Charlotte, NC, January 2, 2026
The college football season culminates with thrilling bowl games, including the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Concurrently, new laws are enacted in Pennsylvania, enhancing civil rights, public safety, and healthcare for its residents. Key changes include prohibitions against discrimination based on hair texture and stricter regulations for school safety. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is set for a dynamic matchup in Charlotte, NC, as Wake Forest faces Mississippi State, while local basketball teams also secure notable victories.
Charlotte, NC – College Football Bowls Wrap Up, Pennsylvania Enacts New Laws
College football season is reaching its crescendo with several major bowl games played in the last 48 hours, including the high-stakes College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has started the new year by implementing several new state laws, addressing civil rights, public safety, and healthcare.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinals Deliver Thrilling Contests Nationwide
Three significant College Football Playoff quarterfinal games took place on January 1, 2026, setting the stage for the semifinals. The Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida, saw the No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks dominate the No. 4 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders with a 23-0 victory. Oregon’s win advances them to the CFP semifinals.
In Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl featured a decisive win for the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers, who defeated the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3. This victory marks Indiana’s first Rose Bowl win in school history and propels them into the CFP semifinals.
The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, provided the most dramatic finish, with the No. 6 seed Ole Miss Rebels upsetting the No. 3 seed Georgia Bulldogs 39-34. Ole Miss secured their win with a go-ahead 47-yard field goal in the final seconds of the game. The Bulldogs had a 21-12 lead at halftime but could not hold on against the Rebels’ second-half surge. Ole Miss will now face Miami in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl Features Wake Forest and Mississippi State
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring a matchup between Wake Forest (8-4 ACC) and Mississippi State (5-7 SEC). The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN. This game marks a return to the bowl stage for Wake Forest, who are playing their fourth bowl game in Charlotte since 2007.
Wake Forest is navigating significant roster changes, with several players, including top running back Demond Claiborne and wide receivers Micah Mays Jr. and Chris Barnes, declaring for the NFL Draft or entering the transfer portal, which officially opened on January 2, 2026. Mississippi State, with a 5-7 record, qualified for a bowl game due to its Academic Progress Rate (APR) and other teams opting out. The Bulldogs previously defeated Wake Forest in the 2011 Music City Bowl.
Marshall and Old Dominion Secure Basketball Victories
In men’s college basketball, the Marshall Thundering Herd secured an 84-80 victory over Georgia State in a Sun Belt Conference game on New Year’s Eve in Huntington, West Virginia. Jalen Speer led Marshall with 26 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Wyatt Fricks added 21 points. The Thundering Herd improved their season record to 9-5 overall and 1-1 in conference play with this win. Marshall is also set to host Appalachian State on January 3, 2026.
The Old Dominion Monarchs women’s basketball team hosted the Georgia Southern Eagles on January 1, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. En’Dya Buford previously scored 22 points in Old Dominion’s 87-84 win over the Georgia Southern Eagles. The Monarchs’ football program achieved a 10-3 overall record in the 2025 season and secured a 24-10 victory over South Florida in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl.
Pennsylvania Enacts Sweeping New State Laws for 2026
Harrisburg, PA – As of January 1, 2026, a series of new state laws have come into effect across Pennsylvania, impacting various aspects of residents’ daily lives. Governor Josh Shapiro signed six new laws, addressing civil rights, public safety, and healthcare.
Strengthening Civil Rights Protections State-level
A significant change includes the expansion of Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination framework, formally prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture, hair type, or protective hairstyles in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. This clarifies that traits associated with race and cultural identity, such as braids, locs, twists, and natural hair styles, are protected characteristics under state law.
Public Safety and Transparency in Schools State-level
New regulations aim to enhance school safety and transparency. Beginning January 6, 2026, schools are mandated to notify parents, guardians, and employees within 24 hours of a weapon being discovered on school property or involved in a school-related incident. These requirements apply to both traditional public schools and other state-governed educational institutions.
Changes for Motorcyclists and Vehicle Operators State-level
Transportation laws have also been updated, allowing motorcyclists to use helmets with integrated audio systems or wear headphones while riding, reversing a previous prohibition. Additionally, stricter distracted driving enforcement will begin, reinforcing hands-free requirements and setting the stage for future penalties aimed at reducing crashes caused by mobile device distraction.
Expanded Healthcare Coverage State-level
Effective January 23, 2026, insurance companies in Pennsylvania will be required to provide coverage for early breast cancer detection. Other new laws address unemployment assistance for domestic violence victims, a new Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Treatment Program allowing expungements based on treatment success, and the creation of a directory for legal electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) to clarify the vaping product market.
FAQ
- What were the results of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals on January 1, 2026?
- In the Orange Bowl, Oregon defeated Texas Tech 23-0. In the Rose Bowl, Indiana beat Alabama 38-3. In the Sugar Bowl, Ole Miss secured a 39-34 victory over Georgia.
- When and where is the Duke’s Mayo Bowl being played?
- The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at Bank of America Stadium.
- Which teams are playing in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl?
- Wake Forest (ACC) and Mississippi State (SEC) are set to face off in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
- What new civil rights protections are now in effect in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination framework has expanded to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture, hair type, or protective hairstyles in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations, effective January 1, 2026.
- What new school safety requirement is implemented in Pennsylvania?
- Starting January 6, 2026, schools in Pennsylvania must notify parents, guardians, and employees within 24 hours if a weapon is discovered on school property or involved in a school-related incident.
- Are there new laws regarding motorcyclists in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, motorcyclists in Pennsylvania are now permitted to use helmets with integrated audio systems or wear headphones while riding.
Key Features of Recent Bowl Games and Pennsylvania Legislation
| Event/Legislation | Key Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Bowl 2026 | Oregon defeated Texas Tech 23-0. Oregon advanced to CFP semifinals. | Nationwide |
| Rose Bowl 2026 | Indiana beat Alabama 38-3. Indiana secured first Rose Bowl win and advanced to CFP semifinals. | Nationwide |
| Sugar Bowl 2026 | Ole Miss upset Georgia 39-34 with a late 47-yard field goal. Ole Miss advanced to CFP semifinals. | Nationwide |
| Duke’s Mayo Bowl 2026 | Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State, January 2, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. Wake Forest facing roster changes due to transfer portal. | Nationwide |
| Marshall Men’s Basketball Win | Marshall defeated Georgia State 84-80 in Sun Belt Conference play. Jalen Speer scored 26 points. | Nationwide |
| PA Anti-Discrimination Law | Prohibits discrimination based on hair texture, type, or protective hairstyles in various sectors, effective January 1, 2026. | State-level |
| PA School Safety Notification | Schools must notify parents/employees within 24 hours of weapon incidents, effective January 6, 2026. | State-level |
| PA Motorcyclist Audio Law | Permits motorcyclists to use helmets with integrated audio or headphones, effective January 1, 2026. | State-level |
| PA Breast Cancer Screening Law | Requires insurance coverage for early breast cancer detection, effective January 23, 2026. | State-level |
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