- The Department of Justice will investigate FBI director James Comey's decision to reopen its inquiry into Hillary Clinton in November. At the urging of members of Congress, the DOJ is specifically exploring whether Comey's letter to the press about the renewed investigation was politically motivated, according to a report in The New York Times [1].
- Aaliyah [2]'s greatest hits are finally available on iTunes and Apple Music. Complex reports [3] that the late singer's discography ownership rights are complicated and that her uncle owns the rights to most of her songs, which is why they haven't appeared on a streaming service before today. The legendary R&B singer died in a plane crash in 2001.
- Refugees across southern Europe are dying from hypothermia as the region faces a particularly harsh Winter. Some migrants, who have fled countries across the Middle East and Northern Africa, are braving blizzards in Greece while living in tents. Reuters reports [4] at least four people have died already. Advocates in Serbia and Greece have warned that without adequate shelter, more refugees will die as conditions worsen.
- Paris Jackson criticized the casting of Joseph Fiennes [5], a white actor, in an upcoming TV show in which he portrays her father, Michael Jackson [6]. "I'm so incredibly offended by it, as I'm sure plenty of people are as well," Jackson tweeted about the show Urban Myths that premieres Jan. 18. While the show is British, many people across the world have called for boycotting it.
- Marine Le Pen, the vocal and controversial right wing leader of France's National Front, was spotted at Trump Tower on Thursday morning, according to a photo obtained by BBC News [7]. Trump's incoming press secretary Sean Spicer denied that La Pen was meeting with Trump, saying, "Trump Tower is open to the public."