Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finalize divorce after 8 years of legal battles
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have finalized their divorce, ending an eight-year legal battle. The couple, once Hollywood’s golden duo, were married for two years after being romantic partners since 2005. Their relationship began shortly after Pitt’s divorce from Jennifer Aniston.
While Jolie and Pitt’s divorce has been in the spotlight for years, a 2005 Vanity Fair interview with Aniston has resurfaced, reigniting conversations about Pitt’s relationship history.
In the interview, Aniston reflected on her only encounter with Jolie in 2004. She recalled greeting Jolie in passing on the Warner Bros. lot. Aniston later admitted she chose to believe Pitt was responsible for the end of their marriage –– not Jolie, who had been linked to Pitt after filming “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”
A tumultuous relationship
Pitt and Jolie’s relationship quickly dominated headlines after they began dating. The pair raised six children and eventually tied the knot in 2014. But their relationship was far from smooth sailing.
In 2016, things took a turn after a reported plane fight between Pitt and one of his children, 15-year-old Maddox. According to Variety, court filings revealed allegations that Pitt choked one child, struck another, and grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her.
An anonymous call to authorities triggered an FBI investigation. Just five days later, Jolie filed for divorce. She dropped the court case in September.
Following the divorce filing, Pitt reportedly spent a year and a half in Alcoholics Anonymous. In a 2017 GQ interview, he revealed he got sober because he didn’t “want to live that way anymore.”
Why the long battle?
The eight-year delay in finalizing their divorce stemmed from various legal disputes, primarily over the six children.
Another major point of contention was their shared winery, Château Miraval. Jolie attempted to sell her stake in 2022, but Pitt halted negotiations by enforcing a non-disclosure agreement. According to court filings, the NDA would have prevented Jolie from speaking publicly about allegations of abuse.
Jolie ultimately sold her half of the winery, allegedly breaking an agreement not to sell without Pitt’s approval. In November, a judge ruled that Pitt must disclose documents that Jolie’s lawyers say prove communications about abuse and alleged lies to authorities.
Paul Murphy, one of Jolie’s attorneys, told People:
“Mr. Pitt has never been held accountable for his actions and has at all times controlled Miraval and the winery, yet he still demands more. She wants this to end, the children want this to end, and Mr. Pitt should focus on healing their family, not pursuing lawsuits.”
While the divorce has been finalized, legal disputes over the winery and other matters remain unresolved. Another lawyer for Jolie described the divorce settlement as just one part of a long, ongoing process.
Americans will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights in 2025
Before people start to plan their 2025 vacations, they need to make sure their driver’s license or state ID complies with a federal law set to take effect in May 2025. The REAL ID law, which has faced multiple delays over two decades, will take effect for passengers boarding domestic flights.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. It was designed to improve national security in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. However, implementation has been delayed several times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the new law, all states must verify the identity of anyone 18 years and older before issuing a driver’s license or ID. This includes confirming their Social Security number, legal name, date of birth and proof of address.
The REAL ID is an enhanced version of a standard state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A gold, white or black star on the card indicates that it meets the federal security standards outlined in the REAL ID Act.
While obtaining a REAL ID is optional, travelers who choose not to get one will receive a standard driver’s license or ID, which will be marked with “Federal Limits Apply.” This means the ID cannot be used for certain federal activities, such as boarding an airplane or visiting a military base.
For frequent flyers, having a REAL ID is important. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will require passengers to have one at security checkpoints for domestic flights.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, travelers without a REAL ID will need to present a passport or military ID to fly within the U.S.
A REAL ID is not required for activities like driving or voting. A standard driver’s license or ID will still be valid for those purposes.
Smoking one cigarette takes 20 minutes off a person’s life: Study
A new study is offering new statistics about smoking ahead of 2025. As many people set New Year’s resolutions, whether it’s losing weight or saving money, there’s one goal that consistently tops the list but proves to be the hardest: quitting smoking.
While giving up smoking isn’t easy, researchers at a UK-based study said that if smokers quit now, they can start regaining their health over time.
The study found that each cigarette shortens a person’s life by 20 minutes, which means a pack of 20 cigarettes adds up to nearly seven hours.
The average smoker loses about a decade of life overall. Data suggests that if a smoker quits on Jan. 1, they could add a week to their lifespan by the end of February.
Whether it’s young adults turning to e-cigarettes or older generations sticking with traditional cigarettes, tobacco use continues to be a significant health risk. The CDC links smoking to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and lung disease.
According to data, the CDC said tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Americans.
How New Year’s Eve at Times Square has changed over 120 years
An estimated 1 million people are expected to pack New York City’s Times Square to ring in 2025, as a billion more watch from their homes across the world. Among the throngs of spectators there will be 3,000 pounds of confetti and, of course, the Times Square Ball.
