Cheat Sheet
Top 10 Right Now
1
‘Merry MAGA Christmas’: Trump’s Incoming Press Secretary Shows Off Giant Seasonal ‘Ginger Donald’ Cookie
OVERBAKED
Published 12.24.24 10:37AM EST 
Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, showed off a giant festive “Ginger Donald” cookie on her Instagram.
Karoline Leavitt Instagram

Karoline Leavitt, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming press secretary, showed off a giant MAGA gingerbread cookie featuring a frosted likeness of her boss on Monday. The human head-sized treat, which she noted came from baker Ginger Betty’s in Quincy, Massachusetts, features a “Ginger Donald” gingerbread man with frosted recreations of Trump’s pouting lips and red-haired eyebrows, baked into a larger, circular cookie with the frosted, seasonal salutation “Merry MAGA Christmas.” Rather than Trump’s usual red coif or similarly colored MAGA ballcap, the Ginger Donald sported a Santa hat. In an Instagram story, Leavitt asked: “How cute is this gingerbread MAGA cookie?” Meanwhile, she recently claimed that the Washington, D.C. press corps is secretly elated to have Trump—who has long bashed journalists, threatening to shut down news networks and imprison reporters—back in the White House.

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2
‘Anxious’ Flight Passenger Climbs Out Onto Wing
GET ME OUTTA HERE
Published 12.24.24 10:42AM EST 
Alaska Airline plane in the air.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images

An Alaska Airlines passenger was too “anxious” to wait to exit the plane after her flight landed in Seattle on Sunday, so she opened the emergency exit and climbed out onto the plane’s wing, per Fox News. The flight had just landed and passengers were queuing to exit when the incident took place, prompting Port of Seattle fire services and Seattle Police to intervene and help her safely off of the aircraft. The passenger was then taken for a medical evaluation. Though no other explanation for the bizarre move was reported, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson told Fox the “matter was safely resolved.” In addition to thanking their employees for their “swift response,” the airline is still trying to understand what took place. The spokesperson added, “We are working with our crew and airport officials to gather more details about what may have transpired.” No injuries were reported.

Read it at Fox News

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Save 50% Off MasterClass Subscriptions for Last-Minute Holiday Gifting
CULTURE PASS
Updated 12.23.24 1:44PM EST 
Published 12.01.24 6:29PM EST 
MasterClass sale
MasterClass.

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Neil deGrasse Tyson. Martin Scorsese. Bill and Hillary. Martha Steward. These are just some of the people we are unlikely to meet in person, but at least we can get up close and personal with them by taking their MasterClass online courses—and at a major discount for a limited time. The expert-led platform has a robust library of educational classes on far-ranging topics: science, music, arts, personal empowerment, and more. The classes are taught by industry experts and household names, including Gordon Ramsey, Mariah Carey, David Lynch, Jeff Koons, and many more.

MasterClass Annual Subscriptions
Up to 50% Off

Right now, you can score up to 50 percent off on MasterClass subscriptions just in time for last-minute holiday gifting. You do have to take a short quiz to get to the deal, but honestly, it’s worth the 60 seconds. Honestly, whether you waited until the last minute or not, you’ll be gifting the dad in your life with intelligent, cultured content and giving them the opportunity to learn something new from someone famous.

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3
Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ Manslaughter Case Ends as Prosecutor Abandons Appeal
IT’S OVER
Published 12.24.24 7:56AM EST 
Alec Baldwin hugs his attorney Alex Spiro at the conclusion of his trial for involuntary manslaughter in First Judicial District Court on July 12, 2024 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Ramsay de Give/Getty Images

An attempt to reinstate involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin over the deadly shooting on the set of the movie Rust was withdrawn Monday, authorities in New Mexico said. First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies disclosed that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey ended the state’s appeal of a lower court decision to dismiss the charges against Baldwin, who was holding a prop gun on the set in October 2021 when it discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. The movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for Hutchins’ death. Baldwin pleaded not guilty in the case, stating he did not pull the trigger of the gun. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case in July, ruling that prosecutors and police withheld evidence that could have helped determine the source of the live round that killed Hutchins. Carmack-Altwies said the district attorney’s office “supports the Hutchins’ family and their continued fight for justice in civil court.” During a podcast appearance with fellow actor David Duchovny last week, Baldwin accused media outlets of wanting him “to die” because of the charges and said he intends to “expose what really happened” that led to the fatal shooting on the Rust set.

