New ‘Rust’ footage shows Alec Baldwin handling prop gun on set
Exclusive footage from the set of “Rust” has surfaced, offering a glimpse into the days leading up to the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Obtained by NBC News, the clips depict actor Alec Baldwin engaging in scenes, handling firearms and interacting with the crew.
It was recorded days before the October 2021 incident, in which cinematographer Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured during a scene rehearsal when Baldwin discharged a live round from a gun he was holding.
AP Images
In one segment, Baldwin can be heard saying, “I don’t want to shoot toward you,” emphasizing safety concerns during the preparation for scenes involving firearms.
The footage also captures moments of interaction between Baldwin and crew members, providing insight into the dynamics on set.
AP Images
These videos are part of a collection, including dozens of others, that were provided to special prosecutors just days before they announced plans to recharge Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter.
The videos are expected to be crucial evidence that could be presented before a New Mexico grand jury.
The exclusive clips shed light on the environment on the “Rust” set and could play a significant role in the ongoing legal proceedings. However, both Alec Baldwin’s legal team and the prosecution have refrained from commenting on the content of the videos.
AP Images
Baldwin, who has consistently denied pulling the trigger, may face new charges in connection with the shooting. The movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges.
With the possibility of new charges looming, Alec Baldwin’s legal troubles are taking center stage. The incident has already sparked a broader conversation about safety protocols on film sets and the responsibilities of those involved in handling firearms during productions.
The big takeaways from the 3rd Republican primary presidential debate: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 9, 2023
Five Republican candidates took the stage Wednesday night, Nov. 8, making their case to be the next president in the third GOP primary debate. And Hollywood actors reach a tentative deal with the studios to put an end to the nearly four-month strike. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Nov. 9.
Recapping 3rd GOP presidential primary debate
For the third time, Republican candidates for the 2024 presidential election faced off in a primary debate; this time, the field was down to five.
We’ve become a party of losers. At the end of the day, there is a cancer in the Republican establishment.
Vivek Ramaswamy
From the stage in Miami on Wednesday night, Nov. 8, the candidates spoke on a variety of issues, from China to funding Israel and Ukraine and their views on abortion. All while sparring with one another and even criticizing the Republican National Committee after the GOP lost key races the night before.
The candidates were also not shy this time to call out the Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, for not showing up to the debate.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) said Donald Trump is much different than in 2016.
“He owes it to you to be on this stage and explain why he should get another chance. He should explain why he didn’t have Mexico pay for the border wall. He should explain why he racked up so much debt. He should explain why he didn’t drain the swamp,” DeSantis said. “And he said Republicans were going to get tired of winning. Well, we saw last night, I’m sick of Republicans losing.”
Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy aimed his anger at the election results at Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the RNC.
“I think there’s something deeper going on in the Republican party here, and I am upset about what happened last night,” Ramaswamy said. “We’ve become a party of losers. At the end of the day, there is a cancer in the Republican establishment.”
At times throughout the night, Ramaswamy focused on former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, who was almost at center stage, a reflection of her standings in the polls. While all candidates declared their support for Israel, Ramaswamy took issue with Haley’s foreign policy views.
“Do you want a leader from a different generation who’s going to put this country first,” Ramaswamy said. “Or do you want Dick Cheney in three-inch heels?”
“Yes, I’d first like to say they’re five-inch heels, and I don’t wear them unless you can run in ’em,” Haley said. “The second thing that I will say is I wear heels; they’re not for a fashion statement; they’re for ammunition.”
The candidates were divided when it came to supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said supporting Ukraine is “not a choice,” saying, “It’s the price we pay for being leaders of the free world.” DeSantis was skeptical of some of the funding sent to Ukraine, saying, “We need the war to end” so the U.S. can focus on border security instead.
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The presidential hopefuls were also asked about the social media app TikTok, owned by the China-based company ByteDance. Christie said he’d ban the app in his first week as president. The issue turned personal when Ramaswamy brought up Haley’s daughter.
