💊Two health warnings; Rock? Paper? Scissors for Maren; A contest that's a perfect fit.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the National Collegiate Athletic Association for engaging in false, deceptive and misleading practices. His office claims the NCAA marketed sporting events as “women’s” competitions only to then provide consumers with mixed-sex competitions where biological males compete against biological females.

SeaQuest has dropped its lawsuit against Lan Westbrook, who accused the company of mistreating its animals. The former marketing coordinator was released from SeaQuest's non-disclosure agreement and can share her experiences and observations. The Ridgmar Mall location closed late last year.

From Brian Byrd, Tarrant County Public Health Director: The latest data from wastewater and ERs says that flu and COVID cases are rising, and RSV has likely peaked. Expect COVID and flu hospitalizations in the next month to increase. Wash your hands frequently, self-quarantine if you get sick, and avoid people who are sick, especially if you have an immune-compromising illness such as diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, or are older than 75. 

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory warning that alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk and called for an updated health warning label on alcoholic beverages.

Southlake-based Sabre, a software and technology company in the global travel space, has partnered on a distribution agreement with Canada Jetlines Operations, a leisure airline.

Former TCU and Texas A&M and current Texas head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.

After reporting its expose of the unclaimed bodies being sold by the University of North Texas Health Science Center last year, NBC News has followed up with eight changes having been made since its report.

VITAS Healthcare Inpatient Hospice Unit has opened at 5651 Bridge Street in east Fort Worth. It has 12 private rooms and projects to care for more than 500 patients a year. 

Sparton Corp., a subsidiary of Fort Worth-based Elbit Systems of America, has won a $107-million modification contract regarding the production and delivery of up to 20,000 sonobuoys, which are devices used in anti-submarine warfare.

Tarrant County College is among 43 schools receiving grants from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to address workforce shortages in cybersecurity, automotive technology and other high-demand fields.

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium at 6:30 p.m. Friday features #5 Texas vs #8 Ohio State in a College Football Playoff semifinal. The other semifinal is the Orange Bowl Thursday, featuring #6 Penn State versus #7 Notre Dame. 

State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) has proposed legislation that would guide and regulate the development of artificial intelligence. It would require companies to disclose whether they are using AI, establish guidelines to prevent bias, and protect personal data. 

Wondering why deadheading pilots (seated within a plane as they fly to their next assignment) are getting first class ahead of Platinum and other AAdvantage members? it's in the Dec. 2023 pilots' agreement with the airline.

With new data factors, where does Site Selection magazine rate Dallas-Fort Worth in its North American Tech Hubs Index?

According to a release, D-FW is the top U-Haul Growth Metro of 2024. Sean Fullerton, U-Haul Company’s South Central Dallas president, said the growth is because of a thriving job market and attractive living conditions. Tax incentives, wage increases, and an affordable cost of living have made Texas an appealing destination.

Using this three-word phrase could help you win the next argument with a co-worker, spouse or family member. It acknowledges the complexity of an issue and shows empathy, making the other party receptive to your viewpoint, according to an article in Psychology Today.

Today is “Divorce Day”: Why the first working Monday in January brings the most breakups and divorce filings according to relationship experts and attorneys.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said homelessness increased 18.1% during 2024. The dramatic rise was driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing, devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants.

A tale of two Christmases: U.S. consumer spending was up 3.8% November 1 through December 24 compared to the same period last year. That jump was driven mainly by higher-income Americans. (WSJ)

Significant stat: The NFL had 70 of the top 100 most-watched live events last year, down from 93 of the top 100 in 2023. The Olympics, the presidential election, and growth in women’s sports cut into the league’s ratings dominance. The NBA did not crack the top-100 list, and hasn’t since 2019.

Nothing to do with business: A squirrel stuck in a tree tops funniest wildlife photos of the year. See the pictures.

Snippets:

• Arlington native Maren Morris and singer-songwriter Julia Michaels have joined forces for their second collaboration, “Scissors”, which drops Friday.

• Spotify’s most-streamed song globally in 2024 was “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter (watch).

• General Motors, Ford report best annual U.S. sales since 2019 as auto recovery continues.

• More espresso, less depresso: American Airlines says espressos are back — and added to business class for certain size planes.

Announcements:

• Alliance For Continuing Education in the Health Professions: Awards Andrew Crim its President’s Award.

• HKS: Announces Heath May will succeed Dan Noble as Chief Executive Officer.

• Hip Pocket Theatre: Names Gianina Lambert Managing Director.

• Dave & Buster’s: Steve Klohn re-joins company as Chief Information Officer.

• Republic National Distributing Company: Names Heather Trojan Manager, Platform Engineering.

• Fort Worth: Creates new department, advisory boards for changes in ambulance services. 

• Armed Forces Bowl: Lockheed Martin extends bowl title sponsorship for six years.

• Litchfield Cavo: Chicago-based law firm names Fort Worth attorney S. Jan Hueber Managing Partner of its 23 offices. The Texas Tech law grad will work in Fort Worth and Chicago.

• Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits: Names Jessica Bicknell VP of Human Resources-Central Region.

• Schreiner University: Adds Mike Garza as Director of Budget & Procurement.

• Missouri Military Academy: Adds Ben E. Keith Chief Executive Affairs Officer James Hallam to its Board of Trustees. 

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