Read it at Santa Fe New Mexican

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4
‘It Ends With Us’ Actor Boosts Blake Lively’s Smear Campaign Complaint: ‘For the Love of God, Read This’
GET THE WORD OUT
Published 12.24.24 7:07AM EST 
Blake Lively’s ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star Brandon Sklenar urged his followers to read her complaint against Justin Baldoni.
Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Actor Brandon Sklenar on Monday urged his followers to read a complaint filed by his It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively, accusing the film’s director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and attempting to ruin her reputation. “For the love of God read this,” Sklenar wrote in an Instagram story, which also linked to the full complaint Lively filed against Baldoni and others with the California Civil Rights Department. The filing accuses him of sexual harassment during the shoot for It Ends With Us—which Baldoni also starred in—and alleges that he hired a company to launch a “social manipulation” campaign to “destroy” her reputation after she raised concerns about his behavior on set. An attorney for Baldoni has called the claims “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Since the allegations emerged, Baldoni has been dropped by his talent agency WME and Liz Plank, the co-host of his “Man Enough” podcast, announced her departure from the show Monday. Sony Pictures, which distributed It Ends With Us, also sent a statement to Variety backing Lively. “We strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her,” the statement said. “Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society.”

Read it at Variety

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This Clinically-Backed K-Beauty Night Cream Is the Ultimate Winter Skin Antidote
BEAUTY SLEEP
Published 12.20.24 7:03PM EST 
Dr. Rossi DERM MD Night Synthesis Cream
Dr. Rossi Derm MD.

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Every winter, my skin gets chapped, irritated, and downright pissed at me, thanks to the shorter days, colder temperatures, layers of clothes, heaters on full-blast everywhere, and lack of moisture in the air. Usually, I don’t feel the need to reach for a designated ‘night cream’ since the regular moisturizer that I use during the day works just fine, but during the past few weeks, my skin has been screaming for a little extra TLC and hydration. When it comes to any category of skincare, I always look for clinically-proven and medical-grade formulas, if possible, including the most basic creams and moisturizers.

While there are a few Korean beauty (K-beauty to the initiated) products I’ve loved for years, the holy grail snail mucin serum I once used religiously has disappeared from my daily routine, as has my former collection of sheet and lip masks. On my quest for a thirst-quenching night cream with added anti-aging benefits, I discovered the luxury medical-grade skincare line, Dr. Rossi DERM MD. The brand’s formulas borrow wisdom from Korean skincare traditions and each of the formulas is powered by Dr. Rossi’s proprietary Bio-Theriac Complex, combining biomimetic sea anemone peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in an optimized ratio to combat premature aging caused by skin sensitization. Its bestselling, skin-repairing Night Synthesis Cream sounded like exactly what my skin needed (it also doesn’t hurt that the enviably ageless Martha Stewart is reportedly a fan of the concentrated cream.)

Night Synthesis Cream

Without being overly heavy or greasy—two skincare formula characteristics that are absolute dealbreakers as far as I’m concerned—the night cream is still rich, emollient, and brimming with science-backed ingredients that not only keep their complexion-enhancing properties but also rejuvenate lackluster skin fast. When I say this cream is dense, I’m really not joking—when you turn the jar upside down, the formula stays put like a Dairy Queen Blizzard turned upside down. Despite its density and viscosity, I’ve been wearing it under makeup during the day, and the formula absorbs quickly enough that there’s no oil slick of residue lingering, which is another requirement of mine.

Within just a week of using the cream, the dehydration-induced fine lines around my crow’s feet and under my eyes have diminished significantly. My skin appears firmer, brighter, and more luminous upon waking. Plus, the broken capillaries, redness, and skin peeling (also likely due to my retinoid use) have almost vanished despite the arid climate and rampant seasonal cedar allergies. Coming in at just under $200, this luxury night cream is definitely an investment but one that is well worth it if your skin, like mine, is crying out for reprieve from these drier winter months.

