires-anniversary-a-list-of-public-events/

Kirk Herbstreit blatantly calls out Alabama football’s effort vs. Indiana

Alabama football faced rare and blunt scrutiny on college football’s biggest stage as the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Indiana unraveled quickly at the Rose Bowl.

Kirk Herbstreit’s criticism became the defining storyline of the night as Alabama struggled to match Indiana’s energy and physicality in their 38-3 blowout loss on Thursday night in Pasadena. The defeat marked the most lopsided bowl loss in program history and immediately raised questions about effort, preparation, and identity under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.

As the Hoosiers continued to extend their lead in the second half, Herbstreit delivered pointed commentary during ESPN’s Rose Bowl broadcast. Popular sports outlet Awful Announcing shared video clips on X (formerly Twitter) capturing the analyst’s real-time reaction as Indiana pulled away.

“It feels like Alabama, it’s just strange to see,” Herbstreit said. “They’re just existing. They’re just out there. Nobody is playing with any fire. It’s almost like they feel defeated. Like there’s nothing we can do.”

Herbstreit’s criticism centered on the Crimson Tide’s body language and sense of urgency. Alabama players appeared disengaged while Indiana controlled both lines of scrimmage. The Hoosiers dominated possession, forced turnovers, and limited Alabama to a single field goal before scoring late to seal the decisive Rose Bowl victory.

Alabama entered the second round with momentum after surviving the first, but the matchup against Indiana exposed gaps that talent alone could not cover. Indiana’s balanced offense and relentless defense dictated the game from the opening drive, leaving Alabama unable to mount a response.

Now, the College Football Playoff quarterfinal defeat sends the Crimson Tide into the offseason facing unfamiliar questions. Herbstreit’s comments resonated widely because they echoed what viewers saw throughout the night.

For a program traditionally built on intensity and high standards, the lack of visible fire marked a stark departure and an uncomfortable turning point heading into 2026.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/alabama-football-news-herbstreit-criticizes-effort-vs-indiana

The Five Minute Read

**Register for MCC’s Spring Semester**

Registration is now open for the spring semester at Middlesex Community College. Classes begin Monday, January 20.

“Middlesex offers flexible and accessible options to make going to school easier for our students,” said Assistant Dean of Admissions Jennifer Migliozzi. “The earlier students register, the more likely they are to get a schedule that works best for their work and personal responsibilities. Early registration ensures students have time to pick the classes they want, access college resources, gather necessary materials, and make the start of the semester as smooth as possible.”

A variety of on-campus, online, hybrid, and “hyflex” (hybrid-flexible) classes are available, so students can choose the format that fits their needs. Whether on campus or online, students can connect with professors, classmates, and campus resources.

MCC offers more than 80 programs, along with award-winning student support services. Take advantage of tutoring, libraries, and academic, career, and financial advising.

Thanks to the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs, community college is now free in Massachusetts for those who qualify and have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

For more information or to register for MCC’s spring 2026 semester, visit [middlesex.edu/registration/index.html](https://middlesex.edu/registration/index.html) or call 1-800-818-3434.

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**Book Bin for Library**

*Westford* — The Friends of the J. V. Fletcher Library’s book donation bin at First Parish Church United, 48 Main St., has been moved indoors for the winter as of January 1. The bin is now located just inside the front entrance of the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Friends are grateful to First Parish for providing indoor space, helping keep volunteers, donors, and books safe and dry.

Book sales are a major source of funds for the Friends. Proceeds from these sales support library programs, museum passes, and digital resources. The next book sale is scheduled for the spring.

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**Tech Help**

*Lowell* — The Pollard Memorial Library offers one-on-one technology assistance every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the first-floor computer area.

Get help with your tech questions about phones, tablets, laptops, email, apps, downloads, and more. Please note, this service is for information only and does not provide diagnostic services.

Registration is required. Visit [lowelllibrary.org/events](https://lowelllibrary.org/events) or call Adult Reference at 978-674-1544 for more information or to sign up.

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**Save the Date: Blood and Platelet Donations**

*Westford* — Cornerstone Congregational Church is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, January 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each pint of blood can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of many more. While 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood or platelets, less than 10% do so each year. If you are healthy and eligible, please consider booking an appointment and joining the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. Most donations take about an hour.

Donors will have a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LX.
https://www.lowellsun.com/2026/01/01/the-five-minute-read-1414/

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