The ball weighs 11,875 pounds, and is covered in 2,688 crystal triangles, all of which have been made for this year’s celebration. But dropping the Times Square Ball was not the original way revelers rang in the year at the Big Apple’s famous intersection.
In December 1904, The New York Times wanted to find a way to celebrate its new headquarters, the Times Tower at Broadway and Seventh Avenue. The paper’s owner, Adolph S. Ochs, decided to throw a celebration on New Year’s Eve at Longacre Square which, thanks to a resolution by then Mayor George B. McClellan, had recently been renamed in the newspaper’s honor — to Times Square.
The inaugural New Year’s Eve festivities did not have a ball, but fireworks and dynamite.
According to The New York Times account of the event, the tower appeared to catch fire as the 200,000 spectators looked on. But it was all part of the show, as well as Ochs’ plan to put his new headquarters front and center.
The pyro display was produced that night by chemist Henry J. Pain, who had worked on the presidential inauguration of William McKinley.
Fireworks would also help usher in the next two new years, but by New Year’s Eve of 1907 fireworks were banned and a new tradition was born. The New York Times replaced explosives with a ball, a take on “time balls” from the 1830s that helped signal the passage of time, especially for navigators of ships.
According to the Times Square Association, the first time ball was installed atop England’s Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833. The ball would drop at 1 p.m. every afternoon, allowing nearby captains to precisely set their ship’s navigational sea clocks.
So as 1907 turned into 1908, a 700-pound, electrified ball was lowered from the top of The New York Times building, as waiters around Times Square wore battery-powered hats that lit up to show the year at midnight.
The first New Year’s Eve ball was made of iron and wood, and was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs.
1907: 700-pound, electrified wood made of iron and wood.
1920: 400-pound ball made of wrought iron.
1955: A 155-pound aluminum ball.
1980s: The ball was transformed into an apple for the “I Love New York” marketing campaign.
2000: New crystal ball was dropped.
2007: LED lights.
2009: 6-ton geodesic sphere with Waterford crystals.
The New Year’s Eve celebration at Times Square has seen a ball drop every year since ringing in 1908, except for two years, 1942 and 1943, due to the “dimout” of lights in New York City during World War II.
While the ball has changed, the location hasn’t. It’s still being dropped this year from that same building, once called the Times Tower, today known as One Times Square.
How award shows are adapting to keep up with changing viewership trends
Award show season kicks off Jan. 5 with the Golden Globes. But as these annual ceremonies approach, one thing is clear: traditional TV viewership is not what it used to be. Viral moments often eclipse the celebration, leaving organizers scrambling to stay relevant.
One notable example is the infamous slap involving Chris Rock and Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. The clip, which dominated social media in the days and weeks after, racked up millions of views on YouTube. It even surpassed the total viewership of that year’s Oscars broadcast, highlighting how audiences often engage more with snippets online than with full shows.
A glimmer of hope for ratings
Despite these challenges, there are signs of recovery. According to Variety, the 2023 Oscars drew more than 18 million viewers, marking a slight increase from previous years. However, ratings in the key 18-to-49 demographic continued to drop, showing there’s still work to be done.
The BAFTAs, officially known as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, also experienced a decline in viewership. The 2024 ceremony saw 800,000 fewer viewers compared to the previous year, reflecting a broader trend of declining TV audiences.
However, the decline in award show ratings isn’t unique. Cable and satellite TV usage has plummeted in recent years. Pew Research reports that only 56% of Americans now watch TV through traditional cable or satellite services, down from 76% in 2015. Among the 18-to-29 age group, that number sits at just 34%.
Award shows adapt to modern audiences
With these numbers in mind, award shows are adapting to meet viewers where they are. For the first time ever, the Oscars will stream on Hulu in addition to its traditional ABC broadcast. This shift is part of a broader effort to appeal to on-demand viewers who prefer streaming platforms over live TV.
Social media is also playing a massive role. From live-tweeting during ceremonies to posting viral-worthy moments, platforms like Instagram, X and TikTok are becoming essential tools to engage audiences who may not tune in live.
Hosts and categories bring fresh energy
Hosts are another part of the strategy to keep award shows fresh. Comedian Conan O’Brien will make his debut as host of the 2025 Oscars, bringing his unique style to the ceremony. Over at the Golden Globes, Nikki Glaser will become the first woman to solo-host Hollywood’s party of the year.
The BAFTAs are also introducing new categories for 2025, including a children’s and family film award. This addition is designed to celebrate stories that resonate with intergenerational audiences.
While many award shows struggle with declining viewership, the Grammys offer a rare bright spot. After hitting a low point of 8 million viewers in 2021, this year’s broadcast rebounded significantly, drawing nearly 17 million viewers, according to Statista.
Las Vegas Sphere hosts first electronic residency with Anyma
The Las Vegas Sphere is making headlines once again. This time, for hosting its first-ever electronic act with the debut of Anyma’s audio-visual show, “The End of Genesys.”
