Lake Effect Snow Blankets NY; Officials Work to Identify Fire Victims | NTD Good Morning (Jan. 2)

Welcome. NTD Good Morning starts now. Here are today's top stories. A great American state fair on the National Mall, Patriot Games featuring America's greatest high school athletes, and a major UFC fight at the White House. America gears up to celebrate 250 years of independence in style. Swiss investigators have begun identifying bodies in the deadly ski resort fire that killed at least 40. Authorities say it could take days. In Iran, several people have reportedly been killed as protests there escalate. What's behind this latest wave of unrest sweeping the Islamic Republic? The Small Business Administration suspends nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers after flagging almost $400 million in suspected pandemic loan fraud. This past year in sports featured some unforgettable moments. But what does 2026 have in store? We take a look at what's coming. And does your New Year's resolution involve money? Maybe you want to save more or spend less, but do you have the habits to set you up for success? We'll speak with a financial planner on the best way to come through for you this year. This is NTV Good Morning live from our global headquarters in New York City. Here are Stephanie Aox and Carrie Dust. >> Good morning. Thank you for joining us here on NTD. Today is Friday, January 2nd. You're watching NTD Good Morning. In today's top news, America will celebrate 250 years of independence this year. In July, President Trump has pledged to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen. For the occasion, NTD's Daniel Mahans takes a look at what to expect this year as part of the festivities. America >> celebrations kicked off on New Year's Eve with the projection of images depicting the country's history on the Washington Monument and will continue throughout the year. >> Our nation began not as an idea invented in the minds of men, but as a land discovered. >> The illumination will take place through January 5th. The 25-minute projection displays will recur at the top of each hour every night and feature five themed segments including Discovery, Revolution, and Westward Expansion. America has already had big celebrations to commemorate the 250th birthdays of the Army, the Navy, and the Marines. But President Trump promised in a December address that there's much more to come. From June 25th to July 10th, Washington DC will host the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, >> featuring pavilions from all 50 states, highlighting breathtaking innovations and celebrating America's exceptional history and culture. >> The first ever Patriot Games will be hosted in the autumn. An unprecedented 4-day athletic event featuring the greatest high school athletes. One young man and one young woman from each state and territory. But I promise there will be no men playing in women's sports. You're not going to see that. >> Trump says a national garden of American heroes will be built >> featuring statues of alltime greatest Americans as well as a triumphal ark. >> We're going to have one in Washington DC very soon. Construction will start in the very near future. >> The president says in spring the capital will host a major prayer event on the National Mall to rededicate the country as one nation under God. >> We're not changing that. A lot of people would like to see it. It'll never happen. >> And on Flag Day, a major UFC event will be held at the White House. >> It'll be the greatest champion fighters in the world all fighting that same night. The great Dana White is hosting and it's going to be something special. >> Interior Secretary Doug Bergam says the 250th anniversary gives America the opportunity to think about unity and our shared future. Speaking on Good Morning America. >> It's not about the perfection of our country. It's about the aspiration. That's what makes us the greatest country in the world because we keep aspiring to be better and better. >> President Trump has also announced the US 250 freedom tour. Trump says the Coast to Coast Free Tour aims to celebrate the patriotism, pride, and pioneering spirit of America and lay the groundwork for the next 250 years. It will kick off in Nevada on January 9th with free concerts by Shannondoa and Natasha Owens and a fireworks display. And on July 4th, Freedom 250 will commemorate the nation's 250th birthday with Salute to America on the National Mall during the Great American State Fair. The event will have a military flyover, an address by Trump, and the largest fireworks display in the world, according to Freedom 250. Daniel Monahan, NTD News. >> Thank you, Daniel. And the Rose Parade rolled through Southern California yesterday, dazzling millions of viewers around the world, even as rain fell on the historic New Year's Day tradition for the first time in nearly two decades. NTD's Daniel Jack Bradley was there. A New Year's Day tradition more than a century in the making. Once again bringing Southern California to life. The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena filled the streets with towering floral floats and marching bands from around the country. Watched by thousands in person and millions more around the nation. Rain did fall during the parade, a rare occurrence and the first time it happened since 2006. But it did little to dampen the celebration. This year's parade