11/27/2023: Thanksgiving Wallet Wallop
PLUS: Disgraced Olympian to Go Free; No “Barbie” Sequel; and A New Book of Bombshells
Today is Monday, November 27, 2023.
It is the 331st day of the year.
34 days remain.
BIG NEWS!
Beginning Monday, December 18, we’re turning on paid subscriptions.
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But if you like what you read, want to support our work, and be a part of the world’s biggest morning Happy Hour, here’s what you can expect with a paid Top Shelf subscription:
A “Year in Review” series over the Christmas week while we take time off from daily writing.
Beginning in January, a weekly Saturday email with recaps, news, and analysis specific to the 2024 elections.
Original research, reporting, and analysis about many of the topics you enjoy in the morning newsletter without space restraints.
Top Shelf Access will cost $8 a month or $80 a year.
BUT WAIT: If you pledge a subscription between now and December 15, we’ll send you a FREE, engraved martini glass to thank you for your support.
BY THE WAY: For those of you who have already made a pledge, you’ll be billed for that pledge on December 18 when subscriptions are activated – and we already have your gift reserved.
WHAT’S ON TAP
The head of BINANCE hopes to skirt prison and KIM JONG JUNIOR’s eye in the sky. Details in HIT LIST.
TRAVIS KELCE spent Thanksgiving alone and OZZY OSBOURNE says he only has a decade left to live. More in SHOWBIZ
A new NETFLIX holiday flick is Ho-Ho-Horrible! Find out more in CASTING CALL.
KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN apparently forgot to tell her mom about her pregnancy. Whoops! Find out KRIS JENNER’s reaction in KARDASH.
Another reporter glimpses into the chaos within the House of Windsor. More in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
LAST WEEK: The Department of Justice announced that crypto trading firm BINANCE would pay billions in fines and its CEO – Changpeng Zhao, who goes by CZ – would step down and personally shell out $50 MILLION to settle charges of money laundering and failure to report suspicious transactions linked to groups like ISIS, Hamas, and al-Qaeda.
NOW: CZ also faces up to 18 months in prison for his crimes, but is out on bail before a February 23 sentencing date. That bail agreement would allow him to leave the United States for the United Arab Emirates, where he’s officially a citizen – as long as he shows up again for his sentence.
Prosecutors have petitioned a judge to forbid Zhao from leaving, especially since there’s no extradition treaty between the US and UAE. A decision on whether Zhao stays put is expected today. [via CNBC]
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FOLLOW UP: Former Olympian OSCAR PISTORIUS will be a free man after the new year. He was granted parole on Friday, effective January 5, 2024.
Terms of his parole include: needing permission to leave the area of Pretoria, completing an anger management program and doing some community service. Those terms will be in place for five years.
Remember, Pistorius was sentenced to 13 years in 2016 for fatally shooting his girlfriend REEVA STEENKAMP on Valentine’s Day in 2013. [via CNN]
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Americans got a big jump on Black Friday sales on Thursday, shelling out $5.5 BILLION on consumer goods.
More than half of that – $3.3 BILLION – was spent online. Overall spending for the day was up 5.5% year over year.
An estimated $390 MILLION in products were financed with increasingly popular “buy now, pay later” schemes that are often now integrated with online checkouts. That’s a 7.5% jump year over year. [via CBS News]
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It’s no wonder more Americans feel home ownership is out of reach: the monthly payment on a new mortgage has doubled over the last two years.
In January 2021, the average payment was about $1,500 a month; now it’s over $3,000 as interest rates continue to burn hot. [via KobeissiLetter]
GO FIGURE: As a result of high interest rates, a record number of homes are selling in all-cash deals. In September, 34.1% of home sales closed in all-cash deals that required no financing, a ten-year high. [via Business Wire]
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North Korean state media wants the rest of the world to know that the spy satellite launched last week is working just fine. The Korean Central News Agency announced over the weekend that KIM JONG JUNIOR has personally studied satellite images of American military bases in Hawaii and across southeast Asia.
BUT WAIT: Intelligence experts in South Korea say there’s no way to know if the report is actually true. [via AFP]
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BABY NEWS
PARIS HILTON and CARTER REUM announced Thursday that they are now parents of two.
The baby girl, named London, arrived via surrogate, less than a year after big brother Phoenix was also born via surrogate.
No other details have been shared.
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Country singer SAM HUNT and his wife HANNAH LEE FOWLER have welcomed baby #2.
The couple revealed the news in an Instagram post on Thanksgiving with a photo of Hunt holding their 18-month-old daughter Lucy, and Fowler holding the newborn.
No word on the baby’s name, sex, or birthdate.
