The 7: Why the stock market rallied in 2024; new charges for the ‘Gone Girl’ kidnapper; a poisoned show goat; and more

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Year-end Sale Get your first year for 50¢ a week → PUBLISHED BY READ ONLINE   By Hannah Jewell Listen to this briefing Good morning. It's Wednesday, Jan. 1 — happy new year! If you're still searching for a New Year's resolution, here's how to find one you'll actually stick with. Mine is to never do anything unhealthy ever again. Now let's get to the news.  A court ruled the Pentagon's 9/11 plea deals can proceed. Last year: The U.S. government's controversial deals with three plotters of the 9/11 attacks ruled out the death penalty. But Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin intervened to stop them. What's new? An appeals court found yesterday that Austin could not rescind the agreements as the defendants, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, have already admitted their guilt. Read this story       Russia's gas supply to Europe was halted this morning. Why? Ukraine refused to renew a deal allowing Russian gas to transit its territory, the Russian energy company Gazprom said. It ends an energy supply route that dates back some 60 years. In other Russia news: The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Russian and Iranian entities, accusing them of interfering in the 2024 elections by pushing false information. Read this story       The man behind the "Gone Girl" kidnapping was charged with more crimes. What to know: In 2015, Matthew Muller kidnapped Denise Huskins, whom police had initially accused of staging her own abduction. This week: Muller was charged with breaking into two women's houses in California in 2009, drugging them and threatening to rape them, prosecutors said. Read this story       Stocks surged in 2024 despite Americans' economic angst. The numbers: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite index both rose to record highs last year despite expectations of a slowdown. But Americans aren't happy with the economy. What fueled the rally? Investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, the Federal Reserve's shift to lower interest rates, a crypto boom and Donald Trump's election. What it means for you: If you're saving with a 401(k) plan, it's potentially good news for your retirement. Read this story       It was a very bad year for stomach bugs on cruises. How bad? The worst since 2012, cruise ships reported. There were 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises in 2024, with hundreds sickened last month, the CDC said. It's going around: Cases of norovirus — the culprit in at least three cruise outbreaks in December — are on the rise. Find out how it spreads here. Read this story       Penn State advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Penn State's Nicholas Singleton rushes for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images) Last night: The Nittany Lions stormed past Boise State, 31-14, in Glendale, Ariz., stifling star Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty. The semifinals will be played Jan. 9-10. Today: The three other quarterfinal games are on ESPN — Texas vs. Arizona State at 1 p.m., Ohio State and Oregon in a rematch at 5 p.m., and Notre Dame and Georgia at 8:45 p.m. Read this story       ADVERTISEMENT   A Texas teenager was accused of poisoning her rival's show goat. What happened? A 17-year-old girl was charged last year with cruelty to livestock animals in connection with the death of Willie, her classmate's show goat. Her motive: The teen said she had fed Willie pesticide because she believed his owner was a "cheater," police said. Her next court date is Jan. 15.   Read this story       Before you go … don't want to make a New Year's resolution? Pick a nudge word instead. Plus: Are you fit for your age? Try our fitness tuneup to find out. One more good read: To fight climate change, the world needs lazier robots. And finally … test your news knowledge with The Post's daily quiz, On the Record. Click here to play. Or try our word games, Keyword and the brand-new Wridges. You're all caught up. See you tomorrow. (Illustration by Katty Huertas/The Washington Post) Do you know someone who would like this newsletter? Share it with them. Prefer push notifications? Download The Post's app to get one when The 7 publishes.   You received this email because you signed up for The 7 or because it is included in your subscription. Manage newsletters | Unsubscribe 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071 DOWNLOAD OUR APP      ©2025 The Washington Post | Privacy Policy | Help & Contact