promoearn: Deadly tornadoes rage across 5 states

Sunday, December 12

Buildings are demolished in downtown Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, after a tornado traveled through the region Friday night. A monstrous tornado killed dozens of people in Kentucky and the toll was climbing Saturday after severe weather ripped through at least five states, leaving widespread devastation.

Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

Catastrophic tornadoes left towns in ruins and over 100 feared dead. It's the weekend's biggest news.

NFT auction: USA TODAY and iconic artist Peter Tunney are teaming up to benefit charity – and you can get involved.

Death toll from tornadoes surpasses 60, expected to rise

The death toll from a series of tornadoes that roared across at least five states was rising Sunday, as somber rescuers picked through the rubble of shattered buildings and communities , searching for survivors and remains. More than 30 tornadoes were reported late Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Kentucky was hardest hit, with at least 50 confirmed fatalities early Sunday, but scores more people were missing and feared dead from the tornado that destroyed a candle factory with more than 100 people inside. In Illinois, at least six people were killed when a tornado ripped through an Amazon warehouse north of St. Louis. Four deaths were confirmed in Tennessee and two each in Arkansas and Missouri.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday more than 100 people likely died in his state alone, including at least two of his own relatives. Entire towns were flattened by the twisters, he said. He said several young children were among the dead. "I know we lost a number of kids," Beshear said on CBS's "Face the Nation." "This tornado did not discriminate. Anybody in its path, even if they were trying to be safe."

•	'We were trapped': Kentucky candle factory survivors recount escape from deadly tornado.
•	'It's devastating': See the damage of the tornado that tore through Kentucky and other states.

Residents along Murrell Rd. survey the damage from overnight storms that ripped through their community, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 in Dickson Co. , Tenn. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday.

George Walker IV, The Tennessean

Chris Wallace is leaving Fox News after 18 years for CNN+

Chris Wallace signed off from his Fox News show Sunday morning with the announcement that it would be his last after 18 years on the network . "It is the last time – and I say this with real sadness – we will meet like this," he said. Fox News confirmed his departure to USA TODAY, noting that a rotating cast of anchors will fill in for his time slot until a permanent replacement is announced. Wallace has been viewed as methodical, even-tempered and never showy, in contrast to his father Mike Wallace, the legendary "60 Minutes" reporter who relished his reputation as the interviewer no one wanted to see on the doorstep. Wallace will join CNN as a weekday anchor for the breaking news outlet's subscription streaming service, set to debut early next year. "I'm ready for a new adventure. And I hope you'll check it out," he said.

Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace will host the first 2020 presidential debate Tuesday in Cleveland.

Fox News

Real quick

•	1 dead, 5 temporarily trapped after avalanche at Crystal Mountain ski resort in Washington state.
•	Legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernández dies at 81 after recent hospitalization.
•	A new Miss Universe was to be crowned Sunday night. These are the 80 women who were competing for the title.
•	Report: Jaguars coach Urban Meyer calls his assistants losers as the Jacksonville disaster continues.
•	Group of Seven warns Russia to 'de-escalate' its military buildup near the Ukrainian border or face 'massive consequences.'
•	Anne Rice, author of pop-culture sensation 'Interview With the Vampire,' dies at 80.
•	President Biden faces his lowest approval ratings yet in handling of inflation, COVID-19 and gun violence.

CDC releases omicron data; mild symptoms reported from variant

Initial data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the omicron coronavirus variant shows that most of the detected cases have been in fully vaccinated people and led to mild symptoms. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House briefing on Friday that nearly 80% of the first 43 omicron cases in the U.S. were in vaccinated people. Only one person was hospitalized with omicron and no deaths have been recorded, she added. The variant had been detected in 25 states as of Friday. About half of those infected by the variant were between the ages of 18 to 39, and one-third had traveled internationally before testing positive.

•	The vaccine, one year later: 'Surreal' moments of COVID-19 vaccine debut live on.

Alabama's Bryce Young wins Heisman Memorial Trophy

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, naming him college football's most outstanding player . Young is the fourth Alabama player to take home the coveted honor, using a strong close to the regular season to distance himself from other finalists C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh and Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan. Young thanked his offensive linemen, receivers and defense during his acceptance speech, noting there were many distractors along the way to success because of his size. He is listed at 6 feet and195 pounds. In Young's first year as a starting quarterback, he completed 68% of his passes for 4,322 yards with a school-record tying 43 touchdowns and just four interceptions.