Here's a roundup of news trending across the nation and world today.
What to know now:
1. Thicke dies: Actor Alan Thicke, who is best known for playing dad Jason Seaver on the sitcom "Growing Pains," died Tuesday while playing hockey with his son. Thicke, who worked in nearly all aspects of TV entertainment from production to acting to writing theme songs for shows, was 69. Thicke is the father of singer Robin Thicke.
2. Cease-fire collapsing: After Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced a cease-fire and an evacuation deal with Syrian opposition forces in the city of Aleppo Tuesday, media reports say that buses meant to evacuate rebels, their families and civilians, have left the crossing point on the edge of the city and returned to their original depots. According to The Associated Press, early Wednesday, Iranian forces began shelling the eastern portions of the city again, in a move that has delayed the evacuations and could collapse the cease-fire deal. A legal adviser to Syrian opposition forces said on Wednesday that "it is clear that the Russians, (who back the Syrian government), can't get Iran to abide by the deal."
3. Who's the tall guy: He was tall by the standards of the time, albeit a bit on the skinny side. That's what scientists say about the male of the prehumen species Australopithecus afarensis whose footprints were captured in volcanic ash some 3.7 million years ago and were found last year during an excavation of an area in Tanzania. The footprints that hardened into rock as time passed are around 10 inches long, leading scientists to believe he was probably about 5-foot-5 and weighed around 100 pounds – a giant among Australopithecus afarensis.
4. Preserving film: The Library of Congress announced Wednesday that 25 movies, among them "The Breakfast Club," ''The Princess Bride" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit, have been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry this year. According to the Library of Congress website, "The National Film Registry selects 25 films each year showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage" in order to "increase awareness for its preservation." Other films included this year are "Thelma & Louise," Disney's "The Lion King" and "Rushmore."
5. Let's go bowling: Warm up the recliner and get the chips ready, the National Collegiate Athletic Association is set to bring you 40 bowl games in 17 days. Beginning Saturday, you will hardly be able to leave your spot in front of the television until after New Year's if you plan to catch them all. The college playoffs, the game that will determine who plays in the College Football National Championship game, are set for New Year's Eve.
And one more
A wave the height of a six-story building was recorded between Iceland and the United Kingdom three years ago, the World Meteorological Organization is reporting. The wave, which was recorded by a buoy on Feb. 4, 2013, was caused by a "very strong cold front" that produced winds of more than 50 mph, the WMO said. It is the largest wave ever recorded in the North Atlantic. The delay in reporting the incident was due to ongoing research to confirm the data on the 62 foot wave.
In case you missed it
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