3/25/2024: Jailbreak Hit and Run
PLUS: Clean Fifteen; Brit’s Top Hits the Auction Block; and “Health & Healing”
Today is Monday, March 25, 2024.
It is the 85th day of the year.
281 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
An FTX jet joins the bankruptcy liquidation pool and BILLY MCFARLAND previews FYRE FESTIVAL II. Details in HIT LIST.
JANE GOODALL gets a year’s-worth of birthday celebrations, BLAKE LIVELY apologizes to PRINCESS KATE and BILLY JOEL rides the rails. More in SHOWBIZ.
ADAM SANDLER is working on a “Happy Gilmore” sequel. Details in CASTING CALL.
YE is Ye. More in KARDASH.
Some tragic clarity on PRINCESS KATE’s health in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
The Department of Justice has finally recovered a financed by FTX for use by SAM BANKMAN-FRIED and other executives of the company before it collapsed, which had been stuck in the Bahamas until now.
Before its bust, FTX used a Bahamas-based company called Trans Island Airways to coordinate executive and employee travel back to the United States. By January 2022, less than a year before FTX’s notorious and sudden implosion, Trans Island Airways couldn’t keep up with FTX’s demand for air travel. On a handshake deal with Bankman-Fried, the company’s owner bought a new jet, financed by FTX.
But before anyone from FTX used the jet, it was scheduled for extensive interior upgrades that were still in progress in November 2022, when the whole charade ended for the crypto exchange.
Since then, Trans Island Airways has been in negotiations with federal authorities to ensure they’ll be made whole to the greatest extent possible before handing the jet back.
That appears to now be the case, and the custom, never-used jet is on its way to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It will be sold off as part of the entire bankruptcy estate to repay bilked creditors and customers.
The jet will be sold off along with other assets clawed back as part of the defunct crypto exchange’s bankruptcy program. [via Bloomberg]
LOOKING AHEAD: Bankman-Fried will be sentenced on Thursday, March 28.
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If BILLY MCFARLAND’s recent interview with The Sun was supposed to quell concerns that next year’s FYRE FESTIVAL II won’t be a rehashed disaster, he failed in his mission.
McFarland tells the outlet that event organizers still haven’t signed any contracts for a venue and that attendees should anticipate a “very survivalist” experience, even if it means catching their own lobster. “[W]e want people to actually be involved in the experience and not just purchasing food from different vendors,” he said.
McFarland did say event organizers are in discussions with multiple Caribbean-nation tourism boards to find a spot, however, and no date has been set, though early access tickets have already sold through.
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH: McFarland said he’s working on this event to generate a lot of cash to go toward the millions of dollars in restitution a court has ordered him to pay. "This is the most tangible way to repay the $26 million that I owe, and having real partners gives an opportunity in the next five to seven years, to actually pay back that $26 million,” he said. [via The Sun]
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Moments after an inmate escaped from lockup in Hawaii on Friday he was hit by a car – that immediately sped off!
Matthew Ornellas is serving time for drug-related crime and a parole violation. He managed to successfully scale the fence and razor wire early Friday morning. He only made it to a nearby highway before the accident occured.
The hit-and-run made it easy for officers to collect Ornellas, about 100 yards from the prison perimeter, where he was taken to a hospital for treatment and remains in serious condition.
The driver remains on the run. [via ABC News]
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Three people miraculously survived a hot air balloon crash in Minnesota last week, when a wind gust tossed the balloon into power lines as it attempted to land in an open field.
The basket and the balloon eventually separated after getting entangled with the power lines, sending the basket crashing 30 feet to the ground and sending sparks flying. The balloon ended up drifting a few more miles.
No more details yet on the incident, but the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating. [via CBS Minnesota]
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Every year the US Department of Agriculture and the US Food and Drug Administration examine a list of domestic and imported produce, testing them for more than 250 different pesticides. The results are then revealed with items landing either in the “Dirty Dozen” or the “Clean Fifteen.”
