Cheat Sheet
Top 10 Right Now
1
Director Called 6-Year-Old Kieran Culkin ‘Stupid’ in First Gig
METHOD MAN
Published 12.23.24 2:21PM EST 
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kieran Culkin during the filming for the Graham Norton Show at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. Picture date: Wednesday December 12, 2024. Photo credit: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire (Photo by Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty Images)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kieran Culkin during the filming for the Graham Norton Show at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. Picture date: Wednesday December 12, 2024. Photo credit: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire (Photo by Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty Images) Isabel Infantes - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Kieran Culkin made his film debut at age 8 opposite his real-life brother Macaulay Culkin in the holiday classic Home Alone. Before that, his child acting career got off to an unfortunate start, he revealed in a new episode of the Smartless podcast, when he was cast as a learning disabled kid in a commercial at 6-years-old. “The concept was I’m standing in front of a chalkboard with chalk in my hand and I don’t know how to solve the easy thing in front of me,” Culkin recalled. “And the kids in the class are supposed to be calling me a dummy and stupid, all that.” But when the director, who he declined to name, called action, he started shouting at the young Culkin, “‘Dummy. Idiot. Stupid.’” The unusual approach led the actor to think to himself, “I get it. I’m 6. Stand here and look sad. I’m not f---ing method. I’m 6. What’s wrong with you?” As a child, Culkin went on to star in films like Only the Lonely and Father of the Bride. More recently, he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Roman Roy on HBO’s Succession and is a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the upcoming Academy Awards for his role in the film A Real Pain.

Read it at People

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2
Trump Hands Stephen Miller’s Wife a White House Gig
BACK IN BUSINESS
Updated 12.23.24 3:26AM EST 
Published 12.22.24 11:07PM EST 
White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller (L) and Katie Waldman arrive in the Booksellers area of the White House to attend an Official Visit with a State Dinner honoring Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in Washington, DC, on September 20, 2019.
ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images

Katie Miller, a former Mike Pence press secretary who married the controversial aide Stephen Miller during Donald Trump’s first term, has been announced as the latest addition to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Trump revealed the move in a post to Truth Social on Sunday night, but stopped short of saying what exact role the 33-year-old will have in DOGE. “She has been a loyal supporter of mine for many years, and will bring her professional experience to Government Efficiency,” he wrote. “Katie is a deeply experienced communications professional respected by all.” The pick keeps Trump’s trend of appointing Floridians to roles in his administration going, as Miller is a native of Fort Lauderdale. She married Stephen, Trump’s soon-to-be deputy chief of policy, in 2020—with Trump in attendance. Like her husband, she’s considered to be far-right—even by MAGA standards—and has been at the center of controversy over the years, like the time she allegedly trashed hundreds of copies of a student newspaper at the University of Florida after it ran an article about the school’s football coach endorsing an opposing student government candidate.

Read it at The Hill

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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
F1 Star Michael Schumacher to Become a Granddad
BABY ON BOARD
Published 12.23.24 12:10PM EST 
German Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher jubilates on the podium of the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack, 01 September 2002, after winning the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. Schumacher won the race ahead of Brazilian Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, and Colombian BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya.   AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
German Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher jubilates on the podium of the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack, 01 September 2002, after winning the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. Schumacher won the race ahead of Brazilian Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, and Colombian BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya. AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images) -/AFP via Getty Images

Michael Schumacher, the famed F1 star, is going to be a granddad. The news comes after his daughter, 27-year-old Gina, announced her pregnancy. The sports icon’s daughter was just married three months ago, with her dad speculated to have attended the wedding. Gina made an Instagram post, featuring a photo of pink western items, including a pony, with the caption: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.” She tagged her newly-wedded husband, Iain. Schumacher, 55, has not been seen publicly since a skiing accident in 2013, where he sustained a severe head injury. Known to keep his life private, no mobile phones were allowed at the wedding. Jean Todt, a friend of Schumacher, said in the past that he “is no longer the Michael we knew,” according to The Sun. Beside Gina, Schumacher has a son named Mick, who also races. He commented on his sister’s announcement post, writing: “So excited.”