“In the last debate, she made fun of me for actually joining TikTok while her own daughter was actually using the app for a long time,” Ramaswamy said. “So you might want to take care of your family first.” “Leave my daughter out of your voice,” Haley said.
“The next generation of Americans are using it, and that’s actually the point,” Ramaswamy said as the audience booed. “You have her supporters propping her up.”
After Ohio residents voted in favor of abortion access Tuesday night, Nov. 8, the GOP candidates were asked about their stance on the issue. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott said he’d commit to a 15-week national ban. Haley said no Republican president will be able to find the votes to pass any kind of federal abortion ban.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump held a rally a half hour away during the debate. A senior Trump adviser said the debate was “a complete waste of time and money.”
Ivanka Trump testifies; Hunter Biden subpoenaed
Based on polling numbers, as of Thursday, Nov. 9, the 2024 presidential election looks like it would be a rematch of 2020 between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, the focus was not on them but their family members.
The New York attorney general has accused Trump, his adult sons, and his organization of inflating his net worth on financial statements to banks and insurers in order to gain more favorable loans.
Ivanka told prosecutors she was not privy to her father’s personal financial statements.
When asked specifically by the state lawyer if she had any role in preparing Donald Trump’s statements of financial condition, Ivanka replied, “Not that I’m aware of.”
Following Ivanka’s five-hour testimony, the New York attorney rested her case. The defense is expected to begin theirs on Monday, Nov. 13.
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee investigating President Biden and his connection to his family’s foreign business dealings subpoenaed Hunter and James Biden, the president’s son and brother, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, marking the first time that members of the Biden family have been subpoenaed since the impeachment inquiry was opened in September.
A representative for Hunter Biden responded, calling it a “political stunt,” but said, “Hunter is eager to have the opportunity, in a public forum, at the right time, to discuss these matters with the committee.”
US strikes Syria weapons warehouse in response to attacks on troops
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, calling it a self-defense strike, said the weapons facility in Eastern Syria was used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps along with affiliated groups.
Two F-15 fighter jets dropped bombs on the target on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in what Austin called a “precision self-defense strike,” adding that the safety of American troops is paramount.
“The president has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said in a statement.”
Also on Wednesday, the Pentagon confirmed a U.S. military surveillance drone was shot down off the coast of Yemen by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Israel strikes Gaza refugee camp, targeting Hamas commander: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 1, 2023
A densely populated refugee camp in Gaza is hit by Israeli airstrikes, with officials on both sides of the war speaking out. And we’re learning more about a heavily armed man found dead at an amusement park in Colorado. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
Israel says strike on refugee camp in Gaza killed Hamas commander
Palestinians in Gaza are reporting another widespread blackout, major outages of internet, and phone services. This comes as dozens of people could be seen entering the crossing between Gaza and Egypt, appearing to be the first time foreign passport holders are being allowed to leave the territory since the war between Israel and Hamas began.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said at least 50 Palestinians were killed and 150 others were wounded, including civilians, in the airstrikes on the refugee camp that took down several apartment buildings. Hamas denied Israel’s claim that a commander was killed.
The IDF said Hamas has built infrastructures under where civilians are living, the Israeli Army said its airstrikes hit an underground bunker where the commander was hiding, adding dozens of militants were also killed.
The Israeli army did not acknowledge any civilian deaths in the blast, but repeated its warnings to Gaza residents to evacuate northern areas of the territory as it continues to retaliate against Hamas and expand its ground operation.
The White House declined to comment on the airstrikes on the refugee camp, but National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. believes Israel is “trying to minimize” civilian casualties in Gaza.
In Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Senate confirmed former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, despite Republicans opposing the choice, over Lew’s involvement in the Iran nuclear deal during the Obama administration.
Also on Capitol Hill, anti-war protesters interrupted a hearing with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin concerning aid for Israel and Ukraine. Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan has more on that story.
FBI director warns of possible terror threats inspired by Hamas’ attack
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified in front of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, warning Congress that Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel could lead to threats in the U.S.
“The ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray
“The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level,” Wray said.