For 2024, the “Dirty Dozen” -- which were found to have 209 of the 254 pesticides -- includes nonorganic strawberries; spinach; kale, collard and mustard greens; grapes; peaches; pears; nectarines; apples; bell and hot peppers; cherries; blueberries; and green beans.
Meanwhile, the “Clean Fifteen” -- which had the least amount of trace pesticides -- includes avocados; sweet corn; pineapple; onions; papayas; frozen sweet peas; asparagus; honeydew; kiwi; cabbage; watermelon; mushrooms; mangoes; sweet potatoes; and carrots.
WORTH NOTING: About 70% of the produce tested have pesticide levels that fall within the legal limits allowed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. [via CNN, EWG]
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DEATHS
Pearl Harbor survivor, Navy veteran RICHARD C. “Dick” HIGGINS has died.
He passed away March 19 at his home in Bend, Oregon of natural causes, according to a statement from his granddaughter.
Higgins was one of 23 known survivors still alive today, according to Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, an organization dedicated to the family members and citizens of the military personnel affected by the attack.
He was 102.
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BABY NEWS
Actress CAMERON DIAZ and her musician husband, BENJI MADDEN, announced the arrival of their son, Cardinal, on Instagram over the weekend.
She’s 51 and he’s 45.
The news came as a shock to many, as the couple never announced they were expecting a second child. The newborn joins big sister 3-year-old, Raddix.
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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
10. Bob Marley: One Love: $1.1 million (down from 7)
9. Cabrini: $1.4 million (down from 5)
8. Love Lies Bleeding: $1.5 million (down from 6)
7. Imaginary: $2.8 million (down from 4)
6. Late Night with the Devil: $2.8 million (new)
5. Arthur the King: $4.3 million (down from 3)
4. Immaculate: $5.3 million (new)
3. Kung Fu Panda 4: $16.7 million (down from 1)
2. Dune: Part Two: $17.6 million (stayed at 2)
1. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire: $45.2 million (new)
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW lost 305 points (0.77%) to close at 39,475 on Friday. The S&P lost 7 points (0.14%) to close at 5,234 and the NASDAQ gained 26 points (0.16%) to close at 16,428.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $80 on Friday; BRENT CRUDE at $84.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.53 on Sunday.
₿ BITCOIN was up a tick on the weekend, trading over $66,200.
🛩 There were more than 3,730 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Sunday and more than 365 such cancellations.
💰Tuesday night’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $1.1 BILLION jackpot or a $525.8 million cash payout. Tonight’s POWERBALL drawing will be for a $800 million jackpot or a $384.8 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
Actress BLAKE LIVELY apologized to PRINCESS KATE after mocking her now infamous photoshopped Mother’s Day picture.
After it was revealed Friday that Kate has been out of the spotlight while she deals with her recent cancer diagnosis, Lively took to Instagram, writing, “I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.” [via TMZ]
WORTH NOTING: Several celebs, TikTokers and other social media dorks should also be feeling ashamed for the conspiracies that came out during Kate’s disappearance.
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BILLY JOEL has been riding the Long Island Railroad to and from his shows at Madison Square Garden and very few people have noticed.
Speaking to Newsday, the 74-year-old said he has been taking the LIR instead of his helicopter because the turbulence makes him feel “uneasy.”
As for whether or not he gets called out on the LIR, Joel said most people look at him and assume it's not actually him they are seeing.
BTW - Joel will play his 150th and final show at Madison Square Garden on July 25. [via Newsday]
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The Menedez home -- where brothers Erik and Lyle murdered their parents in 1989 -- recently sold for $17 million.
Closing on the seven-bedroom home occurred last Wednesday, which also happened to be the 28th anniversary of the brothers’ first-degree murder convictions.
No word on who the buyer is.