Read it at The Sun

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4
Netflix Boss Ted Sarandos Bends the Knee to Trump With Mar-a-Lago Visit
STREAMING IN
Published 12.23.24 10:34AM EST 
Ted Sarandos
Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos visited Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week, according to reports, just the latest in a procession of business elites suddenly seeking face-time with the president-elect. The 60-year-old has previously donated to Democrats including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to Reuters. Sarandos is also married to Nicole Avant, who was Obama’s United States Ambassador to the Bahamas between 2009 and 2011. A dizzying array of high-powered business moguls have tried to curry favor with Trump since his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Last week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos joined Trump for a dinner at Mar-a-Lago that was also attended by Trump’s outspoken cheerleader and Twitter owner, Elon Musk. Fellow social media mogul Mark Zuckerberg also paid a visit to the president-elect’s Palm Beach club last month, while Apple CEO Tim Cook made his visit earlier in December. Zuckerberg’s Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund after his house call, a move that Amazon is also reportedly considering. Trump seems to be thrilled with his newfound popularity, posting last week: “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND.”

Read it at Axios

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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
U.S. Fighter Jet Mistakenly Shot Down by American Warship
FIGHT OR FLIGHT
Updated 12.23.24 12:13PM EST 
Published 12.23.24 12:06PM EST 
Two F/A-18 jet fighters from the USS Enterprise pass over the US Navy cruiser USS Gettysburg 21 December during a ceremony honoring the "Raging Bulls" squadron that participated in Operation Desert Fox.
Mike Nelson/AFP via Getty Images

A U.S. Navy fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea on Saturday in an apparent friendly fire incident, authorities have said. Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely after it was “mistakenly fired” upon by the USS Gettysburg in a non-specified location, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. One of the pilots sustained minor injuries and authorities said a full investigation is underway. The F/A-18, was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, when the guided-missile cruiser—part of the Truman carrier strike group—fired during a refueling operation. The incident happened a day after U.S. forces hit Houthi structural targets in Yemen. The rebel group appeared to try and take credit for the incident Sunday, but it has a reputation for false claims. The U.S. has a presence in the area due to the Iran-backed Houthi campaign of targeting ships in the busy waterway.

Read it at New York Times

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6
Hondissan? Nissonda? Fans Dream Up Names for Merged Honda-Nissan
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Published 12.23.24 1:25PM EST 
(L to R) Makoto Uchida, President and CEO of Nissan motor corporation, Toshihiro Mibe, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda, and Takao Kato, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors stand for a photo call after a joint press conference in Tokyo on December 23, 2024. Japanese auto giants Honda and Nissan said they aim to list a new holding company in August 2026 as the pair announced they are entering talks on a merger.
Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images

Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have announced a merger, leaving drivers wondering what the phoenix brand will be called. Japan’s second and third biggest automakers, behind Toyota, are pairing up to fight back against the rising threat of Chinese dominance in the electric vehicle market. The two companies signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding in March, committing to collaboration on EVs, and on Monday confirmed the plans to fully merge—alongside Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi. But after the press conference in Tokyo, attention shifted to what the overall holding company might be called when the merger is finished, perhaps as early as late January. “Nissonda or Hondissan?” one X user asked, while another added: “Can’t wait to drive a Nishonda.” One person took a different view, saying: “Hondissan this, Nissonda that. No. Nonda. Or, the objectively more evil Nisson.”