carried the theme, the magic in teamwork, led by NBA legend Magic Johnson serving as the grand marshall. Each float is built over months by teams of volunteers with steel frames and some having hundreds of thousands of flowers. Several floats also earned top honors judged on design, floral presentation, and overall entertainment value. Long and touch good times and good news. Good friends you can't lose. This could become a habit from beautiful Hawaii. The Rose Parade remains the centerpiece of the Tournament of Roses alongside the Rose Bowl game, continuing a 137-year tradition that marks the start of the new year. Rain or shine, the Rose Parade once again delivered a New Year's Day spectacle seen around the country. For NTD News, I'm Jack Bradley. Now to Switzerland, where investigators are working to identify the burned bodies of victims after a blaze tore through a crowded bar in the Swiss Alps. The fire at a ski resort killed about 40 people during a New Year's Eve party. Officials say the victims were mostly young people and that due to the severity of the burns, identifying them could take days. Families are waiting for answers as embassies work to determine whether their citizens were among the dead. Authorities say forensic experts are relying on dental records and DNA to identify the bodies. >> The cause of the fire remains under investigation. >> Here's the latest on that deadly blaze. Mourners began the new year laying flowers at a vigil in the Swiss resort town of Kron, Montana on Thursday after a fire at a bar killed dozens and injured over 100. That's according to authorities who said the fire broke out at 1:30 a.m. during a New Year's Eve party at La Constellation Bar. Locals said the spot was popular with teenagers. >> Swiss President Gee Parmalan called the disaster quote one of the worst tragedies to hit the country. The cause of the blaze, which was initially reported as an explosion, remained unclear, but authorities said the fire appeared to be an accident rather than an attack. Nathan and Axel, who said they were at La Constellation when the fire broke out, described a quote nightmare scene. Crowds of people in total panic, loud screams, and smoke clouding their vision. Nathan added the seriousness of the blaze was not immediately clear and that there were no emergency exits. >> The two along with another witness, 17-year-old Leticia, said they have friends who were unaccounted for. Leticia said people were pushing through a small door in hopes of escaping and fell on top of each other. She told a reporter, quote, "Some people were burning and some were dead." next to us. An investigation into the blaze is ongoing as authorities work to identify the deceased so they can be returned to their families. >> And we will certainly be keeping you updated on any new revelations on that tragedy. We turn now to the weather. More snowfall is expected in parts of New York State. While the Los Angeles area continues to face a risk of flooding, lake effect snow is hitting parts of New York State with hazardous travel expected through tomorrow. Snowfall rates are expected to be in intense, especially near the Great Lakes. Authorities are warning drivers of dangerous road conditions. Forecasters say some areas could see another foot of snow by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Southern California is on alert as heavy rain raises concerns about flooding and mudslides. While some evacuation uh warnings have been lifted, flood risks do remain. Officials warn of continued flooding and debris flow near wildfire burn scars. And in Northern California, a storm system is expected to bring rain this weekend and snow at higher elevations. So be warned if you are in those areas. Next, the State Department is calling on the Chinese regime to stop military pressure on Taiwan. The department says military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increased tension unnecessarily. The comments came a day after China's military wrapped a two-day exercise encircling Taiwan. Beijing fired missiles and sent a large number of war planes and naval vessels near the island. Taiwan has pledged to strengthen its defenses and protect its sovereignty. President Liing Ta called for unity at home following the war drills and violence is es escalating in Iran. Protests over economic conditions are spreading across the country leaving multiple people dead. Here are the details. >> At least seven people have reportedly been killed during unrest in Iran. That's according to Iranian media and rights groups as the biggest protest to hit the country in three years spread across multiple provinces. A semi-official Iranian news agency says at least three protesters were killed in western Iran during clashes with security forces. The agency says protesters stormed a police facility and set vehicles on fire. More deaths have been reported in other parts of the country. Iran's revolutionary guard says a member of its voluntary unit was killed during the unrest, but rights groups dispute that account, saying the man was a protester killed by security forces. Eyewitness video released Wednesday showed protesters trying to access a government building in southern Iran. The arrest comes amid growing economic strain. The demonstrations began over inflation and the falling value of the realal, Iran's currency. Last weekend, shopkeepers began protesting over rapidly rising prices. Authorities say they are willing to engage in talks with trade unions and merchants. The value of Iran's currency has been in decline for years. According to the government, the inflation rate in December rose to over 42% from the same period the previous year. During that same time, food prices rose by more than 70% and medicines by up to 50%. Iran has faced multiple waves of unrest in recent years, each driven by economic hardship, rising living costs, or demand for political and social reform. Most recently in 2022 and 23, death of Masha Amini in police custody, set off nationwide protests. She was arrested by the country's morality police for allegedly not wearing a hijab. Human rights groups like Amnesty say previous protests were met with deadly force with hundreds of people killed. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on X, "The US stands with Iranians as they protest what he called a radical regime that has brought them nothing but economic downturn and war." >> And President Trump says the US will come to the rescue if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters. The president commented on Truth Social today, saying, quote, "We are locked and loaded and ready to go." Still to come, New York City's newly sworn in mayor, Zoran Mamani, reverses many of the actions of his predecessor. Mdani signing an order to revoke all of former mayor Eric Adams executive orders since his 2024 indictment. And preliminary data shows that 2025 had the biggest drop in homicides on record. Crime is also decreasing in every major category nationwide. Nation Blair J. Jason Blair brings us the numbers. Welcome back. The Small Business Administration says it has suspended nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers after uncovering what it calls widespread suspected pandemic loan fraud. The agency says it did a review of the Paycheck Protection Program and economic injury disaster loan records. The SBA says it identified almost $400 million in potentially fraudulent loans tied to Minnesota. Administrator Carrie Leler, Kelly Leler said those borrowers will be barred from all future SBA programs. She also said the agency will refer some cases to federal law enforcement for prosecution and repayment. The SBA has also halted more than $5 million in annual federal support to Minnesota resource partners. While the investigation continues, Minnesota Governor Tim Walls is facing mounting scrutiny over alleged fraud in state administered programs. Walls has responded to concerns saying his administration has spent years cracking down on fraud. Meanwhile, New York City officially has a new mayor today. Zoran Mdani was inaugurated as the first Democratic socialist to hold the office. Supporters say his victory reflects frustration with the status quo, while critics question how his agenda will work in practice. NTD's Chris Bob brings us more from city hall. The ceremony's welcome address was delivered by fellow Democrat socialist Congresswoman Alexandria Okasiocortez. She highlighted that Mandani is the first Muslim to serve as the city's mayor and the first immigrant in nearly a century. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath of office to Mandani after a speech thanking New Yorkers for delivering what he called the biggest political upset in modern American history. Sanders went on to say that Mandani's campaign promises, including free child care, city sponsored grocery stores, and increased taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, are not radical, communist, or unachievable. In the long run, city sponsored grocery stores will save society money, demanding that the wealthy and large corporations start paying their fair SHARE OF TAXES. MAYOR Mandani began his address telling supporters that today begins a new era before outlining his aspirations. >> To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this. No longer will city hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers lives. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe. I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical. The work, my friends, has only just begun. >> After being sworn into office inside the decommissioned city hall subway platform shortly after midnight, Mamani elevated Mike Flynn to run New York City's Department of Transportation. Mdani earlier named Ramsey Kasim, a former lead counsel to an al-Qaeda member and Osama bin Laden associate as his chief counsel. He has also chosen to retain Jessica Tish as New York City police commissioner. New Yorkers have expressed both optimism and trepidation regarding Mayor Mandani's ability to follow through on his campaign promises. Cautiously optimistic. >> Um, you know, obviously he doesn't have a lot of experience. >> Free buses are a good idea. I hope they I hope they can find the money. The idea of doing uh state or I mean city-owned supermarkets is a kind of interesting idea. I'm not sure how practical it is. >> Chris Bob, Entity News, New York. >> Thanks to Chris for that report. New York City's newly sworn in mayor, Zoran Modani, has signed several executive orders to roll back actions taken by his predecessor, Eric Adams. One of those orders revokes all of Adam's executive orders since his indictment in September 2024 on federal corruption charges. Speaking at city hall yesterday, Mdani said that marked a moment when many New Yorkers decided politics held nothing for them. >> Adams became