Wray said there is no indication that Hamas itself intends to attack the U.S. or has the capabilities, but of most concern are lone-wolf-style attacks.
Wray warned Congress of the threat of violent extremists, either individuals or small groups, drawing inspiration from the events in the Middle East to attack Americans.
Straight Arrow News reported yesterday on a poll conducted by NewsNation where 75% of those surveyed said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned that the conflict in the Middle East would result in terror attacks in the U.S.
The American Muslim community has also voiced concern about a potential wave of hate crimes and discrimination related to the Israel-Hamas war. Authorities in Chicago say they arrested a man who allegedly killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy. Police said the man was motivated by the conflict in the Middle East.
Donald Trump Jr. to testify in $250 million civil fraud trial
Donald Trump, his eldest sons and his organization are being accused by the state’s attorney general of inflating the former president’s net worth on financial statements to get more favorable terms on loans and insurance policies.
Donald Trump, the current GOP frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election, has denied any wrongdoing. Two of the former president’s other children, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, are also expected to testify over the next week.
Donald Trump is scheduled to take the stand on Monday, Nov. 6.
New details released after armed man found dead at amusement park
Medina’s brother spoke to NBC News on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and said Diego Medina was a “quiet person” who stayed up every night playing video games.
According to officials, Medina had entered Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park after it closed, wearing body armor and carrying an AR-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and multiple loaded magazines. In addition to the guns, improvised explosive devices were discovered nearby. At least two of the weapons were “ghost guns,” according to authorities.
Officials said the man’s body was found in a women’s bathroom Saturday, Oct. 28, before the park was scheduled to reopen.
Medina shared a home with his brother and mother. His brother told NBC News that Medina always wanted to be a police officer adding, “I didn’t think he was a dangerous person.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for a motive.
Second person to receive pig heart transplant dies
As more than 100,000 Americans await crucial organ transplants with a huge shortage of organ donations, doctors and scientists continue to hope that one day animal-to-human transplants can help close the gap. But doctors are still learning after the second person to receive a genetically modified pig heart died six-weeks after the experimental surgery.
Faucette was dying from heart failure and needed a transplant, and other health problems deemed him ineligible for a traditional transplant. Faucette was out of options and wanted to spend more time with his family.
According to doctors, Faucette received a genetically modified pig heart on Sept. 20, and the transplant heart seemed healthy for the first month before showing signs of rejection in recent days.
In 2022, the same Maryland team performed the world’s first transplant of a genetically modified pig’s heart into a human. David Bennett, the first recipient, survived for two months after the surgery before the heart failed for reasons that are not yet clear, though doctors said they later found signs of a pig virus in the heart.
The practice of animal-to-human transplants is called xenotransplants and while most have failed over the decades-long practice, scientists and doctors hope that as we learn more and technology advances that xenotransplants can save thousands of lives.
Martin Scorsese posts his Top 10 films on “Letterboxd”
Have you seen any good movies lately? It’s a question many of us ask our family and friends when looking for a recommendation. But what if you could find out the Top 10 movie choices of an Academy Award-winning director?
The director has now added a new list to his account: his Top 10 widescreen films.
Not picking a favorite, he lists the movies in alphabetical order, they include “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “East of Eden,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”
All his choices are movies from the fifties and sixties.
Maine community reflects after state’s worst mass shooting: The Morning Rundown, Oct. 30, 2023
A Maine community comes together to heal just days after the state’s worst mass shooting. And Panera Bread adds warnings to a caffeinated drink after the death of an Ivy League student. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
A vigil was held at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston, Maine, near where a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant last Wednesday, Oct. 25, killing 18 and injuring 13 others. The deceased victims ranged in age from 14 to 76.
Leaders of various faiths spoke to the massive crowd on the resilience of the town of 40,000, with one reverend saying the tragedies, fear and anxiety will not define the community and will not dictate their future.
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The body of the suspected shooter, 40-year-old Robert Card, was discovered on Friday, Oct. 27, at a recycling facility where he recently worked. Authorities said Card died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators found a multitude of firearms while searching for the suspect and added that the weapons used in the shooting had been purchased legally.
