With thousands of news releases published each week on PR Newswire for Journalists, no one can keep up with every one of them. Last week, we brought you five of the most newsworthy press releases sent via PR Newswire during the first half of 2014. Today, we have five of the most newsworthy headlines from the year’s second half.

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James Overtakes Jordan: LeBron James is America’s New Favorite Sports Star This Year While Michael Jordan Drops to No. 2

The battle for No. 1 continues with a change on top.

Many have asked the LeBron James versus Michael Jordan question. Although we may not know how they would compare on the basketball court, James overthrew Jordan this year as America’s favorite sports star. Last year, the reverse was true and Michael Jordan was number one while LeBron James was number two. See the full release to learn who else moved up and down the list.

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World’s Third Largest Quick Service Restaurant Company Launched with Two Iconic and Independent Brands: Tim Hortons and Burger King

On Aug. 26, an agreement was reached to create the world’s third largest quick service restaurant company. Tim Hortons Inc. and Burger King Worldwide Inc. announced a definitive agreement under which the two companies will create a new global powerhouse in the quick service restaurant sector.

With approximately $23 billion in system sales, more than 18,000 restaurants in 100 countries and two strong, thriving, independent brands, the new company will have an extensive international footprint and significant growth potential. The new global company will be based in Canada, the largest market of the combined company.  See the full release to learn more about the deal.

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Credit Suisse: Global household wealth increased by 8.3 percent to US $263 trillion, driven by wealth growth in the United States and Europe

The Credit Suisse Research Institute on Oct. 14 released its fifth annual Global Wealth Report, which found that from mid-2013 to mid-2014 aggregate global household wealth increased by 8.3 percent in current dollar terms to US $263 trillion, despite an ongoing challenging economic environment. See the full release to learn more.

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University of Virginia Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi Refutes Rolling Stone Allegations

The following statement was issued by the University of Virginia Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi in response to the Rolling Stone magazine article regarding an alleged assault at the fraternity’s house:

“Over the past two weeks the Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi has been working tirelessly and openly with the Charlottesville Police Department as they investigate the allegations detailed in the Nov. 19, 2014 Rolling Stone article.

We continue to be shocked by the allegations and saddened by this story. We have no knowledge of these alleged acts being committed at our house or by our members. Anyone who commits any form of sexual assault, wherever or whenever, should be identified and brought to justice. In tandem with the Charlottesville Police Department’s investigation, the Chapter’s undergraduate members have made efforts to contribute with internal fact-finding.” See the original release to read their full statement.

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Sony Pictures Distributes The Interview Online Through Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and Dedicated Website

Sony Pictures Entertainment announced that The Interview would be available online across the United States starting Christmas Eve. The film was made available to rent in HD on Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and the dedicated website seetheinterview.com at a price of $5.99. The film can also be purchased in HD for $14.99.

“It has always been Sony’s intention to have a national platform on which to release this film,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Entertainment.  “With that in mind, we reached out to Google, Microsoft and other partners last Wednesday, Dec. 17, when it became clear our initial release plans were not possible. We are pleased we can now join with our partners to offer the film nation-wide.” See the full release to learn more.

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Larry Grady is online content manager at PR Newswire for Journalists. He has worked in business media for nearly 30 years and enjoys reality TV and daydreaming about travel and wine.