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Dallas Cowboys QB DAK PRESCOTT is expecting his first child, a girl, with girlfriend SARAH JANE RAMOS.
She announced the news on Instagram over the weekend, while he shared his excitement in the comments.
It is unknown how long the pair, who are both 30, have been together.
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BREAKUPS
Actor ERIC MCCORMACK’s wife JANET HOLDEN has filed for divorce.
She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split and is seeking spousal support. No word on when the two officially separated.
They were married for 26 years and share one son, 21-year-old Finnigan.
By the way -- he’s 60. No word on how old Holden is.
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Musician TEYANA TAYLOR and NBA star IMAN SHUMPERT are calling it quits on their 7-year marriage.
She reportedly filed for divorce earlier this year, months before they publicly announced a separation.
As for their two kids, Teyana has requested temporary and permanent primary physical custody, plus joint legal custody and child support.
By the way -- she’s 32 and he’s 33.
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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
10. Saltburn: $1.7 million (up from 14)
9. Five Nights at Freddy’s: $1.8 million (down from 5)
8. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: $2.3 million (down from 6)
7. The Holdovers: $2.7 million (stayed at 7)
6. The Marvels: $6.4 million (down from 4)
5. Thanksgiving: $7.2 million (down from 3)
4. Trolls Band Together: $17.5 million (down from 2)
3. Wish: $19.5 million (new)
2. Napoleon: $20.4 million (new)
1. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes: $28.8 million (stayed at 1)
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW gained 117 points (0.33%) to close at 35,390 on Friday. The S&P was up just 2 points (0.06%) to close at 4,559 and the NASDAQ dipped 15 points (0.11%) to close at 14,250.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $75; BRENT CRUDE at $80.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.25 on Sunday.
₿ BITCOIN was trading around $37,500 on Sunday evening.
🛩 There were more than 4,175 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Sunday and about 35 such cancellations. With an estimated 45,000 flights scheduled on Sunday, the day marked the busiest single air travel day of the year.
💰Tuesday night’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $335 million jackpot or a $153.1 million cash payout. Tonight’s POWERBALL drawing will be for a $352 million jackpot or a $163.3 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
After weeks of speculation that TRAVIS KELCE and TAYLOR SWIFT would celebrate their first Thanksgiving together, Kelce said on his podcast that he ended up spending his Turkey Day alone at home in Kansas City with a bucket of KFC chicken, while she was in Brazil for her “Eras Tour.” [via CNN]
SPEAKING OF BRAZIL: Swift performed in front of the largest crowd ever assembled at Allianz Parque stadium in São Paulo during her stretch of shows there. [via Hindustan Times]
MEANWHILE IN PENNSYLVANIA: Travis’ brother, Eagles center JASON KELCE, spent the day with his wife Kylie, and daughters Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett. He extended an invite to Travis, though said he knew his brother wouldn’t accept because he is a “picky eater.” [via Page Six]
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JAMIE FOXX is being sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her at a New York restaurant in 2015.
The victim -- identified as Jane Doe -- claims an intoxicated Foxx took her to a secluded area where he put his hands under her shirt. She also states that a security guard witnessed the incident, but ignored what was happening.
She is seeking damages for pain and suffering, economic loss as well as punitive damages.
A spokesperson for the actor told People Magazine that the “alleged incident never happened.” [via People]
MEANWHILE: Two more women have come forward accusing SEAN “Diddy” COMBS of sexual assault. His rep says the civil suits are “fabricated claims from over 30 years ago” and are nothing but “blatant money grab[s].” [via NY Post]
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Moments In Time is selling signed fingerprint cards from THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G and TUPAC SKAUR.
Tupac’s documents, which list his birth name Lesane Parish Crooks, are from a 1995 arrest for sexual assault, while Biggie -- real name Christopher Wallace -- was also booked that year for robbery and aggravated assault.
The jail docs are selling for $225,000 a piece. [via TMZ]
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OZZY OSBOURNE told Rolling Stone UK that he has “10 years left.”
He made the dark comment while discussing his recent back surgery that left him “practically crippled.”
Many may recall that in 2003 the 74-year-old was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He then underwent four surgeries on his spine after a bad fall in 2019.
The outlet recently honored Osbourne with its Icon Award. He was unable to attend the ceremony because of his condition, so his wife SHARON OSBOURNE, went in his place. [via Rolling Stone]
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HENRY WINKLER thinks he may have been duped by Kansas City Chiefs QB PATRICK MAHOMES.
For those who may not remember, the two formed a friendship during a Chiefs-Chargers game in 2022. While chatting on the sidelines, Winkler invited Mahomes and his family to come over for some chicken stuffed ricotta once the season was over.
