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5/4/2022: Reactions to Leaked Roe v. Wade Ruling
PLUS: Lots of Available Jobs, “Small Town Wisconsin”, and Intruder at Windsor Castle
Today is Wednesday, May 4, 2022.
It is the 124th day of the year.
241 days remain.
TRENDING
Supreme Court, SCOTUS, #RoeVWade and #abortionrights were all trending in light of the leaked draft suggesting the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, Twitter users celebrated their favorite educators and those who left a lasting impact.
#SignsThatYouAreOldNow was trending Tuesday. Tweets included, “You realize 30 years ago was 1992, not 1972,” “You turn the radio down in your car so you can see better,” “snap crackle and pop is from you not your cereal,” and “your fingers get tired scrolling down to your birth year.”
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HIT LIST
With March’s jobs data in, employers in the U.S. had nearly 12 million openings – meaning there’s two positions available for every American who’s unemployed, the New York Post reports.
Even more astonishing, 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March.
The news comes as inflation is only worsening; in March, it hit 8.5% year-over-year.
IN OTHER WORDS: Americans believe the tight labor market will give them better employment options, because their wages aren’t keeping up with inflation.
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Surgeon General Vivek Murthy tells The Atlantic there should have been more “robust” conversations about the corresponding downsides to so many of the totalitarian lockdown and shutdown measures that were taken over the course of the pandemic.
In a panel discussion, he said he wished for more serious conversation about the negative effects of things like school closures.
WORTH REMEMBERING: He was the Surgeon General for almost all of 2021 and had the power to encourage this kind of conversation at any time.
MEANWHILE: Remember all the leftists celebrating New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s Stalinist lockdown of her country to combat covid?
A justice on New Zealand’s High Court has ruled that her border lockdown was “unlawfully, unreasonably and in breach of the Bill of Rights that states every New Zealand citizen has the right to enter New Zealand” – especially when it kept native citizens out of their country. The order was issued “in a manner that was not demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”
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Law enforcement in Alabama is conducting a manhunt for an escaped murder suspect and the corrections official who’s believed to have helped him break out.
The suspect’s name is Casey Cole White, and the officer is Vicky White, but they’re not related. Vicky White was the assistant director of corrections at the Lauderdale County Detention Center, according to local reporting.
She was able to get Casey White out of the prison under the guise of taking him for a mental health screening. But they never went to the appointment, and never showed up back at the facility.
Just days before the breakout, Vicky White sold her home, giving the pair a pile of cash.
Though not related, officials believe there may be a romantic connection between the officer and inmate.
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A 22-year-old man climbed a 1,070 foot office tower in San Francisco Tuesday without any equipment, rope, or cables.
Law enforcement was first alerted to the stunt Tuesday morning, and sent crews to monitor the situation.
Fortunately, the man made it to the top unharmed, where he was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Turns out it was all a stunt for social media clout.
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Stocks were flat Tuesday, with the Dow and S&P posting modest gains.
Oil continues to hover just-above $100 a barrel.
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CHARTS
Top 5 Fiction & Nonfiction Books Currently on the New York Times Best Sellers List:
FICTION:
“Dream Town,” David Baldacci
“Beautiful,” Danielle Steel
"It Ends With Us," Colleen Hoover
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Where The Crawdads Sing,” Delia Owens
NONFICTION:
“The Body Keeps The Score,” Bessel van der Kolk
“Freezing Order,” Bill Browder
“Playing With Myself,” Randy Rainbow
“Hello, Molly!,” Molly Shannon with Sean Wilsey
“Left on Tenth,” Delia Ephron
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DEATHS
DAVID BIRNEY has died.
The actor, known for his role on “Bridget Loves Bernie” and “St. Elsewhere,” passed away Friday at his home in California, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was 83.
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JEREMY VERDORN has died.
The actor, known for his work in “Guiding Light” and “One Life to Live,” passed away Saturday after a battle with cancer.
He was 72.
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KAILIA POSEY has died.
The reality star, known for her spunky personality on TLC’s “Toddlers & Tiaras,” passed away Monday. Posey’s mom confirmed her daughter’s death, but did not share a cause.
She was 16.
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BABY NEWS
POST MALONE, 26, is expecting his first child with his longtime girlfriend -- who has not been identified by any outlets.
The couple announced the news at a private party with family and close friends over the weekend, an insider told TMZ.