While a motive is still under investigation, authorities said Card had a history of mental illness.
Maine had a total of 29 homicides last year. According to the Associated Press, this shooting brings the total number of mass killings in the U.S. this year to 36.
More aid arrives in Gaza as Israel increases its ground operation
The largest aid convoy since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas arrived in Gaza on Sunday, Oct. 29.
Nearly three dozen trucks brought food and medical supplies to the territory, according to the United Nations, saying it is still a fraction of what civilians need.
The IDF said Monday, Oct. 30, it hit hundreds of Hamas targets over the past several days.
The World Health Organization said several health facilities in Gaza have been damaged, and hospitals are continuing to receive evacuation orders from Israel, saying it is impossible to do so without endangering patients’ lives.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll since Israel began its strikes has risen above 8,000 people, adding that many are children.
The White House said President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, Oct. 27, reiterating that Israel has every right to defend its citizens from terrorism while underscoring the need “to do so in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law that prioritizes the protection of civilians.”
UAW reaches tentative deal with Stellantis, GM
The United Auto Workers Union reached a tentative deal with General Motors Monday morning, according to CNBC and multiple outlets.
The terms of the GM deal were not immediately known.
The agreement follows the union reaching a deal with Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, over the weekend.
Forty-four days into the “Stand-Up Strike,” 14,000 Stellantis workers on the picket line returned to work.
The Stellantis deal, which still needs to be voted on by 43,000 union members, mirrors an agreement between Ford and the union and includes a 25% pay increase over the next 4 1/2 years, including an 11% increase as soon as the deal is ratified.
The union said the tentative agreement not only also saves 5,000 jobs Stellantis was planning to cut, it also adds an additional 5,000 jobs.
UAW President Shawn Fain announced the tentative deal on social media on Saturday, Oct. 28.
“Once again, we have achieved what just weeks ago we were told was impossible. The power of the “Stand-Up Strike” cannot be understated,” Fain said. “Over the 44 days we were on strike, Stellantis more than doubled the total value of the proposals they had on the table.”
Hours after the Stellantis agreement, the union expanded its strike against General Motors, adding a walkout at a Tennessee plant. The expansion brought the total number of GM workers on strike to roughly 18,000.
In a statement, GM said it was disappointed in UAW’s call to expand its strike, adding that the company has bargained in good faith and it hopes to reach an agreement soon.
It would take a two days more for a tentative deal between GM and the union to be reached.
Judge reinstates gag order on Donald Trump in federal 2020 election case
On Sunday night, Oct. 29, the judge overseeing the federal case charging Donald Trump with trying to overturn the 2020 election results reinstated a gag order she issued on the former president in early October.
The order bars Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing in the case, from making public comments that target the special counsel, court staff and witnesses.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan imposed the order two weeks ago at the request of the Justice Department, but the former president quickly appealed, and the judge temporarily froze the order a few days later.
Chutkan reinstated the gag order on Sunday after prosecutors cited recent social media comments by Trump about his former chief of staff, who is likely to be a witness in the case.
Last week, in a separate case in New York, Trump was fined $10,000 after that judge said he violated a gag order for the second time.
Donald Trump is currently the Republican front-runner for the 2024 Presidential Election. Over the weekend, the GOP field narrowed as his former vice president, Mike Pence, dropped out of the race, saying, “This is not my time.”
Panera updates drink warning after lawsuit over student’s death
Panera Bread has announced it is updating its warnings online and in-store concerning its caffeinated lemonade beverage.
The change comes after a lawsuit was filed by the family of University of Pennsylvania student Sarah Katz last week.
The suit alleged Katz, who had a heart condition, died after drinking Panera’s charged lemonade last year.
The charged lemonade drink contains 390 milligrams of caffeine. The FDA says 400 milligrams is the daily maximum amount of caffeine a healthy adult can safely consume.
The suit claimed Panera failed to adequately warn its customers about the drink’s ingredients.
