Today is Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
It is the 317th day of the year.
49 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
Another lawsuit in the FTX saga and layoffs hit BOEING. Details in HIT LIST
BRITNEY SPEARS reunites with one of her sons and DIDDY’s lawyers ask for bail...again. More in SHOWBIZ.
WHOOPI stumbles on “The View” and KEVIN COSTNER was kept in the dark about his “Yellowstone” exit. Details in CASTING CALL.
KHLOE shows off in KARDASH.
QUEEN ELIZABETH had some cheeky words for the outgoing Prime Minister just hours before her death. Details in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
The bankruptcy estate managing defunct crypto exchange FTX has sued rival company BINANCE to claw back funds and earn damages.
In 2019, then-CEO SAM BANKMAN-FRIED sold one-fifth of FTX to Binance, but by July 2021, Binance wanted out of its stake. FTX bought back its shares for $1.76 BILLION.
By that point, FTX was already insolvent on paper, using customer funds for the repurchase, even though this wasn’t yet public. The suit argues that the payout amounts to a “fraudulent transfer” as part of Bankman-Fried’s ongoing schemes.
The suit also alleges that Binance’s CEO CHANPENG ZHAO “set out to destroy” FTX at that point, and accuses him of fraud, injurious falsehood, intentional misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
WORTH REMEMBERING: Only after Zhao pulled out of a reinvestment in 2022 did FTX’s collapse accelerate. [via Ars Technica]
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Butter, a household food staple, usually includes just one ingredient, milk, and maybe some salt, and the FDA wants to be super-sure you know that.
The regulatory agency is forcing COSTCO to recall 79,200 pounds of its house Kirkland brand butter because the packaging did not include the disclaimer that the product “contains milk.”
An official edict from the CDC notes that milk allergies are common in the United States. No word from the FDA if anyone reported adverse reactions or illness as a result of buying the butter. [via Food and Wine]
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BOEING plans massive layoffs to offset costs of a new union deal for the company’s 33,000 machinists.
The future for the rest of the company’s workforce isn’t so certain. A spokesman for Boeing estimates 17,000 will get pink slips heading into the holidays, about 10% of their total headcount. Notices will go out before Thanksgiving, ending contracts on January 17.
Dismissals will include severance and “career transition services,” a Boeing rep says. [via KOMO]
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In August, a Wisconsin man, Ryan Borgwardt, disappeared after taking out his kayak on Green Lake, and was presumed dead when law enforcement found his capsized vessel and empty vehicle in a nearby park. Investigators also found his tackle box, wallet, license, and keys. After an eight-week search, Borgwardt’s body was never found.
NOW: Investigators think Borgwardt faked his death.
His passport was used a day after he disappeared. This discovery led them to break into his laptop, which suggested he’s currently in Europe. He even wiped the hard drive and cleared his search history the day of his disappearance.
AND BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE: More analysis shows he took out a $375,000 life insurance policy for his family and was communicating by email with a woman from Uzbekistan.
Investigators can’t pinpoint where Borgwardt is now. They’re looking for any accomplices who might have helped arrange the apparent con.
Borgwardt left behind a wife and two children. [via NBC News]
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Saks Fifth Avenue is axing their annual light show in an effort to save some dough.
A rep for the location says it will instead honor the “architectural significance of [the] iconic building, elegantly illuminating the façade and framing the holiday windows, as well as highlighting the fashion for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known.”
With its close proximity to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the annual event drew in massive crowds during the holiday season.
BY THE WAY: This year also marks the flagship store’s 100th year. [via NY Post]
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BABY NEWS
CHRIS PRATT and KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER welcomed baby #3 together.
He’s 45 and she’s 34.
Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt arrived on Friday, November 8, according to a joint Instagram post.
The couple are already parents to daughters, 2-year-old Eloise and 4-year-old Lyla Maria, while Pratt is also dad to 12-year-old son Jack, whom he shares with ex ANNA FARIS.
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Actress MEGAN FOX and musician MACHINE GUN KELLY are expecting a child together.
She’s 38 and he’s 33.
Fox is already mom to 12-year-old Noah, 10-year-old Bodhi, and 8-year-old Journey, whom she shares with ex BRIAN AUSTIN GREEN, while MGK is dad to 15-year-old Casie, whom he shares with ex EMMA CANNON.
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW gained 304 points (0.69%) to close at 44,293 on Monday. The S&P ticked up 5 points (0.097%) to close at 6,001 and the NASDAQ added 12 points (0.062%) to close at 19,298.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $68; BRENT CRUDE at $71.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.08 on Monday.
