Today is Friday, October 18, 2024.
It is the 292nd day of the year.
74 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
North Korea deepens its alliance with Russia and a look at America’s favorite fry. Details in HIT LIST.
LIAM PAYNE’s family speaks out on his untimely passing. More in SHOWBIZ.
HENRY WINKLER wasn’t properly compensated for his role in “The Waterboy” and “Dirty Dancing” heads to Broadway. Details in CASTING CALL.
NORTH WEST’s fashion sense doesn’t come from any of the stylish women in her family. More in KARDASH.
THE KING heads to Australia. Details in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
An independent panel tasked with reviewing the July 13 assassination attempt of DONALD TRUMP urges “fundamental reform” at the highest levels of the Secret Service.
The task force included four former government and law enforcement officials who conducted 58 interviews with key personnel and reviewed more than 7,000 documents. In a letter summarizing its findings sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS, the panel says, “The Secret Service has become bureaucratic, complacent, and static,” and that without changes, “another Butler can and will happen again.”
The report includes obvious recommendations to fix the security lapses that have since been well reported, but concludes the failures have nothing to do with inadequate funding. The Secret Service’s budget has nearly doubled in the last decade, from $1.8 BILLION in 2014 to $3 BILLION-plus today: “Even an unlimited budget would not, by itself, remediate many of the failures of July 13,” the report concludes. [via NBC News]
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Depending on who you ask, North Korea has deployed troops to the front lines of Russia’s war against Ukraine, to the tune of 10,000 soldiers.
Russia completely denies there’s any reinforcements at all.
South Korean media reports, via Ukrainian public radio, that 18 North Korean troops have disappeared from their posts in a suspected case of desertion. [via Kyiv Independent]
MEANWHILE: The North reportedly amended its Constitution on Thursday to formally designate the South as a “hostile nation” – a process little more involved than KIM JONG JUNIOR saying so. [via Reuters]
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Early research shows another promising application for diabetes drugs like Ozempic: beating substance abuse.
In a study published in science journal “Addiction,” people on the weight-loss drug with a history of opioid abuse showed a 40% lower instance of overdose than those who did not take Ozempic or similar.
Likewise in alcoholics, about half of the users of the weight-loss drug stopped boozing compared to those who did not take it.
One researcher says, “Our study… reveals the possibilities of a novel therapeutic pathway in substance use treatment.” [via WSJ]
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Career success for Gen Z looks quite different than it has in the past, with aspirations to become an influencer, artist, or model beating out traditional high-achieving paths like doctor, lawyer, or teacher.
The research analyzed 385 MILLION Instagram posts from the age group to identify the most sought-after jobs. After modeling aspirations, America’s youngest adults want to pursue careers as an artist, photographer, makeup artist, and blogger.
In sixth place, things get a little more serious, but barely, with marketing as a desired career. Rounding out the top ten are singer, personal trainer, actor, and influencer – but one can be an influencer in any number of the previous paths. [via Audacy]
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Fast food experts from “Eat This, Not That!” released their annual ranking of the best fast food french fries.
And the Top 5 are:
5. Chick-fil-A
4. Burger King
3. Arby’s Curly Fries
2. Wendy’s
1. McDonald’s
The exact science behind the ranking system was not disclosed. Was it potato content? Saltiness? Shape? Size? Crispness? 🤷
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW gained 161 points (0.37%) to close at 43,238 on Thursday. The S&P ticked down a point (0.018%) to close at 5,841 and the NASDAQ gained 6 points (0.04%) to close at 18,373.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $70; BRENT CRUDE at $74.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.19 on Thursday.
₿ BITCOIN was down on the day more than 1.1%, trading around $66,800.
🛩 There were more than 2,810 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Thursday and more than 50 such cancellations.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $185 million jackpot or a $88.4 million cash payout. Saturday night’s POWERBALL drawing will be for a $437 million jackpot or a $210.3 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
New Music Friday
Aaron Parks, “Little Big III”
Dean Lewis, “The Epilogue”
Ella Raphael, “Mad Sometimes”
Jennifer Hudson, “The Gift of Love”
Joe Jonas, “Music For People Who Believe in Love”
Kylie Minogue, “Tension II”
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, “Warriors”
Shawn Mendes, “Shawn”
Twisted pine, “Love Your Mind”
Wyatt Flores, “Welcome To The Plains”
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LIAM PAYNE’s loved ones issued a statement Thursday, one day after his passing, saying they are “heartbroken” over the loss.
