Lauren Boebert, Pop-Tarts, Mekhi Phifer & More - 12/29/2023

A Morning News Update That Takes Into Account The News Stories You Deem 'Highly Conversational'

Today's Sponsor: Blinkist
http://thisistheconversationproject.com/blinkist

Today's Rundown:
Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr. suspended, charged with rape in Kansas
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigten/2023/12/28/illinois-terrence-shannon-jr-suspended-charged-with-rape/72050762007/

Study shows TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube are making billions in ad revenue from kids
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/28/social-media-giants-billions-ad-revenue-kids/72043502007/

Edible Pop-Tarts mascot made glorious entrance from a toaster at K-State’s bowl game
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/edible-pop-tarts-mascot-made-231026454.html

Almost 5 million blenders sold at Costco, Target and Walmart are recalled because blades are breaking off
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/blender-recall-walmart-costco-target-blendjet-2/

Shakira’s hometown unveils a giant statue of the beloved Colombian pop star
https://apnews.com/article/shakira-colombia-barranquilla-statue-6f3d5ee0302a5bf9c70915a57b3d1600

Boebert switches congressional districts, avoiding a Democratic opponent who has far outraised her
https://apnews.com/article/lauren-boebert-congressional-district-race-7eeaac591178e202786fa4891620fb2b

Paramore Wipes Social Media, Deletes Website
https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-12-26-paramore-wipes-social-media-deletes-website/

North Korea's Kim Orders Military to Accelerate War Preparations
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-12-27/north-koreas-kim-orders-military-to-accelerate-war-preparations-kcna

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ONE DAY OLDER ON DECEMBER 29:
Jude Law (51)
Mekhi Phifer (49)
Alison Brie (41)

WHAT HAPPENED TODAY:
1845: Texas was admitted to the union as the 28th state.
1851: The first American Young Men’s Christian Association was organized, in Boston.
1999: The NASDAQ composite index closed above 4,000 for the first time, ending the day at 4,041.46.

PLUS, TODAY WE CELEBRATE: Get On The Scales Day
https://web-holidays.com/blog/2020/12/22/december-29-national-get-on-the-scales-day/

TODAY'S POLL QUESTION:
Was The Edible Pop-Tarts Mascot The Best Part Of This College Bowl Season?
http://thisistheconversationproject.com/dailypoll/