Panera told NBC News that while the caffeine content of the lemonade was always listed in-store, out of an “abundance of caution,” the company has enhanced its disclosures for the beverage over the past several days.
Now, a warning reads to use the drink in moderation, and it’s not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people sensitive to caffeine.
SAG-AFTRA, studio remember Matthew Perry
As negotiations between Hollywood actors and studios continued over the weekend to reach a deal to end the 109-day strike, both sides took a moment to remember a “friend.”
Authorities said there were no signs of foul play. Perry, who starred in the 90s NBC sitcom “Friends,” was 54.
Warner Bros. Television Studios, which produced the series, said, “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and indelible part of the Warner Brothers Television Group.”
Here’s how much Americans will spend on Halloween costumes, candy and more
Celebrating Halloween this year is big business. Americans are expected to spend a record $12.2 billion to prepare for trick-or-treaters, according to the National Retail Federation. Here are the numbers behind the Halloween season in this week’s Five For Friday.
The majority of gory goods are bought at discount stores, followed by specialty stores and then online retailers. Local businesses aren’t getting much love, while a tiny percent say they are still shopping via catalog.
#4: Devious Decorations
People who go all out on Halloween decorations brighten up (or haunt up) the neighborhood, and 77% of people who do celebrate the season will purchase some sort of decorations, according to the NRF. Decorations as a whole are a $3.9 billion business this year.
The most iconic decoration is the jack-o-lantern and pumpkins alone will pull in $843.6 million this year, according to Finder. The average decorator spends just $31.93 getting their home all set, but you can see who is spending more. ABC has an entire show dedicated to homeowners who go the extra mile. Hopefully, their neighbors are into haunts because some of this stuff looks like it belongs in Hollywood instead of your neighborhood.
Candy corn comes in at No. 8, but if you plan on giving it to trick-or-treaters you might as well turn off the light and think of a new strategy for next year. It’s like those people who hand out toothbrushes; which, to be honest, are needed after all the Laffy Taffy the kids get on All Hallow’s Eve.
The most popular adult costume is a witch, according to the NRF. Google Trends FrieghtGeist, on the other hand, has Barbie at the top of its list this year. Wednesday Addams and Princess Peach of Super Mario Bros. fame are also up there with the classics, like cowboys and devils. Topping the kids’ costume list is Spider-Man, followed closely by a princess. It’s all adorable.
People get so excited about dressed-up pets, New York City’s Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade drew in 15,000 humans and 600 pets this year, despite facing financial uncertainty just weeks before. Dog folks say cats aren’t as cuddly, but this feline in a pirate costume is a lot better than Jared Leto in a cat costume.
USA Today writers accuse outlet of publishing AI-generated articles
Journalists at USA Today’s product review site, Reviewed, sounded the alarm, claiming some of the affiliate marketing articles published were AI-generated. According to a Washington Post report, staff writers and the union pointed to two reviews specifically, one for scuba masks and another for vacuum tumblers. The writers claim that the stories have similar wording throughout.
According to recent reporting, the newly published shopping page where the articles were found was taken down as of Tuesday, Oct. 24, but the individual articles can still be found. Reviewed employees, represented by The NewsGuild of New York, claimed this was an attempt by the company to replace their labor and cut costs.
But a spokesperson at Reviewed told the Post that the articles were not AI-generated. Instead, the spokesperson said that freelancers that were hired by a third party wrote the articles, adding, “the pages were deployed without affiliate disclaimers and did not meet our editorial standards.”
However, the union claims that some freelancers credited with the reviews aren’t real, with writers at Reviewed saying they could not find evidence online that they existed.
The outcry comes a week after a one-day strike staged by Reviewed’s unionized employees, and as union members across the industry and in Hollywood are trying to negotiate for protections against the use of AI.
Hollywood writers and studios reach tentative deal to end strike: The Morning Rundown, Sept. 25, 2023
A tentative agreement has been reached between Hollywood studios and the currently striking Writers Guild of America, signaling a potential end to the work stoppage. And samples collected from an asteroid which took seven years to obtain have arrived on Earth, holding possible clues about the origins of our solar system. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Sept. 25, 2023.