“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time,” the family told BBC. [via BBC]
UPDATE: On Thursday, a police official in Buenos Aires told the AP that based on preliminary autopsy reports, it is believed that Payne “jumped from the balcony of his room.” A toxicology report is still pending. [via AP]
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J-HOPE has been discharged from his mandatory South Korean military service; marking the second member of BTS to be released.
The 30-year-old joined his bandmate JIN outside the military base in Wonju, Gangwon province.
Jin finished his service in June.
BTS will reunite next year, once the rest of the band members are also discharged from duty. [via Billboard]
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In honor of the 30th anniversary of her holiday hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” MARIAH CAREY slipped back into a Santa suit to announce that she is re-releasing the single on 12in vinyl and CD single, along with some new artwork.
FOR THE RECORD: Carey earns about $3 million a year on the song. [via The Sun]
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Did you know, SNOOP DOGG’s rap name came from his mom, who called him “Snoopy” growing up?
Snoop, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., recently shared the backstory with LESTER HOLT, explaining that his mom would say, “You watch [Snoopy the dog] so much, you startin’ to look like him.”
“So she started calling me Snoopy,” he continued.
The name followed him from childhood to adulthood, so it only made sense to make a career out of it. [via The Mirror]
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CELEBS, THEY’RE JUST LIKE US: Actress KRISTEN BELL says that while she earns no cool points from her kids for voicing Princess Anna in “Frozen,” they do “appreciate” that “they can go to college because of it”
“Kids are meant to make you feel grounded and they are meant to reject things their parents are involved in,” she told Vanity Fair. “Even if they secretly liked it, they would never tell me.”
Bell shares two daughters with her husband, actor DAX SHEPARD.
WORTH NOTING: “Frozen 3” and “Frozen 4” are currently in the works, and Bell is expected to reprise her role. [via THR]
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CASTING CALL
For his role in “The Waterboy,” HENRY WINKLER says he was compensated with “a cookie.”
Winkler detailed how he came to be part of the film on KELLY RIPA’s podcast, “Let’s Talk Off Camera,” saying ADAM SANDLER, who stars in the flick, called him up in the middle of the night, asking for a favor.
“I go and I say OK. I shave. I drive. I go. I sit. I get makeup until 3:30 in the morning,” he shared. “Do you know what I got? A cookie.”
Clearly Winkler wasn’t too upset, however, as he would go on to star in three other Sandler films, including “Little Nicky,” “Click” and “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan.” [via NY Post]
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“Dirty Dancing” is heading to Broadway.
A new stage-musical adaptation of the 1987 flick is underway, with an expected debut of late 2025.
Just like the movie, the musical will follow Frances “Baby” Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle as they fall in love during the summer of 1963.
The news comes just days after JENNIFER GREY, who played Baby in the film, revealed plans for a sequel are currently up in the air.
No casting details for the musical have been announced. [via People]
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“One Tree Hill” and “Chicago P.D.” alum SOPHIA BUSH has joined Season 21 of “Grey’s Anatomy” in a recurring role.
She will play Dr. Cass Beckham, a trauma surgeon who is described as “amiable, fun and a little messy around the edges.” Bush’s character works at Seattle Presbyterian Hospital, and is married to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. David Beckham.
No word on who is playing her husband.
Bush’s character first appears on November 7th’s episode. [via THR]
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SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT has signed on to star in “Shifting Gears,” a TIM ALLEN-fronted comedy series at ABC.
He will play Gabriel, an employee at the classic car restoration shop owned by Allen’s character, Matt.
The series also stars KAT DENNINGS, DARYL “Chill” MITCHELL, MAXWELL SIMKINS, and BARRETT MARGOLIS.
No word on a premiere date. [via The Wrap]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
Growing up in the KarJenner family there are endless style icons to emulate, but NORTH WEST isn’t following in their path.
In a recent interview, the 11-year-old was asked where she gets the inspiration for her looks, to which she replied, “Tyler, the Creator; my dad; me!”