Anyma, the artistic project from Italian producer Matteo Milleri, premiered “The End of Genesys” at the Sphere on Dec. 27. Having kicked off his career as half of the electronic duo “Tale of Us,” Milleri launched Anyma in 2021, blending music and technology to create immersive experiences.
The residency, initially slated for six nights, was extended to eight due to high demand. With a seating capacity of 18,600 and standing room for up to 20,000, the Sphere provided the perfect backdrop for the show.
Since opening last year, the Sphere has redefined entertainment venues thanks to its unprecedented technological advancements. Inside, a 160,000-square-foot LED screen delivers a fully immersive viewing experience. The exterior also boasts 580,000 square feet of LEDs bright enough to see from space.
According to the venue, Anyma’s technology-driven production perfectly complements Sphere’s cutting-edge features.
Themes of evolution and surprise guests
The performance draws inspiration from Anyma’s debut album, “Genesys,” exploring themes of technological evolution and humanity. Fans have been treated to special guest appearances, including Ellie Goulding and FKA Twigs, during the third night of the residency.
Financial success of Sphere
Sphere, which cost over $2 billion to construct, has shown a strong financial performance. According to Billboard, the venue generated $170.4 million in revenue during its fiscal third quarter.
While primarily known for hosting rock residencies such as U2, Dead and Company, and Phish, the Sphere is expanding its repertoire with shows like Anyma’s. However, the Sphere largely represents the rock genre, as The Eagles began their residency this fall, with shows through April 2025.
Spotify moderation features in question as users see porn in search results
Spotify is facing backlash for sexually explicit content allegedly showing up in search results. The Verge first reported on Sunday, Dec. 29, that a Reddit user shared a screenshot of a pornographic video they said appeared after looking up the artist M.I.A.
Several other Spotify users on the Reddit thread said they also saw it or something similar and mentioned erotic audio tracks ending up on playlists.
The spokesperson for the streaming service said the content mentioned has been removed due to a violation of its policies.
These incidents raise the question of how explicit content gets past the platform’s content-blocking settings.
While Spotify hasn’t commented on the specifics of content moderation, Mashable noted the company doesn’t police podcasts before they’re uploaded, which may explain how the explicit content slipped through.
This situation comes as Spotify looks to invest in more video features with the demand for visuals growing, especially with podcasts.
Edison Research found about 84% of monthly podcast listeners consume podcasts with video and about 71% actively watch the podcast while listening.
Spotify reported a 140% increase in the number of video podcasts in its top 50 U.S. podcasts list in 2024 compared to 2023.
Spotify’s top two podcasts, “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Call Her Daddy,” both include video.
The platform currently hosts more than 300,000 video podcast shows.
Spotify is also looking to capitalize on the popularity of audiobooks by adding video features.
Authors now have an option to submit a short video for their audiobooks, including interviews or behind-the-scenes footage from the audio recording.
The platform also released a “follow along” feature found in the “extras” section. It intends to makes users feel like they’re flipping through a book with illustrations, photos and graphics.
The Taliban announced it plans to close all non-governmental national and foreign groups in Afghanistan that employ women. This comes two years after the group told NGOs to stop employing Afghan women, allegedly because women weren’t wearing their Islamic headscarves correctly.
In a letter posted to X on Sunday, Dec. 29, the Taliban-run Economy Ministry reiterated its order saying, “In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be canceled and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be canceled.”
وزارت اقتصاد منحیث مرجع ثبت و راجستر موسسات غیر امارتی، مسولیت انسجام، رهبری و نظارت تمامی فعالیت های انجو های داخلی و خارجی را به عهده دارد. بناً یکبار دیگر طی متحدالمال تعقیبی در مورد توقف کار طبقه اناث در موسسات غیر امارتی داخلی و خارجی هدایت داده شده است. در صورت عدم همکاری… pic.twitter.com/kqiW7Re3an
On Saturday, Dec. 28, the Taliban’s leader ordered buildings should not have windows looking into places where women might sit or stand, including homes.
Bring first-class vibes to your economy seat with these new travel accessories
Getting restful sleep while traveling can feel impossible. But new travel accessories aim to upgrade your comfort, even in economy seats.
Whether you’re gearing up for a flight or a road trip, finding the right tools could turn your restless journey into a rejuvenating one.
Over the past 30 years, economy seats have become less comfortable. According to USA Today, legroom has decreased by 2 to 5 inches, while seat width has shrunk by two inches.
With less space to stretch out, it’s no surprise that in-flight sleep has become a struggle for many travelers.
Ergonomics expert Carla Jaspers told The Wall Street Journal, “Ideally, it is great if you can steal a couple degrees of recline from your seatback, just to put your body in a little bit more of a supported sleep position.”