Fast forward to today and Winkler says the dinner date never happened and he hasn’t heard from Mahomes about the invite. [via TMZ]
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CASTING CALL
HO, HO, HORRIBLE: Despite having an all-star cast, Netflix’s Christmas flick, “Best. Christmas. Ever!” is a flop with viewers.
While the film is in second on the streamer’s Weekly Top 10 list of most-watched movies, Rotten Tomatoes has scored it a 38%; with a 19% audience score. Those who have watched it shared their reactions on X.
“‘Best Christmas Ever’ is probably [the] worst Christmas movie I’ve seen in a long time,” one person tweeted, while another wrote that they were struggling “to figure out the plot.”
Starring JASON BIGGS, HEATHER GRAHAM, MATT CEDENO and BRANDY NORWOOD, the holiday movie centers on a “twist of fate” that brings two families together on Christmas Day. [via NY Post, Rotten Tomatoes]
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MARGOT ROBBIE told the Associated Press that “Barbie” was done so well that there is really no need for a sequel.
Director “Greta [Geriwig] put everything into this movie, so I can’t imagine what would be next,” she explained.”
FOR THE RECORD: The movie was a huge box office success, making more than $1.4 billion. [via X]
WORTH NOTING: At the height of the “Barbie” obsession, there were suggestions that maybe a film focused on Ken could come next.
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Disney has reportedly reached out to both TIM ALLEN and TOM HANKS about the latest installment in the “Toy Story” franchise.
“Bob Iger, head of Disney, said it was on. They have reached out to Tom and I to reprise the roles,” he shared on “The Tonight Show.”
Allen famously voiced the character of Buzz Lightyear, while Hanks voiced Woody.
No details about the forthcoming fifth movie have been revealed. [via Deadline]
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JENNA ORTEGA will not reprise her role as Tara Carpenter in the forthcoming “Scream VII.”
According to multiple outlets, Ortega was forced to opt out because filming would conflict with her other projects, such as “Beetlejuice 2” and Season 2 of Netflix’s “Wednesday.” [via ET]
MEANWHILE: “Twilight” director CATHERINE HARDWICKE thinks Ortega and “Priscilla” actor JACOB ELORDI would be great as Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in an adaptation of the supernatural franchise. Bella and Edward were played by KRISTEN STEWART and ROBERT PATTINSON in the original films. [via People]
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The “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” drew in 28.5 million viewers -- the most ever for NBC.
According to the network, the special earned a 7.2 rating in the 18-49 demo, which is a 6% increase from last year’s parade.
ALSO: “The National Dog Show,” which aired after the parade, drew in 11.9 million viewers; an increase from last year’s event. [via THR]
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CELEBRITY CELLBLOCK
Actress TIFFANY HADDISH was arrested early Friday after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel in the middle of Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills.
She was reportedly cited for DUI and released on Saturday.
Haddish was also arrested under similar circumstances in 2022. [via The Guardian]
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Former Minneapolis police officer DEREK CHAUVIN, who was convicted of killing George Floyd in 2020, was stabbed at his Tucson, Arizona medium-security prison on Friday.
According to the Minnesota Attorney General -- the same one who prosecuted him -- Chauvin was rushed to the hospital and is listed in stable condition following the assault.
Chauvin is serving 22 years for Floyd’s death and 21 years for violating Floyd’s civil rights. The sentences are being served concurrently. [via AP News]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
Nothing like being the last to know!
KRIS JENNER claims she found out about daughter KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN’s pregnancy along with the rest of the world -- on social media.
When asked by producers of their Hulu show “The Kardashians” how she felt about Kourtney’s big reveal at husband TRAVIS BARKER’s concert, Kris said she “wasn’t very happy.”
“She forgot she had a family,” she continued. “That’s so Kourtney.”
As previously reported, Travis and Kourtney welcomed their first child together, a son named Rocky Thirteen Barker on November 1. [via People]
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It turns out those reports about BIANCA CENSORI leaving YE may not be true, as the couple were spotted partying at the Atlantis in Dubai over the weekend.
Remember, multiple outlets reported that Censori’s friends held a successful intervention, where they convinced her to leave the controlling rapper.
Now it seems things are A-OK in their marriage. [via TMZ]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
A book by British journalist OMID SCOBIE drops tomorrow and we’re getting a sneak peak at some of the new claims made by the reporter, who is known to be close to PRINCE HARRY and MEGHAN MARKLE.
Scobie says PRINCESS ANNE ultimately persuaded KING CHARLES to boot the Sussexes from Frogmore Cottage just hours after “Spare” hit the shelves back in January. The couple were already living full time in California anyway, but the eviction was certainly a signal of their unwelcome back into the royal fold.