the first New York mayor to be indicted, though the Justice Department eventually did drop the case. The charges stem from allegations Adams took money from the Turkish government in order to facilitate a Turkish consulate in the city in New York City. Mdani's team says it will revisit some of the revoked orders and reinstate them if it deems them essential. Meanwhile, Republicans on Capitol Hill are doubling down on the failures of communism while painting Mayor Mamani as the future of the Democratic Party. NTD's Molina Weissup reports. >> As part of a strategy to turn Democrat voters, Republicans are doubling down on messaging that New York City's Democrat Socialist mayor is the face of the Democratic Party. New York Republican Mike Lawler insisting that the Democratic Party is moving further to the left. >> Those are the people that are actually leading the party in terms of policy and direction. Lawler added that Mayor Mani will hold top Democrats hostage with the threat of primaries and candidates that he will endorse. It's the same messaging that Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has repeatedly pushed since Mom Damy's election. Meanwhile, top Democrats are rejecting the messaging. >> Do you see Mom Donnie as the future of the Democratic Party? >> No. I think the future of the Democratic party is going to fall as far as we're concerned relative to the House. >> Top Democrat leaders held off on endorsing Mumani. The GOP conference chairwoman's reaction reminding Americans of the horrors of communism. After Mumdani's inauguration, chair Lisa Mlan posted his speech with the caption, "Communism has failed everywhere it has been tried. New York City will be no different." The founder of communism, Carl Mark, stated that the first phase of communism is socialism. Reporting from Washington, DC, Molina Weissob, NTD News. >> Thanks to Molina for that report. And preliminary data is suggesting that 2025 could record the biggest drop in homicides on record. Stats also show crime dropping in every major category nationwide. NTD's correspondent Jason Blair has more. Preliminary data is showing 2025 is having a 20% decrease in homicides, the largest one-year decrease in the nation's history. According to crime stats expert Jeff Asher, the steep drop surpasses an already significant decrease of 15% in 2024, which was the previous record. According to preliminary police data in big cities, official homicide stats are expected to have dropped 31% in Washington DC, 30% in Chicago, 21% in New York City, 20% in San Francisco, and 16% in both Philadelphia and New Orleans. And the Trump administration has not been shy about pointing this out. White House press secretary Caroline Levit shared a 2025 graphic from Asher's data showing crime down nationwide in every major category. In addition to murder, rape, violent crime, robbery, vehicle theft, and property crime all show drops. The Department of Homeland Security posted in response to the data, saying, "Here at DHS, we've been operating by this radical idea that removing murderers from our country would bring down the murder rate. Who could have guessed it would work? However, not everyone agrees that the drop in crime is related to the Trump administration's efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsome released stats showing murders dropping in his state by 18%. In the release, Nuome criticized the president's actions while highlighting his own crime fighting efforts. Newsome said, "With crime dropping again, California is proving what real public safety leadership looks like." On Wednesday, the White House announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. President Trump said Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago were gone if it weren't for the federal government stepping in. We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form when crime begins to soar again. A week ago, the Supreme Court kept a block on the Trump administration's deployment of National Guardsmen in Chicago. The court said that the White House had so far quote failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois. National Guard troops remained deployed in Washington DC, New Orleans, and Memphis. The Trump administration notably focused on increasing the federal law enforcement presence in major cities in 2025 with efforts surging beginning in the summer. This includes ICE and other Homeland Security personnel, as well as Department of Justice officers, including FBI and DEA agents. National Guard troops were first deployed to LA in June in response to crime and protests. Then in August, they were visibly deployed in Washington DC, where they are still seen around the city today. In November, two guard members were ambushed and attacked while on patrol in DC. One died of her injuries. The other suffered critical wounds but survived. There were also several violent attacks aimed at ICE personnel in 2025. Notably, near Dallas, an ICE facility was attacked by a gunman who fired at various places around the building, including a carport. Two detainees suffered fatal wounds. The Trump administration plans to continue federal law enforcement operations throughout 2026. Jason Blair, NTD News. >> Thank you, Jason. And up ahead, as the new year begins, we take a look back at President Trump's 2025 pledge to revitalize one of America's premier cultural landmarks, the Kennedy Center. This past year