Today is Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
It is the 8th day of the year.
357 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
Some big developments this week in the tech world; all the details in HIT LIST.
Police make an arrest in connection to LIAM PAYNE’s death and JUSTIN BIEBER won’t be invited to this upcoming wedding. More in SHOWBIZ.
WILL SMITH is not starring in the new “Matrix” movie and HULK HOGAN returns to “Raw.” Details in CASTING CALL.
More trouble brewing for PRINCE ANDREW in ROYALS.
###
Snowsport enthusiasts traveling to the nation’s largest ski resort have been shocked to discover the ski patrol union is on strike, wreaking havoc across the facility.
The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association stopped work on December 27, leading to clogged lines at lifts and unmanaged slopes. The management at Park City Mountain Resort hasn’t proactively told guests about the disruption, either.
NBC News reports that one guest shelled out at least $20,000 to bring his family and in-laws to the winter getaway, only to discover the work stoppage after their arrival.
Reps for Park City have apologized in a statement. The ski patrol union wants a pay raise, but management says their base pay has gone up 50% over the last four years. Negotiators continue to try to get to a resolution. [via NBC News]
###
The dweebs behind the ongoing ENRON relaunch/performance art project have rolled out a new product from the formerly disgraced company: The Enron Egg promises to be the world’s first at-home nuclear reactor.
While the product isn’t real, the “company” is working hard to sell it like it is, with a product demonstration in the vein of STEVE JOBS’ iconic Apple product debuts. The satirical product offers Uranium-Zirconium Hydridge fuel rods and a 3D-printed Inconel heat exchanger, and a ten-year warranty.
###
JUSTIN BALDONI’s lawyer says he has proof ready in the ongoing legal battle with actress BLAKE LIVELY.
Speaking to People Magazine, Bryan Freedman says he is “releasing all of the evidence which will show a pattern of bullying and threats to take over the movie.”
“We have all the receipts and more,” he continued.
This is of course in reference to Lively’s suit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign with a goal of tarnishing her reputation.
The alleged incidents occurred while the two were filming “It Ends With Us.” [via People]
###
Kansas City Chiefs fans need not worry about their star QB possibly missing the playoffs for the birth of his third child.
According to multiple reports, PATRICK MAHOMES’ wife, BRITTANY MAHOMES, will be induced during the team’s bye week.
She is due on Sunday, but if the baby isn’t here by then, the plan is to induce her on Monday.
They are already parents to 3-year-old daughter Sterling and 2-year-old son Bronze. Baby #3 is also a girl. [via Page Six]
###
HULK HOGAN walked out on “Monday Night Raw” to a chorus of boos from the crowd.
The jeering continued as Hogan pitched his beer brand’s partnership with the WWE while standing in front of an American flag.
DWAYNE “The Rock” JOHNSON and JOHN CENA also appeared on what was WWE's Netflix debut. [via Deadline]
###
Spotify and THE WEEKND teamed up to launch a concert film this week.
“Billions Club Live With The Weeknd” is a 45-minute film capturing the singer’s recent one-night-only Los Angeles concert honoring his record-breaking 25 songs with over a billion streams.
It is the streamer’s first-ever concert film.
ELSEWHERE: The Weeknd’s next album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” is due out January 24. [via Billboard]
###
UP NEXT: A rundown of tech and A.I. news this week, Pamela Anderson’s mistaken identity, and MELANIA TRUMP’s big payday.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Morning Martini to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.