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Gunman is killed after 2 are fatally shot at St. Louis high school

Authorities confirm that a woman and a teenage girl were killed Monday morning in a shooting inside a St. Louis high school, adding that the gunman was also killed in the shooting, and six others were taken to hospitals with injuries.  The gunman was about 20 years old and hasn’t been positively identified.

St. Louis Police Commissioner Michael Sack said at a news conference that the injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to shrapnel wounds:  “This is a heartbreaking day for all of us. It’s going to be tough. While on paper we might have nine victims … we have hundreds of others. Everyone who survived here is going to take home trauma, even the officers who responded here and the firefighters and the paramedics who worked on people here are going to experience some degree of trauma.”

The shooting just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School forced students to barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners, jump from windows and run out of the building to seek safety. St. Louis Public Schools said on Twitter that the shooter was “quickly stopped” by police and Superintendent Kelvin Adams said seven security guards were in the school at the time, each at an entry point of the locked building. One of the guards noticed the man was trying to get in at a locked door, but couldn’t. The guard notified school officials and ensured that police were contacted.

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School is a magnet school specializing in visual art, musical art and performing art. The district website says the school’s “educational program is designed to cre­ate a nurturing environment where students receive a quality academic and artistic education that prepares them to compete successfully at the post-secondary level or perform competently in the world of work.”

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DOJ announces arrest of Chinese nationals charged with stealing confidential information

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Monday the arrest and indictment of Chinese nationals accused of stealing confidential information and harassing Chinese victims living in the United States to return to China.

Garland said, “Over the past week, the Justice Department has taken several actions to disrupt criminal activity by individuals working on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China.  The defendants believed they had recruited the U.S. employee as an asset, but in fact, the individual they recruited was a double agent working on behalf of the FBI. As the complaint alleges, the defendants paid a bribe to the double agent to obtain non-public information, including files from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District.”

Garland said that the Chinese spies had sought confidential information on witnesses, trial evidence and potential new charges to be brought against the company, “The double agent provided the defendants with documents that appeared to present some of the information they sought. In fact, the documents were prepared by the U.S. government for this investigation and did not reveal actual meetings, communications or strategies. This was an egregious attempt by PRC intelligence officers to shield a PRC-based company from accountability and to undermine the integrity of our judicial system.”

An indictment also was unsealed Monday in New Jersey charging four individuals including three Chinese intelligence officers with conspiring to act in the United States as illegal agents on behalf of a foreign government. Separately, the Justice Department charged seven people in New York for working on behalf of China “in a multi-year campaign of threats and harassment” to force a U.S. resident to return to China. Two of those defendants were arrested last Thursday.

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Wynonna Judd extends ‘The Judds: The Final Tour’ into 2023

Wynonna Judd is extending The Judds: The Final Tour into 2023. Judd made the announcement on Monday morning (Oct. 24) during an appearance on NBC’s TODAY Show, and also posted to social media. The Judds: The Final Tour kicked off on September 30 and serves as a tribute to the legacy of The Judds and the late Naomi Judd.

Judd shared on Instagram: “IT WAS A NO-BRAINER TO ADD 15 MORE SHOWS!!! 🤩 In my 39 years of performing, this tour has truly been one of my favorite experiences ever. You all have been such a gift during my time of grieving and honoring my mother in song. Getting to experience all the different generations of Judds fans each night (with your vintage tees, homemade signs, flashlights in the air, singing every word to every song), has been other-worldly. I look so forward to continuing this celebration of the music that has changed my life forever. 💙 Tickets & info at the link in bio! *Presale begins TODAY at 12pm for select dates! Use code: JUDDS23″

The upcoming leg of  The Judds: The Final Tour kicks off on January 26 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and runs through February 25 in Hollywood, Florida. The newly added dates follow the current run, which has featured Wynonna singing alongside artists such as Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Martina McBride, all of who will be returning for the just-announced second leg.

Citi card members have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, October 24th at 10 AM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. The Judds artist presale for fans begins at 12 PM local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, October 28th at 10 AM local time at TheJudds.com.

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Russell Dickerson shares video for ‘Big Wheels’

Russell Dickerson has released a music video for the new track, “Big Wheels,” written by Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps and Ben Johnson. The new release is the third song to be released from Dickerson’s self-titled, upcoming third studio album, joining the other tracks “I Wonder” and “She Likes It,” featuring Jake Scott. Dickerson’s album will be available November 4th. Fans can pre-save/pre-order the album here,

In addition to new music, Dickerson will launch his headlining She Likes It Tour throughout the US starting in November; for tickets, head to Dickerson’s website.

