1. Obama says he felt ‘serenity’ during Trump’s inauguration. In his first interview since returning to life as private citizen Barack Obama told Prince Harry about how he felt relinquishing the presidency, his life after the White House and why people should be optimistic about the future. Prince Harry: “Can you give us a reason to be optimistic next year?” Barack Obama: “If I had to choose any time in history to be born, I’d choose now” (BBC)
2. Social media was lighting up Tuesday night with reports of a meteor seen across the Northeast. A bright bluish streak creased the sky around 5:52 p.m. Tuesday. “Did you see a fireball or meteor just now?” meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Gray tweeted. A meteor is a small particle of debris or dust breaking up in the atmosphere. (WMTW)
3. A crash involving seven cars on I-295 southbound Tuesday afternoon reduced the highway to one lane. State Police responded to the scene near mile marker 24 in the Brunswick area around 3:30 p.m. No serious injuries were reported. (WCSH6)
4. James Harrison, the former Steelers star signed a one-year deal Tuesday with the New England Patriots, three days after his unceremonious departure from Pittsburgh. Harrison, a 39-year-old linebacker, posted a photo on Instagram showing himself with 40-year-old quarterback Tom Brady in New England’s locker room, writing that he finally has “a teammate that’s older than me!” Harrison is the Steelers’ career leader in sack. (PH)
5. The Maine Mall was packed yesterday. The day after Christmas brought shoppers eager to exchange gifts and cash in gift cards. Others were taking advantage of the sales. Tuesday was the last day of the Maine Mall’s extended holiday hours. They go back to normal today, giving retail workers a much needed break. (WGME)