UPDATE: Erik and Lyle both remain behind bars, though their attorney is pushing for a new trial. [via TMZ]
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A chainmail shirt worn by BRITNEY SPEARS on a 2012 episode of “The X Factor” is for sale through Goldin Auctions’ Pop Culture Elite Auction.
Bidding will kick off at $500, though the top is expected to go for upwards of $25,000.
Spears was a judge on the singing competition show during Season 2. [via Page Six]
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A new book by Daniel de Vise, titled “The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic,” details JOHN BELUSHI’s rise and fall from fame.
Belushi first shot to fame on “Saturday Night Live,” and in the 1978 film “Animal House.” According to de Vise, by the second season of “SNL” Belushi was “binging on cocaine night and day” and had to have a “minder” who would fly back and forth with him to set.
Despite his regular drug use, Belushi really came into the spotlight alongside longtime friend DAN AYKROYD, who came up with the idea of the “Blues Brothers.” The schtick was a hit on “SNL” and would lead to a No. 1 album and a movie.
The pressures of fame would ultimately become too much for Belushi who started to ingest so many drugs that a former Secret Service agent and a karate champion were hired to keep watch on him 24/7, according to the book.
In 1982, after taking a heroin/cocaine combination called a speedball, Belushi passed away at 33-years-old.
“The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, Rise of Improv, and Making of an American Film Classic” is available now. [via NY Post]
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JONI MITCHELL is following in NEIL YOUNG’s footsteps and bringing her music back to Spotify.
Just like Young, Mitchell pulled her music catalog from the streamer a little over two years ago in protest of JOE ROGAN’s podcast spreading “lies” about Covid-19.
Remember, Young brought his music back to Spotify two weeks ago after saying that Apple and Amazon have “started serving the same disinformation” in several podcasts. He didn’t specify if that information was also covid-related. [via NY Times]
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Some birthdays last a day, some last a week, but if you’re Dr. JANE GOODALL, people want to celebrate all year long.
In honor of the British primatologist and anthropologist’s upcoming 90th birthday, there are several celebrations being planned all across the world. Locally though, things will kick off in California, where Goodall will be greeted by a 90-dog salute. From there she will be celebrated in New York, San Francisco and Seattle.
Goodall is using many of the celebrations to fundraise for causes close to her heart, specifically her chimpanzees and environmental issues.
She will turn the big 9-0 on April 3. [via People]
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CASTING CALL
STEPHEN COLBERT received a letter from ROSE HANBURY’s attorneys demanding “The Late Show” host walk back allegations of an affair between their client and PRINCE WILLIAM.
The statement was sent to Colbert a day after he joked that his “heart goes out to poor Kate” referring to PRINCESS KATE, regarding the infidelity rumors.
The rumors of an alleged affair were one of many that started during Kate’s absence following abdominal surgery. Of course, the world now knows the truth of what caused her to take some time away. [via InTouch]
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ADAM SANDLER is reportedly working on a “Happy Gilmore” sequel.
The news was shared by actor CHRISTOPHER MCDONALD, who played Shooter McGavin in the original 1996 golf film.
“I saw Adam about two weeks ago, and he said to me, ‘McDonald, you're gonna love this,’” he recalled. “I said, ‘What?’ He says, ‘How about that?’ and he showed me the first draft of ‘Happy Gilmore 2.’”
“So it’s in the works. Fans demand it, damn it,” McDonald continued. [via USA Today]
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A former “Price Is Right” producer is spilling some behind-the-scenes secrets, including a protocol for when contestants would get a little too excited.
“They had a system in place in case someone peed their pants,” MIKE RICHARDS told People, explaining that “there were curtains and a blow dryer and [a] pair of sweats just in case, since we’d have to get on with the show.”
Richards, whom some may recall also produced “Jeopardy!”, worked on the “Price is Right” as it transitioned from BOB BARKER to DREW CAREY as host. [via People]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
YE no longer wants to be referred to by his former moniker: Kanye West.
Last week, Ye had his chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, send letters to all the big names in the music industry, demanding that they no longer use his old name.