Check out the video for ‘Big Wheels’ – here.

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Actor Leslie Jordan of ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘American Horror Story’ fame dies in car accident at age 67

Emmy-winning actor Leslie Jordan, perhaps best known for his roles in “Will & Grace,” and “American Horror Story”, has died in a car accident at age 67.   Jordan was behind the wheel of his BMW in Hollywood on Monday morning when he crashed into the side of a building at Cahuenga Blvd. and Romaine St. It was suspected he suffered some sort of medical emergency.  Jordan’s agent David Shaul said in a statement: “The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of its most difficult times. What he lacked in height he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human being. Knowing that he has left the world at the height of both his professional and personal life is the only solace one can have today.”

The diminutive Jordan (who stood 4-foot-11) was a veteran actor, writer and singer whose credits also included “Hearts Afire,” “The Help,” “The Cool Kids” and “Call Me Kat,” which is currently airing its third season on Fox. He won the Emmy Award for guest actor in a comedy series for his work on “Will & Grace” in 2006 where he played socialite Beverly Leslie, ‘frenemy’ of Karen Walker (Megan Mullally).  Jordan also played three different characters on three different seasons of Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story,” recurring in the “Coven,” “Roanoke” and “1984” installments.

Jordan became hugely popular to an entire new generation of fans in 2020, gaining millions of Instagram followers due to his humorous videos posted throughout the pandemic. He released a gospel music album titled “Company’s Comin’” in 2021 and, later that year, appeared as a guest panelist on “The Masked Singer,” where he performed gospel standard “This Little Light of Mine.”

Jordan was also an LGBTQ icon: during the AIDS crisis, he was involved with the AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food, and he received the GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics’ Timeless Star award in 2021.  Jordan also appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as a guest judge in 2013, and again in 2022 as a guest director.

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ABC’s ‘The View’ interrupted on air by protesters during interview with Sen. Ted Cruz

Monday’s episode of ABC’s The View was interrupted by protesters during an interview with Texas Sen. Tex Cruz.  The protesters emerged from the audience shouting over Cruz and the show’s co-hosts, calling out for action on climate change. After one group of protesters was removed from the studio audience, another took their place.

The protests started when Cruz avoided a question about reproductive rights and instead began talking about the economy, at which point shouts and chants of “government funding now!” built up in the audience. Co-host Sunny Hostin explained that the protesters were calling out about climate change, but the second round of protesters made it clear that this was about more than media representation. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg addressed the protestors, saying: “Ladies, let us do our job. We heard what you all have to say but you’ve got to go. You’ve got to let us do our job.”  

After some of the protesters were reportedly removed from the studio, Cruz and the panel got their discussion back on track before more shouts overtook them. Those protesters were muted and the broadcast cut abruptly to commercial break. After returning to the broadcast, order seemed to be restored in the studio, with co-host Anna Navarro telling Cruz: “I’ve been very vocal and critical of you, but I’m sorry that this has happened in our house.”

Following the broadcast, an ABC spokesperson said in a statement: “Three members of the audience interrupted The View today during Sen. Ted Cruz’s appearance protesting about climate. They were promptly escorted out by security.”

‘The View’ Interrupted By Climate Protesters During Ted Cruz Interview

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Michigan family of four missing for a week found safe in Wisconsin

Police said on Sunday that a missing Michigan family of four, who went missing for nearly a week after the father called 911 and exhibited paranoid behavior, have been found safe in Wisconsin. Police found the Cirigliano family in the city of Steven’s Point, Wisconsin at around 11 a.m. Sunday. Authorities saying they interviewed all family members and determined they were safe.

The family has lived in Fremont, Michigan — a town of around 4,500, about 35 miles north of Grand Rapids — for four years, and prior to that they lived in the Jasper County area of South Carolina. The Fremont Police Department said in a statement: “The Fremont Police Department would like to thank you for all the helping locating the Cirigliano Family. They family was successfully located in Wisconsin.” Authorities added: “They are still of the opinion that people are after them, but the elements of the investigation do not meet the criteria for protective custody. The family member that was requiring full-time care is being cared for by other family members.”