Hollywood writers’ strike nears end, autoworkers strike continues
The Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing thousands of Hollywood writers, announced it has reached a tentative agreement with major Hollywood studios, signaling the potential end to a strike that has disrupted the entertainment industry for more than five months. This development offers a glimmer of hope for the resumption of scripted content production in Hollywood, which had been at a standstill since May.
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA said in a message to its members. “To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing.”
The strike, which commenced 146 days ago, has had a significant impact on the entertainment landscape. Late-night talk shows were put on hold, TV shows and movies faced production delays, and the ripple effects extended throughout the industry. Warner Brothers estimated that the strike likely cost them approximately $500 million in earnings.
Meanwhile, in a separate labor dispute, an ongoing strike among autoworkers has raised concerns in the automotive industry. The United Autoworkers Union, which represents workers at several assembly plants, appears prepared to remain on strike for an extended period.
Internal emails obtained by CNN indicate that the union’s communication director expressed the belief that a months-long strike could “damage reputations” of the automakers and lead to “production line chaos.” The strike originally affected just three assembly plants, but on Friday the union moved to expand the work stoppage to 38 parts and distribution centers across 20 states amid ongoing negotiations.
Calls for Sen. Menendez’s resignation grow amid bribery charges
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has found himself under increasing pressure to resign following his recent indictment on bribery charges, announced last Friday. The calls for his resignation are coming from within his own party, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations against him.
Prominent Democrats, including Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have publicly called on Menendez to step down from his position in the wake of the indictment. Furthermore, fellow party members in his home state of New Jersey, including Gov. Phil Murphy, have also urged him to resign. In response to the indictment, Menendez took the step of resigning from his role as the chair of the Foreign Relations Committee.
“Those who believe in justice believe in innocence until proven guilty,” Menendez said in a statement Friday. “I intend to continue to fight for the people of New Jersey with the same success I’ve had for the past five decades. This is the same record of success these very same leaders have lauded all along.”
While some influential Democrats have not gone as far as explicitly demanding Menendez’s resignation, they have acknowledged the gravity of the charges against him. The indictment alleges that the senator and his wife accepted bribes that ultimately benefited the Egyptian government. The charges include conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit extortion, and they stem from the discovery of nearly half a million dollars in cash inside the senator’s home.
Deadly SUV-train collision sparks concerns over railroad safety
A collision between an SUV and a train near Tampa, Florida, resulting in the loss of six lives, has reignited concerns over the safety of railroad crossings without adequate signals. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has raised questions about the need for enhanced safety measures at such intersections.
The crash unfolded when an SUV carrying seven people, including three children, attempted to cross the railroad tracks in front of an oncoming train. The force of the collision was so severe that it caused the SUV to flip multiple times, resulting in what authorities described as a “violent impact.”
“For unknown and undetermined reasons, the driver slowly crossed the tracks directly in the train’s path,” the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office said in a statement on Sunday. “Five rear passengers were ejected from the [SUV] as it rotated and rolled to final rest.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the train conductor had sounded the horn and activated flashing lights in an attempt to alert the SUV’s driver. Additionally, footage from cameras on the train indicated that the SUV had proceeded through a stop sign at the crossing. Despite the train’s efforts to brake, it was still traveling at a speed of 55 miles per hour at the time of impact.
Recent poll finds Trump holds 10 percentage point lead over Biden
According to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll released on Sunday poll, former President Donald Trump currently holds a 10 percentage point lead over President Joe Biden in a hypothetical matchup. However, the poll’s authors have cautioned against drawing significant conclusions from this data, emphasizing that other surveys have shown the two candidates in a much tighter race.
The Washington Post has said that this particular poll may be an “outlier,” noting that other recent polls have depicted a much more competitive race between Biden and Trump. This includes a CBS News poll conducted earlier this month which showed the two presidential hopefuls separated by just one percentage point.