Her answer was supported by the outfit she had on at the time: an oversized black and white jersey with layered necklaces -- a look once worn by her dad, YE. [via International News]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
KING CHARLES departed for Australia on Thursday, in what will be the first time a British King has visited the country.
Charles is flying commercial for the trip, which takes nearly a full day to fly – though he’s likely booked into the most luxe of accommodations. He didn’t have to hobnob with his subjects in Heathrow’s busy public terminals, either, and instead relaxed in the $3,000-an-hour Windsor suite at the airport’s VIP terminal while waiting to board.
Before landing in Sydney, the King connected in Singapore to pick up QUEEN CAMILLA, who has been vacationing separately. [via The Sun]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Mammography Day
National Mashed Potatoes Day
Ride to Work Day
Health Care Aide Day
Necktie Day
Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day
National No Beard Day
National Chocolate Cupcake Day
World Menopause Day
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ON THIS DATE
1469 - European royalty Ferdinand and Isabella marry.
The union joined Aragon, under Ferdinand, and Valladolid, under Isabella, making Spain a dominant world power.
Under their control, Isabella and Ferdinand commissioned Christopher Columbus to explore the new world and oversaw the conquest of the Moors.
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1767 - Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon finalize their geographical survey in the eastern part of the country.
They were hired to resolve a border dispute between Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Both colonies had laid claim to the area between the 39th and 40th parallel. The compromise was drawing a line just north of the 39-degree line -- today known as the Mason-Dixon line.
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1867 - After purchasing the Alaskan territory for $7.2 million, the U.S. assumes control of the land from Russia.
The whole shebang cost less than two cents an acre. At 586,412 square miles, it's twice the size of Texas.
Secretary of State William Henry Seward negotiated the transfer. Russia was eager to sell it to the U.S., rather than allow it to fall into the hands of powerhouse Great Britain.
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1898 - The US takes over Puerto Rico, assuming authority over the small country one year after Spain relinquished its control.
America had taken the island in the Spanish-American War, and with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, it officially became an American territory.
Since then, movements for Puerto Rican statehood have persisted, though polls routinely indicate that a majority of its citizens support the island's status as a Commonwealth of the US.
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1977 - In Game 6 of the World Series between the LA Dodgers and New York Yankees, Reggie Jackson nails three home runs in three at bats off three different pitchers.
The only hitter to come close to the feat was Babe Ruth -- who did it twice. However, Ruth didn't do it consecutively.
Jackson's stunt helped propel the Yanks to their first World Series win in 15 years.
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1988 - “Roseanne” debuts on ABC. It starred Roseanne Barr and John Goodman.
The show would run for nine years. George Clooney even had a stint for a while playing Roseanne's boss.
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2009 - Quarterback Tom Brady throws five touchdowns in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans, breaking the record for touchdown passes in one quarter.
He finished the game with a total of six.
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2019 - The first all-female spacewalk by NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir takes place outside the International Space Station.
The two women ventured outside the station to replace a power controller that failed days prior.
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BIRTHDAYS
Sophie Bathsheba Thatcher - actress, “Chicago P.D.” - 24
Dalton Kincaid - football player - 25
Tyler Posey - actor, “Teen Wolf” - 33
Brittney Griner - basketball player - 34
Jordan Calloway - actor, “Riverdale” - 34
Riley Green - country singer - 36
Zac Efron - actor, “High School Musical” & “Baywatch” - 37
Lindsey Vonn - Olympic skier - 40
Ne-Yo - R&B singer - 45
Baby Bash - rapper - 49
Jean-Claude Van Damme - actor, “Kickboxer” & “The Expendables 2” - 64
Thomas Hearns - boxer - 66
Mike Ditka - NFL coach (Da Bears) - 85
Born On This Date
Lee Harvey Oswald - assassinated JFK - 1939 (d. 1963)
Dawn Wells - actress, “Gilligan’s Island” - 1938 (d. 2020)
Peter Boyle - actor, “Everybody Loves Raymond” - 1935 (d. 2006)
Chuck Berry - rock singer - 1926 (d. 2017)
Ann Putnam Jr. - accuser in the Salem witch trials - 1679 (d. 1716)
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