Who asked for an extension...The Biden admin. Yesterday, the Department of Education announced it's extending the pause on student loan repayments through the end of June. Loan repayments were supposed to start back up again at the end of this year. But last week, a federal appeals court put in place a nationwide hold — blocking the debt relief plan. The Biden admin has asked SCOTUS to step in and let the plan go through. If the program is still held up in court by June, payments will restart 60 days after that. In the meantime, about 16 million borrowers who've already been approved, are in limbo to see what happens with student loan forgiveness.
Who's walking off the pitch…Cristiano Ronaldo. Yesterday, Ronaldo left his soccer club Manchester United "by mutual agreement, with immediate effect." When Ronaldo (aka CR7) first debuted in 2003, he wore the ManU jersey. He then went on to play for Real Madrid and Italy-based Juventus. Ronaldo reached superstar fame, won a number of awards (think: The Golden Foot and Ballon d'Or), and became the top scorer in soccer's history. So when he announced his return to ManU last year, many saw it as a full-circle moment. But it wasn't all 'home sweet home.' ManU failed to qualify for the Champions League earlier this year. And Ronaldo reportedly didn't get along with his teammates or coaches. Things reached a boiling point last week when CR7 sat down with Piers Morgan and said he felt "betrayed" by the team and that he doesn't "respect" the team's manager. Now, his exit means one of the world's top and highest-paid soccer players is up for grabs. Ronaldo is currently leading Portugal at the World Cup so TBD when (and if) he will sign with another team. Manchester thanked Ronaldo for his "immense contribution." Ronaldo says it's time to "seek a new challenge." …Oh and speaking of upsets, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 (Lionel Messi's team, who's also Ronaldo's biggest rival) during the group stage at the World Cup. Not even the Saudis saw that one coming.
Who said 'out with it'...The Supreme Court. Yesterday, SCOTUS rejected former President Trump's request to block the release of his tax returns to a Democratic-led House committee. The court noted no dissenting votes and didn't offer any legal reasons. Now, the decision from the highest court means the Treasury Department could release the returns in the next few days — ending a years-long legal battle. The Dems are on a time crunch to get the docs, which could give us more insight into whether Trump lied on his taxes before Republicans officially take the House in January.
Who's slipping out…Dr. Anthony Fauci. Yesterday, Fauci gave his final White House briefing after more than 50 years in government. The nation's top infectious disease expert — who some found polarizing — asked Americans to get a COVID-19 booster shot one last time. Always on message.
What people are talking about…This. Yesterday, a gunman opened fire at a Walmart in Virginia — killing at least 6. The shooting comes days after an attack at an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Colorado. Police say the shooter is also dead. But it's not yet clear what the motive was.
Whodunnit...You tell us, "Knives Out" sequel.
What's definitely not on your kid's Christmas list…BDSM bears. | 