in sports featured some unforgettable moments. But what does 2026 have in store? We take a look at what's coming after this. Welcome back. A New Year's resolution feels like a fresh fresh start, but the calendar doesn't change your behavior or your daily defaults. In fact, a study by investment firm Fidelity shows the top financial resolutions are still to save more, pay down debt, and spend less. These are great goals, but they're easy to abandon without a plan that runs on autopilot. For some practical solutions to reach those financial goals, I spoke with Lawrence Sprung, founder of Mitland Financial. I asked him what first steps he recommends to really make savings goals stick. >> Sure. And happy new year to you and the team at NTD. Steph, I'm looking forward to great 2026. The important thing here is build a why that survives a bad day. You know, re research shows that people who connect their money to a clear purpose, such as something as simple as naming a savings account after a vacation or a new car, you know, make more consistent and disciplined decisions. You know, just saying saving more that creates a situation where it's homework, but a why makes it sounds like real life where you get excited about that new car, that family vacation, and that's one of the main reasons why they tend to stick better. >> And do you have any other tips about how to decide on the goal itself and the timeline to make it inspiring while also realistic and achievable? >> Yeah, so I mean, you want to make sure that these things are things that are important to you. So, as we're going through what we want to accomplish in 2026, look at those things that are most important to you. If it is paying down debt, then maybe that should be your biggest goal. Or if you haven't saved enough towards retirement, imp implement that as a goal. Or if you're simply, you know, hitting on all cylinders and you want to take that bucket list uh dream vacation, make that your goal. But the important thing is find that why, find what you want to accomplish in the year and have a game plan to uh go after it. >> Okay. So, if we're looking at a year's timeline, there's going to be ups and downs inevitably in a year. How can we set ourselves up to stay on track for the long term? >> Yeah, that's a great question. And the easiest thing is automation. The things we automate have a tend tendency to get done. It turns good intention into real progress and really enabling you to save, invest, or paying down debt without decisions. And when that happens by default, you stop negotiating with yourself. It's not a question of should I do it this month, shouldn't I? Automation is how you make these things stick. Just simple things like a direct deposit to a savings account or autoinccreasing your retirement or just rounding up purchases and sending that to your savings account. These little uh things can lead to big results. >> And yet even despite having automation in place, some people could put a spanner in the works say if they overspend um with one paycheck or or something like that that may just really send them off off track. So what do you recommend there? Listen, we're all human. We're going to mess up. The important thing is decide what you're going to do about it because as we know, you know, people join gyms at this time of year in mid January, they quit on that. Same thing with their money goals. But, you know, and it always happens when the motivation drops. So, perfect is not really achievable. So, you have to have a reset plan for those months that you may overspend. Make a decision in advance. What are you going to do if you overspend or slip up? You know, and and what that'll allow you to do is make it so that one bad week doesn't turn you into giving up. You know, as James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, he talks about getting 1% better each day. He would say, the goal is to be someone who saves money. Be known as someone who saves money and keep score so it feels like progress and not punishment. keep score on a simple number and make sure that you're making progress in that area. >> Right? I think he talked about uh in one of his books about using paper clips to mark progress with uh each each move that he'd made toward his goal. But sometimes, you know, just keeping track can feel burdensome on top of the goal itself. What do you suggest for that? >> Yeah. Don't create, you know, 10 different goals that you're going after because that makes it very difficult and a job to keep track of. So, you know, you want to uh pick one number that matters most to you and check it once a week. No spreadsheets, no guilt, just a short consistent money check and it turns your resolutions into momentum instead of another thing you avoid. You know, there are simple platforms out there that will allow you to create bucketing so you can see your progress in real time, meaning you create buckets towards those specific goals and just check in once a week and see if your numbers making progress or not and make adjustments along the way. But don't make it overwhelming that you're tracking five, 10, 15 different things that you're trying to accomplish financially. And as we're looking ahead, there's still time to cast our glance back and learn from any mistakes that we may have made towards our f financial goals last year. Is there anything that kind of comes up more regularly with your clients, people