In Other Brews…
The credits are rolling for Dame Maggie Smith, one of Britain’s most prolific actresses. The 89-year-old, known to many as Professor McGonagall or the Dowager Countess of Grantham, died in hospital surrounded by family on Friday. King Charles called the award-winning star “a national treasure,” and the Boy Who Lived fondly remembered her “fierce intellect” and “gloriously sharp tongue.”
The Justice Department has charged three Iranian hackers with targeting the Trump Campaign, claiming it’s part of a broader effort by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to undermine confidence in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Attorney General Merrick Garland also confirmed the U.S. is tracking various plots by Iran to harm American officials, including former President Trump.
Free at-home COVID tests are back. Ahead of an anticipated wave of winter cases, the White House announced Thursday that Americans can request up to four free tests per household. The antigen kits require every-48-hours-while-under-the-weather testing and are less accurate than new, more expensive “molecular” tests (up to 90% accurate on asymptomatic carriers).
Live from New York… since 1974… it’s Saturday Night! SNL began its 50th season Saturday with host Jean Smart and musical guest Jelly Roll. The show’s “cold open” featured multiple SNL alums including Maya Rudolph, who reprised her role as VP Harris, and Dana Carvey as President Biden. SNL has planned a three-hour 50th anniversary episode for February 16th.
In an eventful college football weekend, #4 Alabama defeated #2 Georgia in a blowout-turned-nail-biter, and unranked Kentucky took the dub against #6 Ole Miss in The Grove. In the baseball world, the White Sox officially became the losingest team in modern history, while a rain-out-make-up doubleheader today between the Braves and Mets will decide the final MLB playoff teams.