₿ BITCOIN continues to surge following DONALD TRUMP’s win this week, after he campaigned on acknowledging the cryptocurrency’s legitimacy and protecting it from regulation. It passed the $86,000 mark for the first time Monday.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $361 million jackpot or a $169.2 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
BRITNEY SPEARS is reportedly back in communication with her son, JAYDEN JAMES FEDERLINE.
After moving to Hawaii with his dad, KEVIN FEDERLINE, and younger brother, SEAN PRESTON, Jayden has recently returned to California, where Spears lives.
It is unclear if he is currently staying with his mom, but insiders told Page Six the two “have been spending a lot of time together,” a huge step after years of estrangement.
The reason for Jayden’s move back is unknown, but now that he’s 18, he could be attending school. [via Page Six]
ON THE TOPIC: Kevin’s attorney tells TMZ that any sort of reconciliation between Jayden and his mom is “news to [him].” [via TMZ]
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The guy charged with supplying drugs to LIAM PAYNE denies doing so.
Braian Nahuel Paiz says that while he “had two hotel meetings” with Payne, he never supplied him with drugs or received money from him. He does admit to using drugs with the late singer, however, just three days prior to his fatal fall.
Paiz is one of three suspects charged in connection to Payne’s death, alongside a “friend” of the singer and a hotel employee. [via TMZ]
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SEAN COMBS’ attorneys are once again requesting bail for the disgraced music mogul, citing new evidence that allegedly shows the prosecution’s case is “thin.”
In the latest filing, the defense promises around-the-clock home detention, security monitoring and “near-total restrictions” on Combs’ ability to contact anyone besides his attorneys.
His trial is currently set for May 2025. [via People]
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A Swiftie named Sadie Bartell says TAYLOR SWIFT “saved” her family when she donated $15,000 to them in 2018 to cover bills after her mom suffered severe brain damage.
“I truly don’t know what would have happened to my family, to our home,” Bartell told Hello! Magazine. “...it just gave my family the peace that we needed.” [via Hello!]
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CASTING CALL
WHOOPI GOLDBERG was so excited to get to the table on Monday morning that she appeared to trip over her own two feet.
Her co-hosts failed to notice the stumble, however, as Goldberg caught herself and avoided falling to the floor.
What could she be so excited to get to yesterday morning? Talking about DONALD TRUMP’s new border czar selection: TOM HOMAN. [via The Mirror]
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KEVIN COSTNER learned about how his character, JOHN DUTTON, would be exterminated from “Yellowstone” along with the rest of the world.
**NO SPOILERS**
Costner said he didn’t even realize the show’s final season premiered on Sunday. Irritated fans have taken to social media saying John Dutton’s demise didn’t do the character justice – but you’ll have to watch it for yourself to find out.
But at the same time, Costner had already stated he wouldn’t be available for filming…and the show must go on. [via TMZ]
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DWAYNE “The Rock” JOHNSON addressed rumors that he pees in bottles on set to “save time.”
“Yeah. That happens,” he told GQ.
The habit is nothing new for the actor, whose pee bottle made a cameo appearance in a social media post in 2017. [via GQ]
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RUMOR IS: Actor MARK RYLANCE is in the running to play Dumbledore in the new HBO “Harry Potter” adaptation.
When asked about the rumor, HBO said details will only be confirmed as deals are finalized.
Whoever gets cast in the show should be ready to commit for the long haul, as the plan is to do one season for each of the seven books. [via Variety]
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BLAKE SHELTON and TAYLOR SHERIDAN are teaming up on a new singing competition show called “The Road.”
According to a press release, the show will follow a “headlining superstar on their journey to discover the next big artist,” while showing off the “unforgiving life of a touring artist.”
Shelton is no stranger to singing competitions, as he served as a coach on “The Voice” from 2011 to 2023.
The series is scheduled to premiere in fall 2025. [via People]
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BOBBY FLAY has extended his time with the Food Network.
Financial details of the multiyear deal were not disclosed, though an insider told Variety that it came with a “robust” pay bump for the chef; specifically the highest-percentage raise for any Warner Bros. Discovery talent.
As part of the new contract, Flay will take on a more active role in the development and production of his own series, as well as new episodes of “Beat Bobby Flay,” “BBQ Brawl,” and “Bobby’s Triple Threat,” which are already in the works.
FUN FACT: Flay is the first celebrity chef to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [via Variety]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
Fans are slamming KHLOE KARDASHIAN for making her niece’s birthday all about her.
Khloe showed off the lavish soccer-themed bash she threw for DREAM KARDASHIAN’s 8th birthday on Instagram, and followers were quick to note how many photos the reality star was featured in. One even commented, “Looks like Khloe is celebrating Khloe.”