Post has yet to confirm the news himself.
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SICK BAY
SHARON OSBOURNE caught covid from her husband OZZY.
She revealed the news on her show “The Talk” — which she is filming remotely — telling her co-host JEREMY KYLE that while Ozzy is doing better, she and their daughter KELLY OSBOURNE now have the virus.
No word on whether they are all fully vaccinated and/or boostered.
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THE SWAMP
Supreme Court Chief Justice JOHN ROBERTS issued a statement Tuesday that confirmed the legitimacy of the preemptively leaked court opinion that overturns both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Roberts said the Court Marshall will conduct an investigation into the source of the leak, but committed to not letting it impede the Court’s business.
WORTH NOTING: While Robert confirmed that the leaked opinion is real, it still may not be what’s officially published by the court, and no ruling has been made official. Legal analysts believe the very nature of the language of the opinion – especially that a majority of justices agree, even if unnamed in the draft – suggests the vote was held to overturn America’s abortion precedents.
MEANWHILE: Lefty politicians issued a flurry of statements decrying the development, fearing an end to widespread, unrestrictive abortion in much of the country.
President JOE BIDEN spoke to reporters before boarding Air Force One Tuesday, and explicitly said that abortion is “the decision to abort a child” – which runs counter to his party’s whole “clump of cells that’s not a person” argument.
Vice President KAMALA HARRIS in her statement discussed “a woman’s right to choose.”
Senator CHUCK SCHUMER issued a statement promising legislation that would protect “a woman’s right to choose.”
ABSOLUTELY WORTH NOTING: They’re talking about a woman’s right. Not a uterus-haver’s, or a person with ovaries’ rights, or a person who can get pregnant’s rights. They talked about a woman’s rights. The language betrays the nature of their incessant, invented outrage. They’re a party out of ideas beyond exerting control and power for its own sake.
MEANWHILE: There’s plenty of speculation about how the Court decision affects voters’ behaviors during midterm elections. The left will undoubtedly use the issue to mobilize their base that might otherwise be unenthusiastic about Biden’s presidential leadership. But these same soft-left swing voters – particularly women with children – have broken hard away from Democrats in recent months amid increasingly harmful and dangerous mask and lockdown policies that kept kids out of school and hindered their educational development. Asking these voters to forget about the damage done to their kids so that other women can abort their unborn children will be a bridge too far.
TIME TO FILIBUSTER?: The makeup in the Senate makes Schumer’s promise to enact abortion protection legislation next to impossible without nuking the filibuster. Moderate Republican SUSAN COLLINS has indicated she does not support ending the filibuster, period. Swing-vote Democrats JOE MANCHIN and KYRSTEN SINEMA have in recent months held the same view. And even as a Democrat, Manchin has supported pro-life policies.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: In October 2020, Twitter suspended the accounts of anyone who posted a link to the New York Post’s reporting that HUNTER BIDEN has been corruptly trading on his last name to enrich himself and his father, just before an election.
At the time, Twitter said their policy “prohibits the use of our service to distribute content obtained without authorization.”
WORTH ASKING: Why isn’t Twitter now blocking this draft opinion that was obviously leaked without authorization?
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LOTTERY
No winner for Monday night’s Powerball drawing. Tonight’s drawing will be for a $37 million jackpot or a $22.1 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
WHOOPI GOLDBERG exploded on “The View” Tuesday in response to the leaked SCOTUS ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The 66-year-old, who previously discussed her own abortion as a teen, was enraged while discussing the topic.
Of course JOY BEHAR chimed in with her thoughts on the issue, dramatically saying this is the “beginning of facism.”
HYPOCRITICAL MUCH: These women are screaming “My Body, My Choice!” now, but found issue with those using the same quote to argue against getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
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The assault case against DON LEMON has been dropped by the accuser.
DUSTIN HICE, the man who accused Lemon of assaulting him in a Sag Harbor bar three years ago, claims that after “inner reflection” and a “deep dive” into his memory the events of that night were not what he initially thought they were.
In the lawsuit, Hice claimed Lemon put his hands down his own pants and then shoved his fingers in his face.
In March, a judge ruled that Hice must pay Lemon $77,000 in attorney fees for “destroying or at least tampering with evidence” and “trying to bribe witnesses,” according to Deadline.
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CASTING CALL
MEG RYAN is directing and starring in a new rom-com, titled “What Happens Later.”
