July 15, 2024

Get Smart in 5 Minutes

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Good Morning, it’s Monday, and there are lots of celebrities in the news today!

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U.S. NEWS

Alec Baldwin thanked his supporters on Saturday after his involuntary manslaughter trial ended early. In an Instagram post with a photo of him in a Santa Fe courtroom, Baldwin said, “There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now. To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family.”

The actor cried the day before when Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case three days into the trial, saying he couldn't be charged again for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin and his lawyers didn't talk to reporters as they left the courthouse.

The case fell apart because of ammunition brought to the sheriff’s office in March by a man who thought it was linked to Hutchins' death. Prosecutors said it wasn't important, but Baldwin’s lawyers claimed they hid it and asked to dismiss the case. The judge agreed, saying the hidden evidence made the trial unfair. Baldwin, who is 66, could have faced 18 months in prison if convicted.

WORLD NEWS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed new aid and NATO membership support but urged faster delivery and fewer restrictions on using U.S. weapons against Russia. At a NATO summit, Zelenskyy stressed the need to lift limitations to defend Ukraine effectively. President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package, reaffirming U.S. support. Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine can't win the war unless the U.S. allows broader use of its weapons. NATO leaders, including Jens Stoltenberg and Emmanuel Macron, supported Ukraine's call for more flexibility. The summit focused on Ukraine amid concerns about Chinese and North Korean support for Russia. Biden's leadership was also under scrutiny during the summit. The U.S. provided an additional Patriot missile system to bolster Ukraine's defenses. NATO declared Ukraine on an "irreversible path" to membership but stated it could only join after the war. NATO also committed to maintaining current military aid levels and launched a new program to support Ukraine's armed forces. The summit highlighted NATO's stance against China's support for Russia.

MONEY

A new study by GoBankingRates reveals that $1 million in retirement savings won't last long in some states. For example, California seniors might deplete their savings in about 12 years due to high living and medical expenses. Other states like Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, and the District of Columbia also show short durations, with Hawaii being the worst at just under 10 years. Conversely, states like Texas and those in the Southeast and Midwest fare better, with savings lasting up to 20 years. West Virginia ranks the best, with $1 million lasting over 20 years.


Eating higher levels of ultraprocessed food may shorten lifespans by over 10%, according to a new study of over 500,000 people followed for nearly three decades. The risk increased to 15% for men and 14% for women after data adjustments, said study lead author Erikka Loftfield from the National Cancer Institute. The top ultraprocessed foods consumed were diet and sugary soft drinks, followed by refined grains like breads and baked goods. The study, presented at the American Society for Nutrition meeting, linked high ultraprocessed food intake to higher death rates from heart disease and diabetes, but not cancer. Processed meats and soft drinks were particularly risky. The NOVA classification system, which categorizes foods by processing levels, was used in the study. Experts suggest focusing on whole foods and checking nutrition labels to limit ultraprocessed food intake.

ENTERTAINMENT


Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” has died at 53 after a nine-year battle with breast cancer, her publicist confirmed. Doherty, who was first diagnosed in 2015, had shared her journey with cancer publicly. She gained fame with roles in “Heathers,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “Charmed.” Born in Memphis, she began acting as a child and quickly rose to stardom. Her passing has prompted tributes from co-stars and friends, who remembered her as a passionate and strong individual.

TRAVEL

The push for sustainable hotel amenities varies by brand. Hyatt Regency uses wall-mounted dispensers, while Thompson Hotels offer large-format amenities on shelves. Hilton transitioned to full-size shampoo, conditioner, and soap last year, reducing single-use plastics by 50% and offering high-quality products like Byredo and Aesop. Marriott is also moving to larger pump bottles, with 95% compliance by the end of last year, preventing around 500 million small bottles from reaching landfills annually. Marriott's Edition brand has a following for its Le Labo products, available for purchase online. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC switched to larger Grown Alchemist toiletries, which guests can buy for a fee.

Some travelers see mini bottles of luxury bath products as a benefit of staying at luxe hotels. One traveler even filled an empty water bottle with wall-mounted Aesop lotion at an airport lounge. Despite the push for sustainability, most travelers will likely adapt to wall-mounted or large-format dispensers. Resistance to change may be more about habit than quality. Equinox's new toiletry partner, Grown Alchemist, is also found in Delta Air Lines' Sky Clubs, suggesting overlap in clientele.

As for me, I'm down to my last three mini bottles of Le Labo Hinoki products from a Hyatt Regency JFK Airport stay. Instead of mourning their loss, I bought refillable bottles from a Le Labo shop.

FOOD

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are just days away, and while athletes prepare to showcase their skills, fans are planning watch parties. If you're hosting, consider serving the official wine of USA Basketball. In April, USA Basketball announced Kendall-Jackson and La Crema as their Official Wine Partners. CEO Jim Tooley expressed excitement about the partnership, which began with USA Basketball's 50th anniversary celebration. Barbara Banke, chairman of Jackson Family Wines, highlighted their pride in supporting USA Basketball.

Kendall-Jackson and La Crema recommend four wines for the occasion: Kendall-Jackson California Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc 2023, a vegan-friendly and gluten-free option with citrus, pineapple, and guava notes; Kendall-Jackson 2023 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, America's top-selling Chardonnay; La Crema Monterey Pinot, featuring strawberry, peach, and orange creamsicle flavors; and La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, with red cherry, plum, boysenberry, espresso, and cocoa nib hints.

NOSTALGIA

FUN STUFF

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