Patti LaBelle to testify before Congress on Thursday for National Diabetes Awareness Month

Patti LaBelle to testify before Congress on Thursday for National Diabetes Awareness Month
Patti LaBelle to testify before Congress on Thursday for National Diabetes Awareness Month
Getty Images/Getty Images for Capitol Concerts

Patti LaBelle, who has suffered from diabetes for over 25 years, is speaking to Congress on Thursday in conjunction with National Diabetes Awareness Month to advocate for better access to care for people with Type 2 diabetes.

“Diabetes is often invisible to everyone except those living with it, so we need to make it visible and help people access the care and technology they deserve,” the “On My Own” singer says in a statement.

LaBelle is joining the Diabetes Leadership Council for a virtual event that will convene policymakers, advocates and healthcare professionals to explore how disparities in diabetes caregiving and technology access impact vulnerable communities, especially in communities of color.

In an Instagram video, the 77-year-old icon revealed she discovered she had diabetes after falling during a concert in the 1990s in Albany, New York. “The stage was moving around, so I passed out, but I thought was I dizzy,” Patti recalls. “I was rushed to the hospital and the doctor came and said you’re type 2 diabetic.”

For those who try to hide the illness, the two-time Grammy winner says, “My advice to those who are shamed of saying they’re diabetic is that you’re crazy. Say it and live with it and smile. I have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me.”

The “Diabetes Technology: Disparities, Access, Equity” event with Congress, featuring Patti, can be viewed this Thursday, November 4, at 12 p.m ET/ 90 a.m. PT, on The Hill website.

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Ready the rum ham: ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ returning for season 15 on December 1

Ready the rum ham: ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ returning for season 15 on December 1
Ready the rum ham: ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ returning for season 15 on December 1
FXX

On December 1 at 10 p.m. Eastern time, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia returns on FXX after a two-year hiatus, and with it comes a trip into the history books. 

The episode will make the bawdy, beloved comedy series the longest-running live-action comedy series in television history, bypassing — most ironically — the genteel sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet.

According to the network, the debut will see the gang from Paddy’s Pub “at a crossroads in this strange, new world.”

The announcement continues, “In the seismic wake of Covid-19 and all things 2020…the rules are changing quicker than anyone can keep up with, despite herculean efforts from Mac (Rob McElhenney), Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Frank (Danny DeVito) to continue business as usual.”

FXX teases, “Now, they must face the music and decide who they’ll become in the cultural upheaval that is 2021. Across the span of eight episodes — and the Atlantic Ocean — we find them answer in a way only they could think to.”

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New Jersey’s 2021 gubernatorial election results

New Jersey’s 2021 gubernatorial election results
New Jersey’s 2021 gubernatorial election results
Дмитрий Ларичев/iStock

(NEW YORK) — Voters in New Jersey headed to the polls on Tuesday to weigh in on Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s reelection bid. New Jersey and Virginia were the only two states with a gubernatorial election in an off year, and all eyes were on them as the first official test for President Joe Biden at the ballot box.

But as of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the New Jersey governor’s race was still too close to call.

Murphy and former member of the state assembly Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee, were swapping leads in early vote totals, but as heavily-Democratic counties processed mail-in ballots Wednesday afternoon, Murphy widened his lead over Ciattarelli. Still, vote totals remained outstanding.

Leading up to the election, Murphy comfortably led in public polling, but the race was still seen as a referendum on Biden’s agenda.

Democrats nationwide have attempted to equate all Republicans with former President Donald Trump, but Republicans deployed that same tactic as they tied Democrats to Biden, whose poll numbers began to sink over the summer with the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the spread of the delta variant and congressional negotiations over his agenda.

National Democrats, while more concerned with Virginia, swung through New Jersey to stump for Murphy, as well. He’s hosted former President Barack Obama, First lady Jill Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

Although New Jersey is reliable for Democrats when it comes to presidential and Senate elections, if he wins, Murphy would be the first Democratic governor reelected by New Jerseyans in more than 40 years.

Counties are colored red or blue when the % expected vote reporting reaches a set threshold. This threshold varies by state and is based on patterns of past vote reporting and expectations about how the vote will report this year.

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Maynard James Keenan announces premiere of previously unreleased film capturing 2016 book event

Maynard James Keenan announces premiere of previously unreleased film capturing 2016 book event
Maynard James Keenan announces premiere of previously unreleased film capturing 2016 book event
‎ Backbeat Books

Maynard James Keenan has announced the premiere of a previously unreleased film called A Curmudgeon’s Guide to Divine Collisions and Pythagorean Oenology.

The ornately titled special captures a 2016 live event during the Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer frontman’s tour in support of his book A Perfect Union of Contrary Things, which was released that year.

A Curmudgeon’s Guide is set to premiere November 12 alongside the launch of Puscifer TV, an online library of the band’s filmed performances and projects available for on-demand rent and purchase.