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5
Man Claims He Helped Organize Diddy’s Sex Parties in Wild Lawsuit
CHIEF BABY OIL OFFICER
Published 12.24.24 12:19AM EST 
Sean 'Diddy' Combs
A man who says he worked as Diddy's executive assistant filed a new lawsuit against the embattled Bad Boy Records founder. Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV

A man who claims to have worked as an executive assistant for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sued the embattled hip hop mogul for sexual battery in Los Angeles, Variety reported, adding another case to the slew of accusations that have been leveled against him. In a new suit filed on Monday, a plaintiff named Phillip Pines claimed he was hired as Diddy’s “personal lackey” and served at the legendary producer’s “beck and call” from 2019 through 2021. As part of his job, the plaintiff alleged that he was responsible for organizing sex parties called “Wild King Nights,” which involved procuring illegal drugs, alcohol, and even some of the mogul’s now-notorious “baby oil.” The suit also claims that he was in charge of cleaning up after the parties—removing stains of bodily fluids and leaving hotel staff large tips. Diddy, who is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking, has denied any wrongdoing. A representative told the entertainment publication that Diddy was “confident he will prevail in court.” He is also facing a number of other lawsuits alleging sexual assault and other charges over his decades-long career in the music industry.

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6
ESPN Host Gets Emotional While Announcing Colleague’s Death at 41
‘WE LOVE YOU, BUDDY’
Updated 12.24.24 3:56AM EST 
Published 12.23.24 11:02PM EST 
ESPN's Zach Jones
Zach Jones ESPN ESPN

A research manager for ESPN has died after a two-year fight with colorectal cancer, the network announced Monday. Zach Jones, 41, had joined ESPN in 2010, and moved to its Stats and Information team eight years later, “SportsCenter” anchor Randy Scott said while paying an emotional on-air tribute to Jones. “You may have never seen him on your screens, but you saw his work on our live golf coverage, on our women’s basketball coverage or any of our ‘SportsCenter’ shows,” Scott told viewers. “But more important than that, he got married here. He started a family here. The Stanford graduate loved the Cardinal and he loved golf. He loved his wife, Amber. And he loved his son, Silas, who turned 10 last month—and he lost his dad three days before Christmas.” Scott added: ”I saw Zach in the cafeteria just a couple of weeks ago. He was hopeful, but he was also reflective. He said he just wanted his family to be OK after a recent move to Texas. He fought like hell. He gets to rest now. We love you, buddy.”

Read it at New York Post

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7
NGO Rescinds Justin Baldoni’s Award for ‘Advocating on Behalf of Women’
AWKWARD
Updated 12.24.24 3:58AM EST 
Published 12.23.24 10:33PM EST 
Justin Baldoni attends "The Boys In The Boat" New York Screening at Museum of Modern Art on December 13, 2023 in New York City.
Justin Baldoni attends "The Boys In The Boat" New York Screening at Museum of Modern Art on December 13, 2023 in New York City. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

An award recognizing Justin Baldoni’s efforts in “advocating on behalf of women and girls” from nonprofit organization Vital Voices has been rescinded following a lawsuit filed by Blake Lively accusing the actor of sexual harassment and coordinating a smear campaign against her. On Dec. 9, a little over a week before Lively filed her complaint, Baldoni was awarded the “Voices of Solidarity” Award from Vital Voices, which celebrates “remarkable men” who’ve shown “courage and compassion” in advocating for women. The NGO has since released a statement clarifying it has rescinded the award, writing in a post on Instagram Monday: “The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit—and the PR effort they indicate—are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award. We have notified Mr. Baldoni that we have rescinded this award.” Along with sexual harassment, Lively’s complaint also accused Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her with the help of his public relations team. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, told the Associated Press in a statement that the claims were “completely false” and “outrageous.”

Read it at The Hollywood Reporter

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8

Ex-D.C. Cop Found Guilty of Tipping Off Proud Boys Leader

BACKWARD RELATIONSHIP
Updated 12.24.24 4:17AM EST 
Published 12.23.24 8:42PM EST 
Shane Lamond.
AP Photo

Shane Lamond, a former lieutenant in the Washington, D.C. police department, was found guilty in federal court on Monday of tipping off a Proud Boys leader about a warrant, and then repeatedly lying to federal investigators about it. Lamond, who had been on the force for 24 years, alerted Henry “Enrique” Tarrio about his impending arrest for burning a Black Lives Matter banner that had been stolen from a predominantly African-American church in late 2020. “Whatever the relationship had been before, after the banner burning the defendant was not using Tarrio as a source; it was the other way around,” District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said. “He knew then, and he knows now, that it was wrong.” In 2023, Tarrio was one of several Proud Boys leaders who were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their actions relating to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Tarrio received a 22-year prison sentence. Lamond is due to be sentenced April 3. He could face 30 years for obstruction of justice and five years for each count of making false statements, though Lamond is a first-time offender, meaning his sentence will likely be shorter.