Another revelation solidifies rumors about the animosity between PRINCESS KATE and Meg; the two haven’t spoken since 2019. Even after Harry and Meg sent their niece and nephews Christmas presents last year, the Waleses didn’t send any acknowledgement or thank-you.
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH: Scobie is openly aligned and friendly with Markle – so take his portrayal of events with a wheelbarrow of salt. [via DailyMail]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
Cyber Monday
Pins and Needles Day
National Bavarian Cream Pie Day
National Craft Jerky Day
Turtle Adoption Day
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ON THIS DATE
1095 - Pope Urban II orders the first Crusade.
He called all Christians in Europe to go to war against all Muslims in the Holy Land.
Up to 100,000 people would join the march on Jerusalem. While some did so out of devotion to faith, many were looking for wealth and riches.
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1703 - After two weeks, a freak storm in England finally dissipates, having unleashed wind and inches of rain for over two weeks.
Between 10,000 and 30,000 are estimated to have died.
Much of the death toll is attributed to the Navy ships that were lost. As many as 8,000 soldiers were killed when more than 300 ships were destroyed or sunk.
More than 5,000 homes were leveled.
Daniel Defoe would base his first book off of his experience watching this storm. It was called "The Storm." He would later write "Robinson Crusoe."
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1863 - John Hunt Morgan, and other Confederate soldiers imprisoned in Ohio, break out.
Morgan was known for taking small groups of cavalry teams into the North and attacking strategic points. One mission ran awry, and he was captured outside Salineville, Ohio in July 1863.
After several months in jail, the men were able to dig their way out of prison. Morgan's cell had a ventilation crawl space, which he was able to use to circumvent the thick prison walls.
Following the escape, Morgan returned to Tennessee to continue fighting. He was killed by Union soldiers the following year.
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1934 - Bank robber Baby Face Nelson dies following a shootout with two FBI agents in Barrington, Illinois.
After shooting both agents, the wounded Nelson fled in his sedan to a nearby safe house, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries while laying next to his wife.
The agents shot by Nelson would also later die in the hospital.
Nelson’s body was buried at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.
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1978 - Gunman Dan White shoots and kills San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and city Supervisor Harvey Milk.
White was a former member of the board of supervisors for the city.
White was reportedly outraged by the mayor's decision not to reappoint him to the city board. After gunning down the Mayor, he went after Milk, who took White’s spot on the board.
Even more controversially, Milk was one of the first and most notable openly gay politicians in the country.
White would employ what was called the "Twinkie Defense": he claimed junk food and distress from his job loss triggered his desire to commit the crimes.
He was later convicted of manslaughter but not murder.
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2005 - Rock stars perform at a 13-year-old girl's bat mitzvah celebration in Long Island.
Elizabeth Brooks is the daughter of David H. Brooks, the CEO of a powerful military contracting company. Brooks spent over $10 million on the Jewish coming-of-age party.
On hand were 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, and Kenny G.
Less than two years later, Brooks was indicted for insider trading and tax evasion, as well as stealing money from his company -- including the $10 million to pay for this excessive event.
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2013 - Disney’s “Frozen” is released.
It would quickly become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and spawn several sequels.
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2017 - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their engagement.
Markle would make history as the first actress and biracial person to join the British royal family, though her time in the UK would be short-lived.
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BIRTHDAYS
Aria Brooks - actress, “Saved in the City” & “All That” - 17
Jet Jurgensmeyer - actor, “Bubble Guppies” & “Jet’s World” - 19
Zoe Colletti - actress, “Annie” & “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” - 22
Morgan Davies - actress, “Evil Dead Rise” - 22
Kai Lewins - actor, “Surviving Summer” - 22
Reid Miller - actor, “You” & “A Girl Named Jo” - 24
Blackbear - pop singer - 33
Lashana Lynch - actress, “No Time to Die” & “Captain Marvel” - 37
Jaleel White - actor, “Family Matters” - 47
Shaunie O’Neal - reality star, “Basketball Wives” - 49
Twista - rapper - 50
Robin Givens - actress, “Boomerang” & “Riverdale” - 59
Caroline Kennedy - politician & daughter of JFK - 66
Bill Nye - TV show host, “Bill Nye the Science Guy” - 68
Born On This Date
James Avery - actor, “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” - 1945 (d. 2013)
Jimi Hendrix - guitarist - 1942 (d. 1970)
Bruce Lee - actor, “Enter the Dragon” & “Fist of Fury” - 1940 (d. 1973)
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