Police probe possible link in New Orleans attack and Vegas blast, broccoli sold at Walmart recalled, and Ohio wins the Rose Bowl

Good morning, all. Police are investigating a potential link between two deadly incidents that occurred over the New Year’s holiday in Las Vegas and New Orleans. Read on for the latest.

Subscribe to get this newsletter in your inbox each morning.

NEED TO KNOW

New Year’s violence

A truck attack in New Orleans killed at least 15 people hours before a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas killed one and injured seven others yesterday. Both incidents are being investigated as terrorism.

In NOLA: Investigators identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army vet who may have been inspired by ISIS, as the suspect who rammed a pickup truck rented using the Turo app into New Year’s Eve revelers in New Orleans. He died at the scene. [NBC News]

In Vegas: Police haven’t yet identified the person who died in the Cybertruck, where they found fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel. The truck was also rented on Turo. Officials said it may be a coincidence, but they’re investigating any links to New Orleans. [CNN]

NOLA victims: An official list of the New Orleans victims hasn’t been released, but friends and family have begun sharing tributes online. The victims included an aspiring nurse, a former Princeton football star, a single mother and a father of two. [AP]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

🏈 Oregon’s loss

The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes dominated No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl yesterday, winning 41-21 against the backdrop of an epic sunset. They’ll face No. 5 Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals. [Yahoo Sports]

❄️ Polar plunge

Temperatures across the eastern half of the U.S. are expected to drop below average this week into next, bringing the potential for snow and ice to more than 250 million people in the Midwest, East and even the South. [AccuWeather]

🥦 Broccoli recall

Braga Fresh issued a voluntary recall for bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmarts in 20 states due to concerns they may be contaminated with listeria. So far, no illnesses have been reported. [Today]

📺 Let the final games begin

Squid Game fans who binged Season 2 over the holidays didn’t have to wait long for new content. Netflix already dropped a teaser for Season 3, featuring a creepy new doll. Watch it. [Deadline]

➡️ Baldoni sues NYT

Actor Justin Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times for its coverage of his legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively, accusing the paper of libel and false light invasion of privacy. [Variety]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

🏈 In the Sugar Bowl, Georgia takes on Notre Dame in the final College Football Playoff quarterfinal at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. [Yahoo Sports]

🏒 In the rink, the Rangers will try to eke out a win when they face the Bruins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. [Hockey News]

📺 On the tube, Denis Leary attempts to “whip military misfits into shape” in the new comedy series Going Dutch, premiering at 9:30 p.m. ET on Fox. [Deadline]

🏀 On the court, the Warriors hope to reverse their recent losing skid in a matchup against the 76ers at 10 p.m. ET on TNT. [NBC Sports]

☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1959, the U.S.S.R. launched Luna 1, the first spacecraft to successfully escape Earth’s gravity and reach the moon. [AP]

3 QUESTIONS

…about Dry January

If you’ve been considering a break from alcohol, Dry January is a great time to start. I asked Hilary Sheinbaum, author of The Dry Challenge, for some tips.

Jessica: What exactly does Dry January entail?

Hilary: Dry January means no booze all this month. Its popularity has grown so much since it started in the U.K. more than 10 years ago. If you simply want to cut down on alcohol rather than cut it out entirely, you could also opt for a Damp January.

Jessica: Why has cutting down on alcohol become more popular?

Hilary: More people are wellness-focused than ever before. In my convos with those who tried it, many said they saw benefits like better sleep and clearer skin, and they saved money too! It also gives you time to do more things you love, since you won’t be dealing with hangovers.

Jessica: What can people who feel pressured to go out and drink do to avoid it?

Hilary: I’d recommend that people take the lead and suggest activities other than going to a bar, like bowling or an art class. If your friends insist, there are apps that can help. One that I like is called Better Without — it can show you places that serve nonalcoholic drinks.

Ready to go dry? Try Hilary’s recipe for a Taylor Swift-inspired mocktail, and follow her on Instagram.

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

Sisters Lexi and Alli Tithof recently surprised their grandparents with a family reunion involving 22 relatives. “If they can, everyone should do something like this for their grandparents,” Alli Tithof said. Watch the viral moment. [People]

Happy a great day. See you tomorrow.

💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Want to spend less time on your iPhone? Use Focus mode to tune out the distractions, or download a digital detox app. [How-To Geek]

About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.

Start your day with The Yodel to get caught up on weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports — in four minutes or less.