Read it at The Washington Post

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Get Access to Your Favorite Albums—and Audiobooks—With Three Free Months of Amazon Music Unlimited
PRESS PLAY
Updated 11.20.24 9:21PM EST 
Published 11.20.24 2:01PM EST 
Woman wearing earphones and looking at her phone.
Joyce Busola / Unsplash

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As any true audiophile already knows, Amazon Music Unlimited has long been a reliable destination for an elevated listening experience. With millions of high-quality songs and an unparalleled collection of top ad-free podcasts, the platform’s catalog is curated to capture both your attention and your imagination. Now, Amazon is raising the bar with an exciting update: Audible is officially joining Amazon Music Unlimited, cementing the brand’s status as an all-in-one audio hub.

Audible’s industry-leading catalog of audiobooks features an expansive selection of can’t-miss bestsellers, hot-off-the-press exclusives, and timeless classics to immerse yourself in. As an Amazon Music Unlimited subscriber, you’ll be free to select one book each month (of any length) and listen to it directly in the Amazon Music app. Whether you’re a fiction buff ready to dive into a thrilling new adventure or a non-fiction enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, Audible’s expansive collection is sure to have the right title that matches your tastes. Plus, when you’re ready to take a break from the book, you can seamlessly swap back to your favorite tunes and podcast episodes—all without having to leave the app. It’s all the audio that you’ll ever need, all in one place!

Best of all, this game-changing update is arriving just in time for the holiday season: start a new subscription, and enjoy your first three months of Amazon Music Unlimited, completely for free. Audio art, conversation, and storytelling—all in one place. What’s not to love? Sign up today and get lost in the sound.

Amazon Music Unlimited Subscription
Free 3-Month Trial for New Subscribers

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9
Christopher Nolan’s Next Film Starring Zendaya and Tom Holland Unveiled
SIREN CALL
Updated 12.23.24 5:32PM EST 
Published 12.23.24 5:31PM EST 
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24:  Tom Holland and Zendaya are seen on October 24, 2024 in New York City.  (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)
XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Universal Pictures put the speculation to rest on Monday, announcing that director Christopher Nolan’s next film will be The Odyssey, based on Homer’s epic poem and a central story of Greek mythology. “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio posted on X. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.” No specific casting has been announced, but the film is expected to star real-life couple and former Spider-Man co-stars Tom Holland and Zendaya along with Matt Damon (Oppenheimer), Anne Hathaway (Interstellar), Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. As recently as last week, Holland was being coy about the details of the film, saying in a podcast interview, “To be perfectly honest, I don’t really know what it’s about. I’m super excited, but it’s been pretty quiet about the project. I met with [Nolan] and it was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it is, and I’m sure when he’s ready he’ll announce what it’s about.”

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10
Hawaii’s Kīlauea Volcano is Erupting Again
BRIGHT CHRISTMAS
Updated 12.23.24 6:37PM EST 
Published 12.23.24 6:27PM EST 
Hawaii's Kīlauea eruption.
Hawaii's Kīlauea eruption. U.S. Geological Survey

Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, began erupting Monday. Lava fountains emitted from the volcano, which is one of the most active ones in the world. The volcano erupted last in September and June. The United States Geographic Survey posted videos of the eruption cascading along the caldera floor. According to the AP, the area where the eruption is has been closed off to the public since 2007 due to many hazards. Some of the dangers include sulfur dioxide and other gases from the volcanoes, possible explosions and uneven ground surfaces like cracks and cliffs. “Kīlauea volcano has been intermittently erupting,” the USGS said. “This is an exciting time on Kīlauea because several eruptions have occurred at the summit following the 2018 summit collapse.” According to the USGS, past eruptions in the last several years from Kīlauea have lasted from around two weeks to over a year.

Read it at Associated Press

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