In addition to exploring potential election scenarios, the poll also assessed the two candidates approval ratings. According to the findings, Biden’s approval rating currently stands at 37 percent, a five-point drop from February, while 56 percent of respondents expressed their disapproval of his performance.
Comparatively, when asked to retrospectively evaluate Trump’s presidency, the poll revealed that 48 percent of respondents approved of his presidency, with 49 percent expressing disapproval. That 48 percent approval rating represents a ten-point increase from when Trump left office in 2021 and is higher than his approval ratings during much of his White House tenure.
Former President Jimmy Carter makes surprise public appearance
Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, made a surprise visit to their hometown in Georgia, appearing before the crowd at the annual Plains Peanut Festival. This comes seven months after the former president entered hospice care at home and amid his wife’s recent dementia diagnosis.
During the visit, the couple greeted and waved to the gathered crowd as they drove through their hometown. The Carters, who have been married for 77 years, hold the distinction of being the nation’s longest-married presidential couple. Meanwhile, the nation’s 39th president is set to celebrate his 99th birthday next week.
NASA project may uncover clues about solar system origins
NASA completed a historic mission on Sunday when a return capsule safely landed on Earth, carrying with it newly collected asteroid samples that have the potential to unlock secrets about the formation of our solar system. The mission, which spanned seven years and covered a remarkable distance of 4 billion miles in space.
“Congratulations to the OSIRIS-REx team on a picture-perfect mission – the first American asteroid sample return in history – which will deepen our understanding of the origin of our solar system and its formation. Not to mention, Bennu is a potentially hazardous asteroid, and what we learn from the sample will help us better understand the types of asteroids that could come our way,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
The capsule’s cargo of asteroid samples originates from the celestial body known as Bennu, and scientists estimate that these samples are approximately 4.5 billion years old.
UAW strike could cost billions. See the price of these 5 strikes in history.
United Auto Workers are striking against Detroit’s Big Three automakers at the same time for the first time. The impact could be financially devastating. Economists estimate 10 days on the picket lines against General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler-parent Stellantis could cost the U.S. economy $5.6 billion and push Michigan into a recession.
Strikes can financially strap companies, workers and the overall economy. Here are some of the costliest strikes in history in this week’s Five For Friday:
5: UPS, 1997
In 1997, the U.S. shipping landscape had one major player. UPS delivered around 80% of ground packages throughout the country. So when 185,000 UPS workers went on strike for 15 days over pensions, wages and part-time status, it cost the company roughly $800 million. USPS and FedEx had limited market share at the time and it was impossible to fill the void.
Since then, e-commerce has exploded with the likes of Amazon, shipping anything and everything to your home. When UPS workers contemplated another strike this summer, economists estimated that a 10-day strike would cost the U.S. economy $7.1 billion.
The fight over a salary cap in baseball — which never came to fruition — took a toll on goodwill with fans. It took more than a decade for per-game attendance to return to pre-strike levels.
3: Southern California Supermarkets, 2003-2004
In the fall of 2003, 70,000 supermarket workers in southern California went on strike against four major chains in the region. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union claimed Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Ralph’s were trying to reduce benefits to compete with Walmart.
Return of mask mandates make headlines. Do COVID numbers justify it?
A small, private college in Atlanta made national headlines after introducing a mask mandate for students, even though there have been zero confirmed COVID-19 cases on its campus. Hollywood film studio Lionsgate also brought back masks at its California headquarters after employees tested positive.
In Atlanta, Morris Brown College announced it is requiring students to mask up, social distance and not gather for parties for two weeks, citing reports of positive COVID-19 cases among students. The president of the college has confirmed there aren’t any active cases on campus, and the mandate is “precautionary.”
According to the latest CDC data in Fulton County, Georgia, where the college is located, there were 3.2 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the week ending Aug. 12. Health officials have focused on hospitalizations, where there is an 18% increase from the week prior.
In mid-June of 2023, hospitalizations in the county were at a near all-time low of .5 per 100,000 people. Hospitalizations have risen 540% in two months.
