“‘Black Phone 2’ Tops Box Office with $26.5 Million Opening”

Universal Pictures announced that the horror sequel ‘Black Phone 2’ has debuted at the top of the North American box office, generating an estimated $26.5 million in ticket sales over its opening weekend. The film, starring Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames, premiered in 3,411 theaters and received positive reviews, following the sleeper success of its predecessor four years ago. This success is significant for Blumhouse Productions, which has faced challenges in the market this year, including disappointing performances from films like M3GAN 2.0.

The overall box office has seen a slight increase of approximately 4% compared to last year, despite a sluggish October. In addition to its domestic success, ‘Black Phone 2’ earned $15.5 million internationally, bringing its total to $42 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million.

Travis Hunter Shines in London NFL Game

In a thrilling match at Wembley Stadium, Travis Hunter, the rookie sensation for the Jacksonville Jaguars, secured his first NFL touchdown. The moment came in the fourth quarter when he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, contributing to the Jaguars’ 28-7 lead over the Los Angeles Rams. Entering this Week 7 game, Hunter had recorded 20 receptions for 197 yards but had been waiting for this pivotal scoring opportunity. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen indicated he would seek ways to integrate the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner into the offense more effectively in future games.

Jason Momoa Champions Hawaiian Heritage

Actor Jason Momoa prepared extensively for his role in the Apple TV series ‘Chief of War’, working with a personal language coach for nearly a year to authentically portray the Hawaiian language. The series premiered in August and is notable for being the first major television production to highlight Hawaiian culture and language. Although Momoa is of Native Hawaiian descent, he did not grow up speaking Hawaiian fluently. The series has been praised for its role in the revival of the language, although experts note that the use of Hawaiian diminishes as the series progresses. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of a potential second season.

Jaromir Jagr Returns for 38th Season

At the age of 53, legendary hockey player Jaromir Jagr commenced his 38th professional season with the Kladno Knights in the Czech league. Jagr played on the fourth line during a 3-1 victory over Vitkovice, logging 10:08 minutes of ice time and contributing to the power play. His return to Kladno marks a significant milestone, as he first debuted with the team at age 16 and made his comeback in 2018 after being released by the Calgary Flames. At 53 years and 244 days old, Jagr continues to defy age in a sport known for its physical demands.

Ford Issues Recall for Over 290,000 Vehicles

Ford is recalling more than 290,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential issue with the rearview camera system. The recall affects certain models from 2020-2022, including the F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD, where the camera may not display images properly under specific lighting conditions, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

United Airlines Incident at Chicago O’Hare

A United Airlines flight experienced a minor incident at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport when it clipped the tail of another United aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 113 passengers on Flight 2652, which was arriving from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Passengers were able to disembark normally following a brief delay as the incident was documented. The second aircraft was stationary and had its horizontal stabilizer struck during the encounter, causing no further complications.

Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week

The Orionid meteor shower will peak this week, coinciding with a new moon, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers to witness shooting stars without the interference of moonlight. During the peak on Tuesday morning, experts predict that up to 20 meteors per hour could be visible under ideal conditions. The meteor shower is a result of debris from Halley’s Comet and will be observable until early November. Stargazers do not require special equipment; a location away from city lights will enhance visibility.

Ace Frehley of Kiss Passes Away at 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the renowned band Kiss, has passed away at the age of 74. His agent confirmed that Frehley died peacefully on Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. Family members expressed their devastation in a statement, remembering his laughter and the kindness he shared with others. Known for their theatrical performances, Kiss captivated audiences with hits like ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ and ‘Detroit Rock City’, featuring elaborate stage shows filled with fireworks, smoke, and signature face paint.

Meta Introduces Parental Controls for AI Interactions

In a move aimed at enhancing user safety, Meta has announced the introduction of parental controls for children’s interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots. Parents will have the option to disable one-on-one chats with AI characters, although the AI assistant will remain active to provide educational content with built-in age-appropriate protections. For those who prefer not to turn off chats entirely, specific AI characters can be blocked.

Taylor Swift Fans Flock to German Museum

In an unexpected turn of events, the Hessische Landesmuseum in Germany saw an influx of visitors, largely attributed to fans of Taylor Swift. The museum reported a significant increase in attendance over the weekend as fans sought to view a painting reminiscent of Swift’s hit video, ‘The Fate of Ophelia’. The Art Nouveau painting by Friedrich Heyser, which depicts Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, has drawn attention since a resemblance was noted earlier this month. The museum plans to organize a special tour for fans and has attempted to reach out to Swift for collaboration.