Monday Briefing: Golden Globes' Big Winner; Florida Airport Shooter's Fate; Cabinet Confirmation Hearings

Welcome to the working week, Patchers. Let's get you up to speed and ready for the day ahead.

FACING JUSTICE

The 26-year-old Iraq war veteran accused of opening fire at the crowded Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport last week makes his first court appearance today. Esteban Santiago Ruiz could be facing the death penalty for a deadly rampage that killed five people and wounded six others. (Patch)

THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON

Confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees are slated to begin this week, despite calls to hold off until required FBI and ethics office background checks are done. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, has assured no nominee will be confirmed without those checks complete, dismissing the delays as "little procedural complaints" born of post-election frustration. "Grow up," he told Democrats. (Washington Post and CBS)

ALL THAT GLITTERS

"La La Land" sashayed its way to a record-breaking seven Golden Globe awards Sunday night, including wins for both Original Score and Original Song, because of course. "Moonlight" landed a Best Drama win at the evening's tail end, its only award of the night. Sunday night establishes both as leading contenders for Best Pictures at the Oscars next month. (Patch)

QUICK HITS

'Thank God You Pulled Me Over:' Police Receive Note Of Thanks (Patch)

Leonardo DiCaprio Buys Malibu's Paradise Cove Property from Donald Trump's Cabinet Pick (Patch)

Nashville House Beloved by Elvis Threatened by the Wrecking Ball (Patch)

THIS IS OUR WORLD NOW

Meryl Streep, honored at last night's Golden Globes for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment," took the moment to commend the late Carrie Fisher and to criticize President-elect Donald Trump. The PEOTUS did not like that second bit, and said so on Twitter, calling the actress an "over-rated" "Hillary flunky." (Hollywood Reporter and Twitter)

DOWN TO EIGHT

After the Green Bay Packers' Sunday afternoon thumping of the New York Giants, the final match-up for next weekend's NFL Divisional Round is set. The Packers will play the Cowboys next Sunday, the same afternoon the Steelers take on the Chiefs. Before that, on Saturday, the Seahawks will battle it out against the Falcons, while the Texans try to best the Patriots. (Patch)

WE MEET AGAIN

The biggest game of the college football season goes down tonight, with Alabama's undefeated Crimson Tide taking on the Clemson Tigers in Tampa. The College Football Playoff National Championship kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. ET. (Patch)

HAPPY BELATED, STARMAN

A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT RECEPTION

After largely avoiding the limelight since losing the presidential election, Hillary Clinton was reportedly treated to "several ovations" while attending the closing performance of "The Color Purple" on Broadway this weekend. It's a stark contrast to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, whose attendance at a "Hamilton" showing ended in a rebuke by the cast and boos from the crowd. (NYT)

A MUST READ

Joann Piche was a mom with two small children when she was prescribed a fentanyl patch for pain and saw her life spiral out of control. Her story is one glimpse into a drug epidemic that's claiming more lives than heroin on Long Island. (Patch)

That's all for now, Patchers. Thanks for starting your week with us. Now, grab that morning cup of coffee and take the day by storm. We'll be back with you Tuesday.

Image via Lionsgate