While the percentage comparisons indicate a massive jump, the actual number of hospitalizations paints a different picture. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Georgia health officials deem the risk as low.
“While the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an uptick in new COVID cases and hospitalizations related to COVID, the numbers remain relatively low, compared to the state’s peak in January 2022 or even summer COVID increases in previous years,” the Georgia Health Department said.
The same goes for Los Angeles County, where Lionsgate made headlines for new COVID-19 restrictions, including mandatory mask-wearing and quarantines after some of its employees tested positive. According to the most recent CDC data, there were 4.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in Los Angeles County.
For reference, during the height of the pandemic in 2021, there were 57.1 hospitalizations per 100,000 people. There were 43 hospitalizations per 100,000 at 2022’s peak.
While hospitalizations have risen 27% week over week, that’s in part because last week’s hospitalizations were at just 3.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 peoples. Los Angeles County health officials have deemed COVID-19 to be a low risk to the community.
According to CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, the majority of the country has a level of COVID-19 hospitalizations at less than 10 per 100,000 people. Some counties have hospitalization rates between 10 and 19.9 admissions per 100,000 residents.
It isn’t until a county has hospitalization rates at 20 or more per 100,000 that the CDC recommends everyone to wear a mask. No county in the country is currently seeing that high a hospitalization rate.
‘Barbenheimer’ is a billion-dollar blast for box office but strikes loom large
It’s Barbie’s world now. The reigning queen of the box office has pulled in around $800 million globally through two weeks, while domestic totals topped more than a third of a billion dollars.
But the box office magic doesn’t stop there. Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” had the best second weekend ever for an R-rated summer movie at $46.6 million, becoming the first R-rated film to gross more than $10 million per day for 10 days in a row. So far “Oppenheimer” has brought in more than $400 million worldwide.
“There are headwinds happening right now amidst this sugar high that we’re on with ‘Barbenheimer,’” Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian said.
How are strikes having an immediate impact?
“No question that the writers’ strike and the actors’ strike have a profound impact the longer this goes on, meaning actors can’t actively promote their films, go on talk shows, do Q&As, all those various appearances, red carpets,” Dergarabedian said. “And that certainly puts a damper a bit on the marketing efforts. And then beyond that, if you don’t have writers writing scripts, you don’t have movies in the pipeline. So that will eventually slow down, maybe not completely dry up.”
The actors’ strike will certainly impact more star-driven movies in terms of marketing, Dergarabedian said. But he doesn’t blame just that for the Disney “Haunted Mansion” flop, which came out one week after “Barbenheimer” and brought in a measly $24 million domestically on its first weekend.
“The steamroller that is ‘Barbenheimer’ was just gonna take out everything in its wake,” he said. “And I think that happened with ‘Haunted Mansion.’ The good news, I think, for ‘Haunted Mansion’ is that Halloween is right around the corner, Disney+ is waiting.”
How long before the content machine dries up?
“The longer this goes, and especially when we get into the holiday movie season, awards season, where it’s really important that the actors and filmmakers go out and talk about those movies, that’s a big deal,” Dergarabedian said. “And then beyond that, again, if you don’t have scripts being written, you can’t produce movies. And if you don’t have movies, what are you going to go to the movie theater for?”
Hollywood is already making adjustments in the wake of the strikes, which have had little movement over the past months. For instance, Sony pushed back the release date of “Gran Turismo” by two weeks amid the strikes, now set to come out Aug. 25.
Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of America and major studios have agreed to meet this week for the first time since the writers’ strike began in May.
How ‘Barbenheimer’ bolstered the box office
Movie theaters will have no say in strike negotiations, though they’ll surely be impacted the longer they go on. But for now, the box office is basking in the sun of “Barbenheimer,” the best cinematic movement since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think this is the greatest thing – the ‘Barbenheimer’ phenomenon – that could have happened for movie theaters. Because if the naysayers aren’t silenced at this point about thinking that the movie theater is gonna go away and streaming is gonna take over, I don’t know what you have to do,” Dergarabedian said. “There’s nothing like that cultural resonance that a movie theater release can bring.”
