The Baltimore Ravens topple the San Francisco 49ers in the most watched Super Bowl in history; an investigation finds 680 international soccer matches were rigged; and Tagg Romney eyes a run for the Senate. Meanwhile, Beyonce stuns at the Super Bowl halftime show and goes on to announce an upcoming world tour; and Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are spotted back together.
Caitlin + Liza
CRUCIAL:
Baltimore Ravens Win Super Bowl 46 Over San Francisco 49ers, 34-31, http://huff.to/XSajRV
The Baltimore Ravens toppled the San Francisco 49ers Sunday night 34 to 31 in what was the longest Super Bowl in history at 4 hours and 14 minutes. A power outage in the third quarter brought the game to a standstill with the Ravens up by 22, and allowed the 49ers to catch their breath and stage a comeback. Yet the Ravens, led by MVP Joe Flacco and veteran Ray Lewis, who was playing in his last game ever, managed to hold off the 49ers. The win marked a sibling rivalry victory for Baltimore coach John Harbaugh, who defeated brother Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the 49ers, and was the most watched Super Bowl in history.
Investigation Finds Suspected Fixing in 680 Soccer Matches, http://nyti.ms/XaE2r1
680 international soccer matches are suspected of being fixed according to global law enforcement officials, who announced the results of a 19-month investigation earlier today. Asian criminal organizations that made millions by betting on game results are behind the conspiracies, which included more than 425 people spanning at least 15 countries. Organizations strategically rigged the soccer matches by bribing players and referees in an effort to predetermine game results. Fixed matches included high-profile games such as qualifying games for the World Cup and European Cup as well as two Champions League matches. “This is a sad day for European football, and more evidence of the corrupting influence of organized crime,” said Rob Wainwright, director of Europol, which helped coordinate the investigation. An international arrest warrant was issued for the leader of an Asian criminal group behind most of the fixed matches.
Ex-Navy sniper, another military vet killed at Texas gun range, http://bit.ly/WHeKCI
Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, a record holder for the number of sniper killings in Iraq and author of the best-selling “American Sniper”, was gunned down in Glen Rose Texas Saturday along with fellow military veteran Chad Littlefield. Kyle and Littlefield were visiting a shooting range at the Rough Creek Lodge when they were murdered by suspect Eddie Ray Routh. Routh is also a former Marine and is now in the process of seeking a court-appointed attorney. Kyle, a married father of two, had also founded a nonprofit to help veterans battle post-traumatic stress disorder. A spokesperson for the group remembered him as “an American hero” in a statement.
Report: Tagg Romney eying Senate, http://politi.co/VKXRpk
Tagg Romney, son of former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, is considering a run for a Massachusetts Senate seat, according to a Boston Herald report. Tagg, 42, is Mitt Romney’s oldest son and was a frequent face throughout the 2012 campaign. He is founder of Solamere Capital, a venture capital firm in Boston. The Herald also reported that some had called on Mitt Romney’s wife Ann to make a Senate run. A Massachusetts Senate seat opened up when former Democratic Senator John Kerry resigned to accept a post as Secretary of State, and the state’s former GOP Senator Scott Brown announced he will not run to replace Kerry.
Obama: Drop Gay Ban, Boy Scouts, http://politi.co/11F3ndB
President Obama pushed the Boy Scouts to drop their ban on gay members in an interview on Sunday as the Boy Scouts of America prepares for this week’s vote on whether to end a national ban on gay members and scout masters. The possible change, which would allow local groups to make decisions as to whether or not to allow gay members, has stirred debate, with former scouts including Texas Governor Rick Perry insisting the ban should stay in place. “My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does in every institution and walk of life,” President Obama said.
Eight killed, more than 30 hurt as bus flips, http://lat.ms/VK3dkN
At least eight were killed and more than 30 were injured Sunday night when a tour bus collided with a truck and sedan on a narrow mountain road in California. All fatalities came from the bus, which lost control while heading down the mountain and rolled over the truck at least once. The bus was carrying 38 passengers, including children. 27 were taken to the hospital after police spent more than two hours trying to free the injured. “It happened so fast, I don’t know how it all happened,” one passenger said. “This was supposed to be a good day with my companions and then this happened.”
CULTURAL:
Beyonce Super Bowl Halftime Show: Singer Stuns With An All-Out Display, http://huff.to/VzfaYG
Beyonce Announces New World Tour After Super Bowl Extravaganza, http://bit.ly/UQTOZp
People’s TV Critic Reviews the Super Bowl Ads, http://bit.ly/WpEJiA
Selena Gomez Back with Justin Bieber…Again?, http://tmz.me/Uin2mk
Frank Ocean Will NOT Be Pressing Charges Against Chris Brown, http://bit.ly/Uoa3Q3