Upgrading your sleep game
The traditional neck pillow is still a favorite for many, but travel accessories have evolved.
Some travelers are turning to cross-body inflatable pillows. These innovative designs support the neck, preventing the forward slump that often interrupts sleep.
Others opt for the Pluto Pod, a futuristic accessory offering a personalized fit. The pod includes a supportive design for your neck and chin, a built-in eye mask, and what the company calls “your very own sensory deprivation space.”
Other travel accessories to consider
If pillows aren’t enough, consider gadgets like the foot hammock. This simple tool relieves lower back pressure and boosts blood circulation during long flights.
Eye masks and noise-canceling headphones are also essential.
Airplane lighting, sunlight and screen glare can disrupt your sleep, but eye masks help block out light and stimulate melatonin production.
Meanwhile, noise-canceling headphones help combat disruptive sounds like crying babies and chatty passengers. These tools can create a quieter, more peaceful environment for rest.
So next time you’re preparing for a trip, don’t just hope for a good nap –– plan for it. Sweet dreams, wherever you are!
Biden, Trump, former US presidents pay tribute to Carter
Tributes are pouring in for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in Plains, Georgia, at 100 years old Sunday. And 179 people are dead after a plane crash in South Korea. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100
Former President Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who served as the 39th president of the United States and the longest-lived president in American history, died Sunday, Dec. 29, at 100 years old.
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The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded by the former president and his wife, said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation Sunday evening declaring Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning.
Biden, Trump, former US presidents pay tribute to Carter
Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.
But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY
Tributes from around the world poured in after the news of Carter’s death hit Sunday afternoon. Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and other former presidents were among those who paid tribute to Carter.
Biden delivered remarks in a live broadcast Sunday evening, calling Carter a “remarkable leader” and a “dear friend.”
“What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people all around the world, all over the world, feel they lost a friend as well, even though they never met him, and that’s because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds. Just look at his life, his life’s work. He worked to eradicate disease, not just at home, but around the world. He forged peace, he advanced civil rights, human rights, promoted free and fair elections around the world. He built housing for the homeless with his own hands, and his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe. We may never see his like again. You know, we can all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”
President Joe Biden
Trump released a statement saying, “The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Former President Bill Clinton also issued a statement, saying, “From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as president to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at habitat for humanity—he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”
Former President George W. Bush called Carter a man of “deeply held convictions.” Bush added, “His efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”
Former President Barack Obama highlighted Carter’s single term as president, saying, he “believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion.” Obama added, “Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.”
179 killed, 2 survive plane crash at South Korean airport
More details emerged from a fiery plane crash in South Korea that left 179 people dead in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. It happened Sunday at Muan International Airport, 180 miles south of Seoul.
The jetliner skid off the runway into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its landing gear possibly failed to deploy. Only two people survived. South Korean officials said the survivors were crew members and did not appear to have any life-threatening injuries.
Not long before the crash, the control tower issued a warning about birds and gave the crew permission to land in a different area. The pilot reported a bird strike, but the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Officials said the crew also sent out a distress signal shortly before the crash.
South Korean transportation officials said it could take months to figure out exactly what happened.
The plane that crash-landed was a Boeing 737-800, marking the latest incident involving the company. Boeing’s 737-800 is in a different class than its 737 Max jets, which were involved in fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
At least 4 killed by storms that spawned tornadoes across the Southern US
A least four people are dead after a storm system tore across the Southern U.S. over the weekend. National Weather Service meteorologists received dozens of reports of tornado damage across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Crews are conducting surveys to assess the damage.
The NWS confirmed at least five tornadoes hit near Houston, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 28, killing one woman and destroying or damaging dozens of homes. A man in North Carolina died in what a state trooper described as a “freak accident” after a tree fell on the pickup truck he was driving.
The storms also killed two people in Mississippi, while at least 10 other people were injured across the state.
2 men found dead after failing to return from Sasquatch search
Two Oregon men were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwestern Washington on Saturday after they disappeared last week while searching for Sasquatch. Sasquatch, also known as “Bigfoot,” is a mythical creature said to inhabit forests in North America.
A relative reported the men missing Christmas Day after they failed to return from their search.
Authorities said the men appear to have died from exposure and were not prepared for the “brutally cold weather”. They have only been identified as a 37-year-old and a 59-year-old from Portland.
‘Mufasa,’ ‘Sonic’ battle for top spot at holiday box office
It was a battle at the box office over the holiday weekend between a fast-moving hedgehog and a brave lion. In the end, Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” overtook Sony’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” on the Christmas box office leaderboard.
The “Lion King” prequel edged out the “Sonic” sequel over the five-day stretch, bringing in nearly $64 million. “Sonic” garnered just under $60 million.
However, according to traditional weekend box office numbers, it was “Sonic” that came out on top $38 million to $37 million.
