Horror sequel ‘Black Phone 2’ dials up a No. 1 opening
Universal Pictures says Sunday that “Black Phone 2” has topped the North American box office with an estimated $26.5 million in ticket sales. The film starring Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames opened in 3,411 theaters and received positive reviews four years after the original became a sleeper success. It's a much needed hit for Blumhouse after a string of dissapointments this year including “M3GAN 2.0.” The overall box office is up about 4% compared to last year, despite a slow October. “Black Phone 2” also earned $15.5 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $42 million against a $30 million budget.
In London, Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter scores his first NFL touchdown
LONDON (AP) — Maybe rookie Travis Hunter just needed an English breakfast to score his first NFL touchdown. The two-way star found the end zone at Wembley Stadium when he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence in the fourth quarter while trailing the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The touchdown made the score 28-7. Entering the Week 7 game in London, Hunter had 20 receptions for 197 yards but had to be patient to get his first touchdown. Jags coach Liam Coen said this week that he’d look for ways to get the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner more involved in the offense.
Jason Momoa worked with a coach to speak Hawaiian authentically in 'Chief of War'
HONOLULU (AP) — Jason Momoa prepared for his role in “Chief of War” with a personal language coach who lived with him for nearly a year. The Apple TV series premiered in August. It is the first major TV production showcasing Hawaiian language and culture. Momoa is Native Hawaiian but didn't grow up speaking Hawaiian. He and other actors worked with coaches to master their lines. Experts say the series is a successful contribution to the language's revival. While the first episodes are mostly in Hawaiian, the language is spoken less as the series progresses. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of a second season.
Jaromir Jagr is back: At 53, the former NHL great starts his 38th professional season
KLADNO, Czech Republic (AP) — At age 53, Jaromir Jagr began his 38th professional season by playing on the fourth line for his hometown Kladno Knights in a 3-1 victory over Vitkovice in the Czech league. The former NHL great logged 10:08 minutes ice time and played on the power play unit in a season debut that had been delayed because of a muscle problem. It was Kladno’s 15th game of the season. Jagr was 53 years, 244 days old. Jagr made his debut for Kladno at age 16 and returned to the club in 2018 after the Calgary Flames released the NHL’s second all-time leading point-scorer.
Ford recalls more than 290,000 vehicles in US due to issue with rearview camera system
Ford is recalling more than 290,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera system may not display images properly in certain lighting conditions, which could increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles.
No one hurt as United Airlines plane clips tail of another aircraft in Chicago
CHICAGO (AP) — A United Airlines flight has clipped the tail of another United aircraft at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Authorities say no one was hurt in Friday's incident. The 113 passengers on Flight 2652 from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, were able to leave the plane normally after a delay. United officials say the second plane had its horizontal stabilizer struck and was not moving when the planes hit. Passengers say they didn't realize anything happened until the pilot announced a delay to document the incident.
How to watch the Orionid meteor shower, debris of Halley's comet
The Orionid meteor shower peaks this year with the arrival of a new moon, offering a rare chance to see shooting stars without moonlight interference. During Tuesday morning’s peak, exerts predict up to 20 meteors per hour could be visible under ideal conditions. Viewing lasts until early November. The source of the Orionids is debris from Halley’s comet. You don’t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.
Ace Frehley, Kiss' original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74. Frehley's agent says he died peacefully Thursday surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. Family members say in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others. Kiss' hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” It was known for theatrical stage shows with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood. Band members famously wore body armor, platform boots, wigs and their signature black-and-white face paint.
Meta adds parental controls for AI-teen interactions
Meta is adding parental controls to kids’ interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots — including the ability to turn off one-on-one chats with AI characters altogether. However, parents won’t be able to turn off Meta’s AI assistant. Meta says the AI assistant will “will remain available to offer helpful information and educational opportunities, with default, age-appropriate protections in place to help keep teens safe.” Parents who don’t want to turn off chats with all AI characters will also be able to block specific characters.
Taylor Swift fans flood German museum to see painting echoing her hit video 'The Fate of Ophelia'
BERLIN (AP) — A German museum has been unexpectedly overrun by Taylor Swift fans. The Hessische Landesmuseum in central Germany reports that hundreds of additional visitors came over the weekend. The fans are drawn to a painting that resembles the opening scene of Swift’s hit video, “The Fate of Ophelia.” The Art Nouveau painting by Friedrich Heyser features Ophelia, a character from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Museum spokesperson Susanne Hirschmann says the resemblance was noticed earlier this month. The museum plans a special tour for fans. The museum has tried to contact Swift but has not succeeded yet.