Read it at Reuters

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7

Unruly Passenger Forces U.S.-Bound Flight to Divert to Tokyo

MIDAIR MELTDOWN
Published 12.23.24 9:45AM EST 
Three Cathay Pacific airplanes.
Tyrone Siu/Reuters

A Cathay Pacific flight destined for Boston diverted to Japan because of an unruly passenger who allegedly assaulted people during a midair meltdown. Passengers endured a 15-hour delay and a forced stopover at Tokyo Haneda after flight CX812, which originated in Hong Kong, descended into chaos. The disruptive individual was banned from future flights with the airline, Hong Kong’s flag carrier. Reports suggest the person, who was arrested upon touchdown, assaulted others onboard. Passengers initially departed Hong Kong International Airport 7:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, but after the incident, the were loaded onto a new plane, which departed at 10:45 a.m. and reached Boston at 12:26 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday. They were compensated with meal vouchers and lounge access, while the airline also apologized. Hong Kong’s Aviation Security Ordinance has strict penalties for unruly behavior, including fines of up to around $6,500 and imprisonment for up to five years.

Read it at South China Morning Post

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8
Nebraska Gov Faces Christmas in Hospital After Horse-Riding Accident
NOT SO MERRY
Updated 12.23.24 6:32AM EST 
Published 12.23.24 6:30AM EST 
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

The governor of Nebraska, Jim Pillen, is facing Christmas in hospital after he was bucked off a horse. The Republican state leader, who turns 69 next week, was out riding with family members when the horse, which was described as new, sent him flying. His office said he “is alert and is in continuous touch with his team,” after the incident Sunday. However, it added that he was expected to remain in hospital “for several days.” This means Pillen could spend Christmas Day in the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he was transported “out of an abundance of caution” after initial treatment at Columbus Community Hospital, according to his office. “Gov. Pillen and his family are very appreciative of the thoughts and prayers given to them by Nebraskans and they wish all Nebraskans a very merry Christmas,” his office added in the statement.

Read it at ABC

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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
Ski Lift Crack Leaves 170+ Stranded for Hours in Nightmare Scenario
ALL DOWNHILL
Updated 12.23.24 9:09AM EST 
Published 12.23.24 8:16AM EST 
Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post
Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post

More than 170 skiers and snowboarders experienced the stuff of nightmares over the weekend when they were left stranded for several hours on a ski lift whose structure had cracked, the Colorado Sun reported. A gondola lift at Winter Park Resort—located about 70 miles west of Denver, Colorado—was halted on Saturday just after noon after technicians discovered the crack. Over the course of about five hours, ski patrollers climbed into each gondola and lowered the riders’ equipment to the ground. They then used swinging ropes with seats attached to them to lower the 174 riders. No injuries were reported during the evacuation, which wrapped up around 6 p.m. Videos posted to social media showed the surreal rescues, which apparently used a belay system similar to the kind used in rock climbing. Officials were still investigating on Sunday to try to determine what had caused the structure to crack. The ski lift’s system detected the malfunction and automatically stopped, according to the resort. In the meantime, the resort’s other 21 lifts remained open.

Read it at The Colorado Sun

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10
Bill Belichick to Hire His Own Son for Key Coaching Role at UNC
FAMILIAR FACE
Updated 12.22.24 7:35PM EST 
Published 12.22.24 7:32PM EST 
Steve and Bill Belichick
Eric Canha/USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick is expected to soon poach his son from the University of Washington to be his defensive coordinator at the University of North Carolina. The bombshell hiring, which reports say will become official after Steve Belichick’s $1.2 million buyout at Washington expires on Dec. 31, is perhaps the biggest hire Belichick has made since he was announced as UNC’s head coach earlier this month. The younger Belichick, 37, was a defensive assistant under his father in New England for 12 years. He’s the third hire in Belichick’s Tar Heel era, coming after Freddie Kitchens was announced as an offensive assistant and Michael Lombardi as its general manager. The elder Belichick, who boasts an impressive eight Super Bowl wins as a head and assistant coach, worked in the NFL between 1975 and this January. The 72-year-old is now risking his legacy to take on college football, where he’s carrying big expectations—and a fat paycheck of $10 million annually, doubling that of his predecessor—to turn around UNC’s middling football program and have it competing for a national championship as early as next season.

Read it at ESPN

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