There also may be some drama brewing between Khloe and Dream’s mom, BLAC CHYNA. In a post directly following the birthday photos, Khloe wrote, “It is scary how well people pretend,” leaving many followers to assume it was about Chyna.
For those unfamiliar, Dream is the daughter of Chyna and ROB KARDASHIAN. They share custody, and when Rob has Dream, he stays with Khloe and her two children, making Khloe seem like almost another parent figure.
Also, there has been a longstanding beef between the KarJenner family and Chyna, ever since she got engaged to and subsequently un-engaged to Rob.
This, of course, all makes for excellent TV. [via The Sun]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
A new book about Britain’s exit from the European Union, called “Out” by Tim Shipman, reveals the late QUEEN ELIZABETH’s feelings toward former Prime Minister BORIS JOHNSON – and they weren’t particularly kind.
Just two days before the Queen died in 2022, Johnson was voted out as Prime Minister. After he went to Balmoral to formally tender his resignation, Her Majesty reportedly told an unidentified close aide, “At least I won’t have that idiot organizing my funeral now.”
In another dig, the Queen reportedly said that Johnson was “perhaps better suited to the stage” than politics. The author does clarify that the Queen leveled the insults “with mischief in her eye,” suggesting it was all in good fun. [via Express]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
Odd Socks Day
National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
Fancy Rat & Mouse Day
National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
National Happy Hour Day
World Pneumonia Day
National French Dip Day
National Survivors’ Day
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ON THIS DATE
1864 - General Sherman begins his March to the Sea with the destruction of Atlanta.
Union troops had captured the stronghold in September and Sherman spent time fortifying his position and well-supplying his troops.
When Sherman was ready to push through Georgia, he ordered the city demolished. He didn't want Confederates to have the chance to recover anything valuable.
When they left on November 15, all that remained was smoky ruins.
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1954 - Ellis Island shuts down as the processing center for immigrants coming into America.
Beginning in 1892, it was designated the first federal immigration processing center. Prior to then, states handled immigrants individually.
Ellis Island was reserved for the poorest passengers, who were inspected to ensure they weren't carrying some new strain of infectious disease and weren't on the lam from their home country.
Only about 2 out of 100 immigrants were turned away.
Today, it's a museum.
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1979 - President Carter orders an end to oil imports from Iran.
The move followed the raid on the US Embassy in Tehran on November 4, where 66 Americans remained captive.
Oil prices skyrocketed as supply plummeted.
Carter was handily defeated the following November.
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1980 - The Voyager I probe flies within 77,000 miles of Saturn.
It provided the first high-resolution photos of the second-largest planet in the Solar System.
It showed for the first time that Saturn has hundreds of rings, not just 6 as had been previously thought.
With the help of Voyager II in August 1981, three new moons around Saturn were discovered.
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1982 - Yuri Andropov becomes General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
He succeeded Lenoid Brezhnev.
Andropov looked to tackle internal social issues, particularly combating alcoholism, which was running rampant among the Soviet populace.
He also dealt with pressure from President Reagan, who was aggressively anti-communist.
Andropov's reign was short-lived. He died in February 1984.
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2015 - Barack Obama is named “Ally of the Year” by Out Magazine, becoming the 1st sitting US President to pose for a cover of a gay magazine.
Initially Obama ran a platform stating marriage should be between a man and woman, but a late-hour conversion in 2012 set the stage for a Supreme Court ruling making it unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to wed.
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2019 - Disney launches its streaming service Disney+.
More than 10 million subscribers signed up within the first 24 hours.
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BIRTHDAYS
Raffey Cassidy - actress, “Snow White and the Huntsman” - 23
Russell Westbrook - basketball player - 36
Omarion - R&B singer - 40
Anne Hathaway - actress, “The Princess Diaries” - 42
Ryan Carnes - actor, “General Hospital” - 42
Ryan Gosling - actor, “La La Land” & “Barbie” - 44
Trevin Campbell - R&B singer - 48
Des Bishop - comedian - 49
Tonya Harding - Olympic figure skater - 54
Sammy Sosa - baseball player - 56
Michael Moorer - boxing heavyweight champ - 57
Neil Young - folk singer - 79
Al Michaels - sportscaster - 80
Wallace Shawn - actor, “The Princess Bride” - 81
Born On This Date
Charles Manson - murderous cult leader - 1934 (d. 2017)
Grace Kelly - actress, “Rear Window” & “High Noon” - 1929 (d. 1982)
Harry Blackmun - Supreme Court Justice - 1908 (d. 1999)
Elizabeth Cady Stanton - women’s rights activist, abolitionist - 1815 (d. 1902)
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