The family — Anthony “Tony” John Cirigliano, 51, his wife Suzette Lee Cirigliano, 51, as well as their two sons, Brandon Michael Cirigliano, 19, and Noah Alexander Cirigliano, 15 — “unexpectedly” left their house in Fremont, about 45 miles north of Grand Rapids, on Oct. 16. Both sons are autistic, authorities said. The family’s cellphones had all been turned off and they left behind their pets as well as Suzette’s elderly mother, who has dementia and requires full-time care. The grandmother, who lives with them, was found disoriented in the neighborhood on Oct. 17 and police were unable to reunite her with the family. She is now being cared for by other relatives, according to Fremont Police.

Early last Sunday — the last day other family members had heard from the family — Anthony Cirigliano had exhibited paranoid behavior, according to state police. He called 911 and when officers arrived he “was talking about issues or information that he had regarding the Sept. 11th attacks.”  At the time, officers talked with Cirigliano at length after concern about his mental well-being, and they made contact with Suzette and looked at the two boys to make sure they were OK.

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Boris Johnson pulls out of the UK Conservative leadership race

Former prime minister Boris Johnson pulled out of the contest to become Britain’s next leader on Sunday, saying he had the support of enough lawmakers to progress to the next stage but “it would simply not be the right thing to do”.

In a statement, Mr Johnson said: “I led our party into a massive election victory less than three years ago – and I believe I am therefore uniquely placed to avert a general election now. I believe I am well placed to deliver a Conservative victory in 2024 – and tonight I can confirm that I have cleared the very high hurdle of 102 nominations, including a proposer and a seconder, and I could put my nomination in tomorrow. There is a very good chance that I would be successful in the election with Conservative Party members – and that I could indeed be back in Downing Street on Friday. But in the course of the last days I have sadly come to the conclusion that this would simply not be the right thing to do. You can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in parliament.”

He said he had reached out to both Mr Sunak and Ms Mordaunt because he had “hoped that we could come together in the national interest – we have sadly not been able to work out a way of doing this. Therefore I am afraid the best thing is that I do not allow my nomination to go forward and commit my support to whoever succeeds. I believe I have much to offer but I am afraid that this is simply not the right time.”

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak and cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt remain in the contest, which closes at 14:00 BST on Monday.  Mr Sunak has the backing of 147 MPs, while Ms Mordaunt has 24. Candidates need the support of at least 100 MPs to go forward in the ballot.

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Thomas Rhett releases first-ever Christmas collection ‘Merry Christmas, Y’all’

Thomas Rhett has released his first-ever Christmas collection, titled ‘Merry Christmas Ya’ll.’  Says Rhett: “I love everything about Christmas–there’s nothing like the holiday season. I wanted to record some of the Christmas songs that my family and I enjoy every year. I hope this music gets everyone in the holiday spirit!”

Rhett shares his versions of four holiday favorites on the ‘Merry Christmas Ya’ll’ mini-EP, including “Winter Wonderland,” “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

The lyric video for Rhett’s take on the classic holiday song ‘Winter Wonderland’ can be viewed here.

To stream ‘Merry Christmas, Y’all’, head here.

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‘Black Adam’ debuts with $140 Million globally in its opening weekend

Warner Bros. and DC Films’ Black Adam debuted at No. 1 globally with $140 million in earnings its opening weekend. The superhero film earned $67 million in its domestic opening weekend, and added another $73 million overseas with IMAX accounting for $10.8 million of its earnings. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Black Adam stars Dwayne Johnson in the title role alongside Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Marwan Kenzari as Sabbac, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Fate, Mo Amer, Bodhi Sabongu, and Sarah Shahi.

With a reported $195 million budget, Black Adam is also the biggest domestic opening for a Dwayne Johnson-led project, outside the Fast and Furious franchise. Black Adam registered the third-biggest opening for a Warmer Bros. title in the pandemic era, however it could not match the global openings of fellow DC Extended Universe titles such as Man of Steel ($190 million worldwide), Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice ($422 million globally), Justice League ($278 million globally), and even Matt Reeves’ standalone The Batman from earlier this year, which made $258 million in its worldwide opening weekend.

Reviews for Black Adam have been mixed, but audience feedback for the film has been significantly better, with the film receiving a B+ CinemaScore from opening day audiences, and currently has a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

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