Joining her onscreen will be DAVID DUCHOVNY.
The story centers on exes Willa (Ryan) and Bill (Duchovny) who are forced to reunite when they get snowed in, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film will likely be released next year.
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LIL JON is taking a break from music to focus on home design.
The 50-year-old musician has a new show on HGTV called “Lil Jon Wants to Do What?”
Each episode follows Jon and professional designer ANITRA MECADON as they work with a family to remodel a section of their home. Jon is there to present wild ideas, while Mecadon makes them fit into the space and budget.
The show airs Mondays on Discovery+.
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“This Joka” will not get a Season 2 on Roku.
The streaming service launched the show — produced by WILL SMITH — in March.
Insiders told Deadline the decision “has nothing to do with the Oscars incident” -- though the timing is ironic.
Roku acquired the standup comedy show via its acquisition of Quibi.
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ALLISON JANNEY will star alongside KRISTEN WIIG in Apple TV+ comedy series “Mrs. American Pie.”
The series, based on the book by Juliet McDaniel, is set in the early ‘70s and follows Maxine Simmons (Wiig) and her attempt to secure a seat at the Palm Beach high society.
Janney will play Evelyn, a full-time Palm Beach resident and member of the high society.
No word on a premiere date.
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ALYCIA DEBNAM-CAREY will take over the lead role in “Saint X” for Hulu, after actress VICTORIA PEDRETTI departed the drama over creative differences.
The psychological drama is told via multiple timelines and perspectives that center around a young woman’s mysterious death during a Caribbean vacation, according to Deadline.
Debnam-Carey will play Emily, an ambitious woman whose carefully constructed life begins to crumble.
WORTH NOTING: Filming on the eight-part series is currently shut down as crew members walked off set Friday night over a payment dispute with the studio.
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A new “Jackass” series is in the works at Paramount+.
Network CEO BOB BAKISH announced Tuesday that after the success of the recent release of the latest film in the franchise, the streamer is looking to bring “even more ridiculous antics” to the small screen.
No other details were shared.
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Roku announced several new original series starring lifestyle and culinary personalities MARTHA STEWART, EMERIL LAGASSE and CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL.
The shows, slated to premiere this year, include “Martha Cooks,” “Martha Holidays” and “Martha Gardens.”
From Emeril, “Emeril Cooks” and “Emeril Tailgates.” Kimball will host “Milk Street’s Cooking School” and “Milk Street’s My Family Recipe.”
In addition to the new shows, past seasons of Stewart, Lagasse and Kimball’s shows will land on the streamer.
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Indie film “Small Town Wisconsin” is headed to the big screen.
Quiver Distribution has acquired the North American rights to the dramedy that stars DAVID SULLIVAN, BILL HECK, KRISTEN JOHNSON, TANYA FISCHER and COOPER J. FRIEDMAN.
The movie centers on Wayne Stobierski (Sullivan), who after losing a custody battle, takes his son on one last adventure to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
It will hit theaters and digital platforms on June 10, including the iconic Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee.
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COURT CASES
AMBER HEARD tried to get JOHNNY DEPP’s defamation case tossed, but the judge denied the request.
The actress’ legal team filed the motion Tuesday after Depp’s side rested.
Now Amber and her team will have the floor.
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
KIM was initially told she couldn't wear MARILYN MONROE’s iconic dress to the Met Gala.
A spokesperson for Ripley’s Believe It or Not — who owns the gown — told TMZ that the answer was “No” in the beginning because the museum was uncomfortable with how the dress fit Kim. (It is a valid concern as the dress is 60 years old).
Meanwhile, Kim, who is used to getting what she wants, returned to Ripley’s a month later — and 16 pounds lighter — and the dress fit like a glove.
As for the Gala, Kim wore Marilyn’s dress on the red carpet and for photos, but then changed into a replica for the actual event inside.
MEANWHILE: Historians are having a fit over Kim wearing the iconic piece of history.
Dr. Justine De Young, professor of fashion history at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told PEOPLE magazine that the decision to allow Kim to wear the dress was “irresponsible and unnecessary.”
Scott Fortner, who has one of the world’s largest private collections of Marilyn Monroe’s property, told the outlet the late actress would be upset that someone else was allowed to wear the gown that was “unique to her.”
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BLAC CHYNA’s lawyer says the model plans to appeal her defamation case against the KarJenners.