you work with, um that you want to share that could be helpful in terms of how to reflect effectively on the year that was? I I think the most important thing is having an understanding of what money is coming into the household each month and where that's going. And now you have a full year. You can take a look at 2025. And again, don't complicate it. Look at your salary and the money that's been direct deposited into your accounts each month and then look at the money that's gone out either through check writing, Venmo, credit cards. It's pretty easy to acclimate that and and accumulate that information and simply look at money in versus money out and were you sticking to the budget or not and then if not make adjustments and if you were and there was extra money figure out what the best use of that extra money is each month. >> Let's look a little deeper at this idea of identity crafting. You mentioned James Clear and talking about becoming a person who saves. What other tips do you have for creating that identity for a person who may be just struggling with that or just setting out on it or just really wanting to um teach their kids or grandkids how to be that kind of person and carry that identity? >> Yeah. So I mean you want to turn your money resolution into a repeatable habit with a why with a system and a scoreboard as we talked one small habit automated tracked and protected with an if then plan meaning if I end up overspending what do I do that's really how money resolutions stick and if you take that and you start implementing that to become a person who saves money your kids will realize and recognize that and it's also important that you sit down and share this process with them and how you have become a person who saves money and then ultimately they will internalize that and work in that direction hopefully as well too. And Leslie Lawrence, talking about this identity crafting and reaching goals, um what do you suggest in terms of marking a win if say your goal really is even longer than a year to get to the end and really reinforce the worthwhile nature of the goal? >> Celebrate the small wins at all times, right? And even if you have a lofty goal that's, you know, longer than a year, three, five, 10 years down the road, chop that up into bite-sized pieces. You know, a goal that you have for three years out is not going to be accomplished if you start in two and a half years. So, there have to be milestones that you need to reach in three, six months, and a year uh on your path to that three-year goal. So, make that metric and make sure if that's your scorecard, then make sure that you're making that progress because if you wait till the two and a half year mark for that three-year goal, probably not going to happen. >> Well, folks, if you haven't set your financial goals yet for the year, now's the time. You've got some inspiration. Lawrence Sprung, thank you so much for your time this morning and certainly looking forward to a great 2026 along with you here on NTD. >> Thank you. Up ahead, this past year in sports featured some unforgettable moments. But what does 2026 have in store? We'll take a look at what's coming after this. Welcome back. A host of new movies are set to hit theaters this year. Between animation, dramas, and upcoming sequels, 2026 will be a big year for the big screen. Here's a closer look. >> This revolutionary technology gives us unprecedented access to the animal world. We put this into this. >> Yes. Yes. This into this. This into this. >> On March 6, humans will finally be able to talk to animals in the film Hoppers. The newest movie from animation giant Pixar stars John Ham, Bobby Moahan, Piper Curta. An animal lover named Mabel, played by Kurta, transfers her consciousness to a robot in an attempt to communicate with animals. >> What's up? What's up? >> I understand you. >> Uhhuh. Lunch time. >> Oh no. >> YAY. >> NO. PUT HIM DOWN. >> OKAY. OKAY. OKAY. >> WHY? >> HUH? WHAT? WHY? WHAT? WHY? Why would I save his life? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Why would you do that? >> Wait. What? But she was going to eat you. >> Well, yeah. She caught me. It's pond rules. >> Mhm. Pond rules. >> Wait, I'm confused. How could you be cool with that? I mean, she's got to eat someone. So, um, do you still wanna >> That's weird now. >> I need you to come with us. >> I'm not an astronaut. >> If you don't go, you die. with the rest of us. >> Sun is dying. >> Object approaching. >> Oh my god. >> On March 20th, Ryan Gosling will play Ryland Grace in the sci-fi film Project Hail Mary. The movie tells the story of Grace, an astronaut with amnesia. Based on a book by Martian author Andy Weir, Grace ultimately learns he's on a mission to save planet Earth as the sun dies, threatening a new ice age. >> Is that me? >> I'm Grace. I'm going to call you Rocky. Thumbs up. No, that's thumbs down. You would do the thumbs up. It's close enough. >> So, I met an alien. He's kind of growing on me. At least not growing in me, you know, which was a concern for a little while. >> Hey, Luigi. What's up, Mario? Behold. >> In April, Mario and Luigi hit the big screen in the Super Mario Galaxy movie. A spin-off of the popular video game Mario will be played by Chris Pratt. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Charlie Day plays his companion Luigi. Their longtime rival Bowser will be played by comedy legend Jack Black. The film hits theaters April 3rd. I'm Bowser Jr. and I'm going to be taking my father now. >> Princess Roselina, you're coming with me. I know you've been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made. The songs are ready. Let's take it from the top. Michael Jackson fans have a lot to look forward to next year. The pop icon's nephew, Jafar Jackson, plays his uncle in the upcoming biopic >> and embrace the future. >> That's Enthusiasts can expect to enjoy hits like Beat It and Thriller this time on the big screen. The film directed by Antoine Fukqua hits theaters April 24th. On May 1st, Anne Hathaway and Merryill Streep are back as Andy Saxs and Miranda Priestley and The Devil Wears Prada 2. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tui return while Lucy Lou, Justin Thorough, BJ Novak join the sequel as well. >> Miranda took you long enough. Bonnie, there's a package for you. >> Toy Story fans are gearing up for another chapter this summer. Tom Hanks returns as Woody, who's joined by his sidekick, Buzz Lightyear, played by Tim Allen. The duo will face off against newer, shinier toys 20 years after the original. Toy Story 5 hits theaters June 19th. >> Thank you. >> Hi there, I'm Lilyad. Let's play. No one could stand between my men and home. Christopher Nolan's latest spectacular project will be a film adaptation of Greek poet Homer's The Odyssey. Matt Damon plays Adysius, the Greek king of Ithaca, who spends 10 years on a journey home following the Trojan War. The film stars Zenaia, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Charize Theron, John Bernthal, and Robert Patinson. The film hits theaters July 17th. Spider-Man enthusiasts have something to look forward to this summer. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker. Directed by Destin Daniel Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters July 31st. >> Ready? Another Marvel Cinematic Universe film is set to follow the latest Spider-Man several months later. Directed by Russo brothers Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, Avengers Doomsday will star Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, and Robert Downey Jr. The sci-fi action favorite hits theaters December 18th. Now, the past year in sports featured a number of unforgettable moments. From Show Otani's postseason heroics to the possible end of the Chief's NFL dynasty and maybe a new one starting in the NBA, the year saw some incredible highs. But what about 2026? NTD's Dave Martin takes a look ahead. >> 2026 has already started off with a bang in college football with defending champion Ohio State getting knocked out of the playoffs by Miami. The 10-seated Hurricanes meanwhile need two more wins to add an improbable championship to their already crowded trophy room. Over in the pros though, the playoff picture will have a new look with the Chiefs out of the postseason for the first time in a decade. What happens next is anyone's guess. Will the Eagles repeat as champions? Or will teams like the Bills and 49ers, who were repeatedly denied by the Chiefs, finally break through? And while the NFL is sorting out their champion, the Winter Olympics will be in full swing. This year's games will feature a number of thrilling storylines. Can 41-year-old Lindsey Vaughn become the oldest to win gold? Will Michaela Shiffron add to her medal collection? And for the first time in a dozen years, the hockey competition will feature NHL stars as the US and Canada look to renew their albeit one-sided rivalry. On the hardwood, March Madness is less than three months away with Florida looking to repeat as champions. The always entertaining event features buzzer beaters and Cinderella upsets while spawning bracket competitions in offices all across the country. But while the college game rarely sees repeat winners, the Oklahoma City Thunder look primed to extend their dynasty in the pros. Sheay Gilis Alexander and company are off to the best start in the league, but may have trouble with the Spurs if they want to repeat as champions. Meanwhile, this may be the final season for Lakers star LeBron James, who turned 41 on Tuesday. And speaking of aging legends, Tiger Woods, who shares the same birthday as James, just turned 50, making him eligible for golf's senior circuit, the PGA Tour champions. But though Woods is at the half century mark, another major title isn't totally out of the question, especially after Phil Mickelson turned a trick in 2021, just a month shy of age 51. But while Woods is hoping for a return to the course next spring, the soccer world will be gearing up for the World Cup and waiting for word from Lionel Messi over whether he'll suit up for defending champion Argentina. And finally, on the baseball diamond, Show Otani and the Dodgers have three peing on their minds for 2026. The game's first $700 million player has delivered so far for LA with two World Series titles, not to mention two MVP awards since signing there two off seasons ago. If the Dodgers are going to get a third in 2026, though, Otani may have to win a Sai Young as well. This is Dave Martin for NTD News. >> And that's all we have time for this hour. But if you have any feedback on the show or have something you'd like to see us cover, send us an email at good [email protected]. We would love to hear from you. And for roundtheclock original news coverage, watch us live at ntd.com/live or download our NTD app. I'm Stephanie Aox. See you soon.