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Hundreds of flights canceled in Chicago as winter storm brings blizzard to Midwest

Today, the United States is bracing for a powerful winter storm that is expected to intensify into a bomb cyclone, bringing with it severe blizzard conditions and widespread flooding across the eastern half of the country. This storm, set to be followed by a severe plunge in temperatures, is likely to result in over 88% of the contiguous US experiencing sub-freezing conditions by Monday.

Named Winter Storm Gerri, this weather system arrives just days after another storm impacted the central US and areas of the Plains. Originating from the Four Corners region, Gerri is anticipated to progress towards the central and eastern parts of the country. Projections indicate that parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois could see snow accumulations of 1-2 feet. Meteorologists warn of extreme cold in Wyoming and Montana, with temperatures potentially dropping to 20-30 degrees below zero, and even lower, below 50 degrees, in the Northern Plains. The Southern Plains and Midwest might face temperatures falling into the minus 20s, while the South is expected to encounter temperatures in the 20s.

This pattern of cold air is forecasted to persist at least until the week of January 22.

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ESPN ‘College GameDay’ Stars Forced to Return Emmys After Fake Name Scheme, per Report

ESPN's renowned show, College GameDay, is reportedly facing repercussions for breaking the established protocols in the competitive realm of sports television accolades.

A report released on Thursday morning by Katie Strang of The Athletic reveals that College GameDay has been compelled to relinquish 37 Emmy Awards to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). This action comes after inquiries uncovered that ESPN had falsely submitted names for award nominations, apparently in an effort to sidestep NATAS regulations about award eligibility.

This reported strategy, which dates back to at least 2010, allegedly led to prominent figures like Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Chris Fowler, Desmond Howard, and Samantha Ponder, among others, receiving Emmys for which they did not qualify.

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Chesapeake to buy Southwestern for $7.4 billion in all-stock deal

On Thursday, Chesapeake Energy announced its plans to acquire its smaller competitor, Southwestern Energy, in a transaction involving only stocks, valued at $7.4 billion. This acquisition positions Chesapeake to become the largest natural gas producer in the United States.

Michael Ainge, a ratings analyst at Fitch Ratings, commented on the deal:

"Post-acquisition, Chesapeake is focusing on sustaining an investment-grade balance sheet. Adhering to an investment-grade financial structure is central to Chesapeake’s strategic plan, especially as the company aims to secure long-term LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) supply agreements for about 20% of its production. These agreements could enable Chesapeake to tap into the more lucrative international markets."

"Nonetheless, such international contracts could tie Chesapeake to fixed obligations that might prove challenging during times when the price differential between the Henry Hub and international LNG markets is minimal."

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