Despite losing the case, Chyna’s lawyer said the jury did feel the famous family members “intentionally interfered with [Chyna’s] contracts with the E! Network,” making easy grounds for an appeal.
As previously reported, Chyna sued the KarJenners for more than $100 million in lost wages, future earnings and emotional damages over her canceled reality show.
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
A man, claiming to be a priest, managed to spend the night in army barracks located just 500 yards from Windsor Castle last week.
Insiders told The Guardian that the intruder, who identified himself as “Father Cruise,” was able to convince guards that he was the real deal, even without proper identification.
He was later identified as a fake, but only after already spending the night, eating and drinking with royal soldiers. Officers removed the man, though he was not arrested, according to the source.
A British Army spokesperson told Fox News that the “breach” will be “thoroughly investigated.”
QUEEN ELIZABETH was not at Windsor Castle during the incident.
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SPORTS
The WNBA will honor BRITTNEY GRINER, who is still detained in Russia, with floor decals when the league returns this week.
The decal will feature her initials as well as her No. 42. All teams will have the decal on their home courts starting Friday night.
As previously reported, the Phoenix Mercury star was arrested in February for allegedly trying to bring vape cartridges containing oils derived from cannabis through a Moscow airport. She faces up to a decade in prison if convicted.
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DAY OF THE YEAR
Bird Day
National Candied Orange Peel Day
National Orange Juice Day
National Renewal Day
National Star Wars Day
National Weather Observers Day
National Skilled Trades Day
National Interpreter Appreciation Day
National Bike to School Day
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ON THIS DATE
1776 – Rhode Island renounces its allegiance to King George. It's the first colony to do so. It was also the colony founded by the first Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Ironically, Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the American Constitution just 14 short years later.
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1886 – Police fire on protestors in Chicago, killing 12 and injuring dozens more.
The protestors were rallying for workers’ rights, when the riot got out of hand. An unidentified man threw a bomb at police who were gathering to keep the peace. Following its explosion, the police started firing into the crowd.
The incident would become known as the Haymarket Square Riot.
Four men were eventually executed for their roles in trying to kill the policemen.
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1970 – College campus peacekeepers at Kent State in Ohio fire on unruly hippies, killing four and wounding eight.
The unwashed, long-haired dope addicts had it coming. They were protesting the Vietnam War, and throwing rocks and taunting the troops who were dispatched when the crowd grew to an unmanageable size.
None of the eight Ohio National Guardsmen were convicted of any wrongdoing.
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1980 – Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito dies.
He ruled for 35 years over a Marxist regime, but managed to keep frosty relations with the neighboring Soviet Union.
He was used by American diplomats to aggregate the Soviets. Some foreign policy experts hoped to convert the staunch communist to a freer country, marking a change in the political landscape in Eastern Europe.
But Tito held on to his far-left ideology for his whole life.
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1998 – A federal judge in Sacramento, California sentences “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski to four life sentences plus 30 years.
The sentence was part of a plea deal Kaczynski made, sparring him from the death penalty.
Kaczynski is known for his 17-year series of attacks, using mail-bombs to target academics, business execs and others. He was arrested in April 1996.
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2019 – In the 145th Kentucky Derby, first-across-the-line Maximum Security is disqualified for interference. Country Horse is declared the winner.
The move marks the first DQ in race history for race infraction.
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BIRTHDAYS
Alex Lawther - actor, “The Imitation Game” - 27
RaeLynn - country singer - 28
Victor Oladipo - basketball player - 30
Gracie Gillam - actress, “The Vampire Diaries” - 30
Rory McElroy - golfer - 33
JME - rapper - 37
Dallon Weekes - bassist, Panic! At the Disco - 41
Lance Bass - pop singer - 43
Kimora Lee Simmons - model - 47
Mike Dirnt - bassist, Green Day - 50
Chris Tomlin - rock singer - 50
Will Arenett - actor, “Arrested Development” & “The Lego Movie” - 52
Randy Travis - country singer - 63
Mick Mars - guitarist, Motley Crue - 71
Jackie Jackson - pop singer - 71
Katherine Jackson - Jackson Family matriarch - 92
Born On This Date
Laci Peterson - high profile murder victim - 1975 (d. 2002)
Keith Haring - graffiti artist & social activist - 1958 (d. 1990)
Audrey Hepburn - actress, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” - 1929 (d. 1993)
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