Remember, Ye legally changed his name in October 2021 because he considered his birth name a “slave name,” which he has been trying to ditch since. [via TMZ]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
PRINCESS KATE released a video through Kensington Palace on Friday announcing that she has been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer, found during her January surgery. The news eerily echoes KING CHARLES’ recent cancer diagnosis, caught while he underwent a routine prostate procedure.
The development clarifies much of the rumors from recent weeks about Kate’s wellbeing. As she explained in the video, her main motivation for privacy was finding the right time to share the news with her young children.
MEANWHILE: The BBC reports that PRINCE HARRY and MEGHAN MARKLE did privately reach out to Kate and PRINCE WILLIAM to wish “health and healing.” [via BBC]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
Pecan Day
Holi
Greek Independence Day
International Waffle Day
Tolkien Reading Day
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ON THIS DATE
708 - Pope Constantine assumes the papacy.
He was born in Syria, and fluent in Greek, though largely influenced by Eastern Orthodox practices.
Constantine took power while Rome was under control of the Byzantine Empire, which explains the departure from the tradition that had largely elected Romans, or clergy from other parts of Western Europe.
He was the last Pope to visit Constantinople — which was the seat of power for the Byzantine Empire and the Eastern Church — until John Paul VI returned in 1967.
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1655 - Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is discovered by Christiaan Huygens.
Huygens took an interest in astronomy after learning about Galileo, whose major discoveries happened some 45 years earlier.
Pioneer 11 was the first manmade probe to make a pass at Titan, in 1979, and later by the Voyager missions.
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1807 - Britain formally abolishes the slave trade across its Empire.
Though the trading of slaves was made illegal, ownership of them was not. That law came 26 years later in 1833.
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1965 - The civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery formally concludes.
Led by Martin Luther King, the demonstrations were a major part of the Civil Rights Movement, and in particular repealing racist voting laws. After four days of traveling by foot, the group had amassed several thousand people.
The group ultimately waited to petition Alabama Governor Wallace for voting rights. Though guards kept them outside, they waited until one of the governor’s secretaries took their petition.
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2001 - Icelandic singer Bjork freaks out the Oscars with her now-infamous swan dress.
That same year “Gladiator” took Best Picture, and Russell Crowe won Best Actor for the film, beating out Tom Hanks for his role in “Cast Away.”
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2002 - “The Bachelor” debuts on ABC.
The dating show, hosted by Chris Harrison, starred Alex Michel and 25 eligible women.
Amanda Marsh was declared the winner but Michel decided not to propose in the finale. They did continue to date, but later called things off.
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2020 - Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19.
Buckingham Palace says the royal is experiencing mild symptoms, “but otherwise remains in good health.”
His wife, Duchess Camilla tested negative for the virus.
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2020 - Spain’s death toll from COVID-19 overtakes China’s at 3,434.
Worldwide there are a total of 20,836.
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BIRTHDAYS
Madison Prewett - reality star, “Bachelor” - 28
Elizabeth Lail - actress, “You” - 32
Aly Michalka - singer & actress, “iZombie” - 35
Big Sean - rapper - 36
Ryan Lewis - music producer - 36
Kyle Lowry - basketball player - 38
Katharine McPhee - actress, “Smash” & “Scorpion” - 40
Danica Patrick - race car driver - 42
Jenny Slate - actress, “Bored to Death” & “Parks and Recreation” - 42
Lee Pace - actor, “Pushing Daisies” - 45
Wladimir Klitschko - Ukrainian boxer - 48
Frank Ferrer - drummer, Guns N’ Roses - 59
Sarah Jessica Parker - actress, “Sex and the City” - 59
Elton John - rock singer - 77
Gloria Steinem - publisher, Ms Magazine - 90
Born On This Date
Aretha Franklin - soul singer - 1942 (d. 2018)
Jack Ruby - nightclub owner who murdered Lee Harvey Oswald - 1911 (d. 1967)
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