TikTok ‘forced to go dark’ on Sunday if US government does not intervene, company says

FILE — TikTok says it will go dark on Sunday if the U.S. government does not intervene. (TikTok)

TikTok will reportedly turn off more than 170 million Americans’ access to the popular video app on Sunday.

The company announced on Friday that this was its plan unless President Joe Biden’s administration acts urgently to ensure it will not be punished for violating the terms of the upcoming ban.

“Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on Jan. 19,” the company said in a statement.

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the federal law banning Tiktok beginning Sunday unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company, holding that the risk to national security posed by its ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech, The Associated Press reported.

“The statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok’s availability to over 170 million Americans,” the company’s statement said.

Multiple outlets have reported that President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that he will not enforce the ban and that he previously asked the Supreme Court to stay on the bill so his incoming administration could work out a deal.

CNN reports that TikTok could turn itself off on Sunday and possibly turn itself back on at a later date if Trump gives the company assurances it will go unpunished for violating the ban.

Officers rescue dog left in snow-covered truck after owner arrested days prior, reports say

A dog in Ohio is recovering after it was found left in a snow-covered truck for days after its owner was arrested. (Animal Charity of Ohio)

Boardman, Ohio

Police in Ohio reportedly helped rescue a 2-year-old German shepherd that was left in a truck for nearly a week after its owner was arrested.

WKBN reports that the dog’s owner, Brandon Thomas, was arrested last week, but unknown to police at that time his animal was left behind in his truck.

Officers shared on Tuesday that they had to dust off a large amount of snow on top of the truck that was in a roadway when they heard the dog barking inside.

Police reportedly broke a passenger window to open the door and get the animal out of the freezing vehicle.

According to the Animal Charity of Ohio in Mahoning County, one of its agents took the dog to the facility for care.

“Poor guy is extremely dehydrated, cold and emaciated from lack of food!” the team shared when they took in the dog.

The animal care team said he is continuing to be monitored but is doing OK once being taken in and receiving proper care.

Agents also reported that Thomas' wife did not tell authorities about the dog being in the truck as she was “unaware her husband owned a dog.”

Macy’s announces list of dozens of stores set to close

FILE -- Macy’s announced 66 stores will close this year as part of its Bold New Chapter plan. (CNN)

New York

A major department store will be closing multiple locations that are underperforming when it comes to sales.

Macy’s announced 66 stores will close this year as part of its Bold New Chapter plan, including closing about 150 underproductive stores that was announced last year over a three-year period.

“Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing underproductive Macy’s stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go-forward stores,” Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, said.

The reported struggling department store chain is working on getting smaller to work with declining sales.

As part of the strategy, Macy’s said it will upgrade 350 stores with plans to add more salespeople through 2026.

“People have endless options when it comes to where and how they shop. Macy’s customers expect seamless shopping experiences and continuous improvements both in-store and online to meet those expectations,” the company shared in a news release.

A spokesperson for Macy’s said the department store remains focused on bringing an enhanced customer experience to more locations nationwide and through its digital channels.

“Customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service,” Spring said.

A list of the 66 store closures can be found online.

Cracker Barrel announces new menu items, return of fan favorites to start year

The Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich includes Cracker Barrel's signature sauces. (Cracker Barrel)

Lebanon, Tenn.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is kicking off the new year with several new menu items.

The country-themed restaurant chain announced several new menu offerings that include Crispy Tender Dippers, a Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich and Chicken n’ Dumplin Soup.

The new Crispy Tender Dippers will offer a combination of hand-breaded chicken along with customizable sauces and sides. Customers can also spice up their Dippers with a new Nashville hot sauce.

“Our spicy twist on a Tennessee classic, inspired by 55 years of tradition – you can turn up the heat and bring some country-style warmth to those chilly winter days,” Sarah Moore, chief marketing officer for Cracker Barrel, said.

Another all-new dish being offered is a Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich.

It features a hand-breaded chicken breast served on a toasted buttermilk bun with pickles, mayonnaise and one of Cracker Barrel’s signature sauces.

The restaurant shared that its Chicken n' Dumplin Soup will have homestyle dumplings, shredded chicken, celery, carrots and onions in a savory broth. It will also be available at locations nationwide.

“Our Chicken n' Dumplin Soup delivers warmth and comfort for all guests to savor,” a news release about the new dishes said.

Additionally, customers will be able to enjoy some of their favorite dishes with Early Dinner Deals starting at $8.99 Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m., a Sunrise Pancake Special available daily starting at $7.99 and a Sparkling Sugar Plum Mimosa.

“Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is on a mission to bring craveable, delicious homestyle food and unique retail products to all of its guests,” a restaurant spokesperson shared.

Man drives vehicle with 850K miles on it to claim winning lottery prize: ‘I’ve got to get a car’

Daniel Bragg said his first thought after winning $150,000 was that it was time to get a new car. (Iowa Lottery)

Clive, Iowa

An Iowa man says he is getting a new car after winning thousands of dollars while playing the lottery.

Iowa Lottery officials said Daniel Bragg, 46, told them that he is trading in his 2001 Chevy Suburban with about 850,000 miles on it after winning a $150,000 prize.

“It’s a beater. It’s done pretty good ... but I’ve got to get a car, got to get a car,” he said.

Bragg drove his Suburban through a snowstorm on Thursday to lottery headquarters to claim the prize money he won from the Money Gift scratch game.

The lucky winner said he scratched the ticket on New Year’s Eve and had an immediate thought of getting a new car.

Bragg said he plans to purchase a small pickup truck with his winnings while acknowledging it will be bittersweet to part with his longtime vehicle.

“It’ll be a major upgrade. This vehicle, though, can still pull anything,” he shared.

Lottery officials said there is still one remaining top $150,000 prize to win in the Money Gift $10 scratch game where the overall odds of winning are 1 in 2.83.