Other titles so far announced for Puscifer TV include the group’s 2020 and 2021 streaming concerts, as well as their 2013 live release What Is…Puscifer.

You can check out a trailer for the film at the band’s official YouTube channel.

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Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers placed on COVID-19 list

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers placed on COVID-19 list
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers placed on COVID-19 list
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

(GREEN BAY, Wis.) — Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will miss this Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs after being put on the NFL’s COVID-19 list, the team said.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon that he is unsure how long Rodgers, 37, will be out beyond this week, and that backup quarterback Jordan Love will start at Kansas City in his place.

LaFleur said he couldn’t comment on whether Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and was unsure if the athlete is experiencing any symptoms. He also wouldn’t confirm whether Rodgers was vaccinated against COVID-19.

“I think everybody has to make their own personal decision, and that’s just what it is,” the coach said.

The announcement sparked some confusion around Rodgers’ vaccination status.

ESPN reported Wednesday, citing sources, that the reigning NFL MVP purportedly petitioned the NFL to have an alternative treatment allow him to be considered vaccinated.

The league ultimately ruled that Rodgers would not be considered vaccinated, according to ESPN sources. However, Rodgers has not been wearing a mask while in-person at news conferences. The Packers have put unvaccinated players on Zoom during media sessions, ESPN reported.

In August, Rodgers responded that he’s been “immunized” when asked about his vaccination status during a media session.

“You know, there’s a lot of conversation around it, around the league, and a lot of guys who have made statements and not made statements, owners who have made statements,” Rodgers said at the time. “There’s guys on the team that haven’t been vaccinated. I think it’s a personal decision. I’m not going to judge those guys. There are guys that’ve been vaccinated that have contracted COVID. It’s an interesting issue that I think we’re going to see played out the entire season.”

Each team is responsible for enforcing COVID-19 protocols, an NFL spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News.

“Failure to properly enforce the protocols has resulted in discipline being assessed against individual clubs in the past,” the spokesperson said. “The league is aware of the current situation in Green Bay and will be reviewing with the Packers.”

Under NFL protocols, unvaccinated players are tested daily, while vaccinated players are tested weekly. Unvaccinated players who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for at least 10 days. NFL teams could face potential forfeits and lost paychecks for outbreaks among unvaccinated players.

From Oct. 3 to 16, the most recent COVID-19 reporting period from the NFL, there were 14 new confirmed positive tests among players and 26 among personnel, with an overall incidence rate of 0.6%.

As of Oct. 21, 94.1% of NFL players were vaccinated, the league said.

ABC News’ Katie Conway contributed to this report.

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Jimmie Allen will flex his reporting skills for ABC News Live On the Red Carpet pre-show coverage

Jimmie Allen will flex his reporting skills for ABC News Live On the Red Carpet pre-show coverage
Jimmie Allen will flex his reporting skills for ABC News Live On the Red Carpet pre-show coverage
ABC/Maarten de Boer

Jimmie Allen will hit the red carpet ahead of the 2021 CMA Awards, joining forces with Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer and ABC’s George Pennacchio to report live on all the action before the big night.

On the Red Carpet will be a first-ever simulcast event, and will stream on ABC News Live beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on November 10. It’ll feature interviews with some of country music’s biggest stars as they walk the red carpet before the show.

You can catch the first hour of coverage on ABC News Live and across ABC Owned Television Stations’ TV apps. Starting at 7:30 ET, coverage will air on ABC owned TV stations, too. Check local listings to find out how to watch.

Aside from serving as a star reporter from the pre-show carpet, Jimmie’s also nominated for Best New Artist at this year’s CMA Awards show.

The CMAs air November 10 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Tupac Shakur’s estate announces museum exhibit to open January 2022 in Los Angeles

Tupac Shakur’s estate announces museum exhibit to open January 2022 in Los Angeles
Tupac Shakur’s estate announces museum exhibit to open January 2022 in Los Angeles
Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Twenty-five years after his death, the legacy of the late Tupac Shakur will explored in an immersive museum experience in Los Angeles

Wake Me When I’m Free, created in collaboration with the Shakur Estate, is described as “part museum, part art installation, part sensory experience.” It will open January 21, 2022 at at The Canvas @ L.A. Live

“It is a privilege to be a part of such a monumental project,” creative director Jeremy Hodges said in a statement. “Tupac Shakur was my Malcolm [X]; he was my Martin [Luther King Jr.], and to build an experience that honors such a prolific man, cannot be summed up in words. We wanted to create a memorable experience that will inspire you to be better than when you walked in, all while leaving you with the knowledge that he was a true revolutionary spirit.”

“Tupac Shakur was without a doubt one of the most important artists of his generation, transforming culture through his music and ideas,” says the show’s executive producer, Vice Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records Steve Berman. ‘Wake Me When I’m Free’ honors Tupac’s extraordinary contributions and I know I speak for the entire Interscope and Universal Music Group family that we are so proud to be able to collaborate with our partners to bring this incredible exhibit to life.”

The iconic rapper died on September 13, 1996, six days after being shot while riding in Las Vegas with Death Row Records founder Suge Knight. Tupac was 25 years old.

Pre-sale tickets for Wake Me When I’m Free will go on sale on Tuesday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. PT, and general tickets go on sale on Friday, Nov. 12 at 10:00 a.m. PT., on the event website.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tupac Shakur (@2pac)

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What’s the buzz? A high-tech Pete Davidson sex toy

What’s the buzz? A high-tech Pete Davidson sex toy
What’s the buzz? A high-tech Pete Davidson sex toy
Rosalind O’Connor/NBC

(NOTE NATURE, CONTENT) Just when you thought the idea of Kim Kardashian traveling to Staten Island to hang out with Pete Davidson was surprising enough, comes this development. 

Looking to take advantage of the documented — albeit, some might say puzzling — hold Davidson apparently has on Hollywood’s leading ladies, the adult site CamSoda has crafted a sex toy in his…honor?

What’s more, the tattoo-decorated Bluetooth connected device can be synced to…go to work…whenever the heavily inked Saturday Night Live funnyman appears onscreen. 

The 27-year-old comedian and actor was famously, briefly engaged to Ariana Grande, but moved on in 2018.

Since then, he’s been linked to Underworld stunner Kate Beckinsale, model Kaia Gerber, actress Margaret Qualley and — prior to making headlines with the now-single Kim K — Bridgerton‘s Pheobe Dynevor.

“Pete doesn’t have to be locked down with just Kim. We can all share a piece of the SNL stud and get to know him more intimately,” said CamSoda VP Daryn Parker.

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U2 premieres new single “Your Song Saved My Life” for ’Sing 2′ movie

U2 premieres new single “Your Song Saved My Life” for ’Sing 2′ movie
U2 premieres new single “Your Song Saved My Life” for ’Sing 2′ movie
This Compilation/Univeversal Pictures/Republic Records

U2 has premiered a new single called “Your Song Saved My Life.”

The characteristically uplifting tune was recorded for the upcoming animated film Sing 2, in which Bono voices a rock-star lion character named Clay Calloway. The movie hits theaters this Christmas.

You can listen to “Your Song Saved My Life,” which U2 previously teased via their newly launched TikTok profile, now via digital outlets. It’s U2’s first new, original song in two years, though Bono and The Edge just contributed to a track with DJ and producer Martin Garrix called “We Are the People” earlier this year.

U2’s most recent album is 2017’s Songs of Experience.

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NFL player Henry Ruggs driving 156 mph seconds before fatal crash, police say

NFL player Henry Ruggs driving 156 mph seconds before fatal crash, police say
NFL player Henry Ruggs driving 156 mph seconds before fatal crash, police say
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

(LAS VEGAS) — NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was driving 156 mph seconds before he slammed his Corvette into the back of a Toyota SUV in Las Vegas early Tuesday morning, killing the driver, according to a police report.

Ruggs, who was released by the Las Vegas Raiders the same day as the accident, made his first court appearance on Wednesday showing visible cuts to the bridge of his nose and wearing a neck collar. The 22-year-old, who police said appeared impaired at the crash scene, has been charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving resulting in death. He did not enter a plea.

“It’s about choices, and if someone decides to drive under the influence, and drive in excess of 150 mph, we’re going to seek justice,” Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said at a press conference after Ruggs’ hearing. “This is a tragic and sad day. It’s a tragedy because a woman lost her life and a lot of other people are suffering. It’s also sad and tragic that Mr. Ruggs is potentially losing an entire career and facing a stiff prison sentence.”

The 23-year-old driver of the Toyota Rav4 who died in the crash has not been identified. A dog in the vehicle also was killed, according to a police report.

The police report tells of several eyewitnesses to the accident rushing to pull the woman from the burning vehicle, but she was trapped and rescuers were unable to help her as they were overcome by smoke and flames.

Ruggs refused a field sobriety test, according to police, but prosecutor Eric Bauman said in court Wednesday that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.161% — more than twice the legal limit in Nevada.

Prosecutors also said they found a loaded handgun on the floor of Ruggs’ Corvette.

Ruggs’ passenger, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, 22, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

“Life is about choices. Mr. Ruggs made a choice,” Wolfson said. “And the difficulty I have is there’s so many alternatives. There’s ride-sharing. There’s a designated driver, there’s a taxi, there’s so many alternatives, but Mr. Ruggs made a choice and he’s going to have to live with the consequences.”

Wolfson said the minimum sentence for Ruggs would be two years, with a possible maximum of 46 years, though that could increase if gun charges are filed.

The former first-round pick, considered a rising star in the league, was leading the team in receiving yards and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns.

Ruggs posted $150,000 bail. His next court appearance is Nov. 10.

ABC News’ Jennifer Watts and Bonnie McLean contributed to this report.

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