THE LATEST: Jussie Smollett is in custody this morning, charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report and is expected in court today. The Empire actor has claimed two men shouted racist and homophobic slurs at him, beat him, and put a noose around his neck. Meanwhile, video has surfaced of two brothers -- who recently claimed Smollett hired them to stage the attack -- buying a red hat and ski masks, items Smollett had said were worn by his attackers. CBS CHICAGO
EMPIRE: Smollett may be suspended from Empire, according to Variety, which reports producers are weighing what to do. VARIETY
This guy better save his acting chops for the jury.
2. DOMESTIC TERRORIST
A Coast Guard lieutenant and self-described white nationalist is being called a “domestic terrorist” by federal prosecutors for allegedly planning to murder prominent Democrats, TV journalists, civilians, and “leftists in general.” Lt. Christopher Hasson is accused of compiling a hit list that included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Chuck Schumer, MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and CNN’s Don Lemon among others. An email found on Hasson’s computer read: “I am dreaming of a way to kill almost every last person on the earth.” NBC NEWS
3. MUELLER REPORT
It appears Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russian meddling in the 2016 election is nearing completion. CNN says the attorney general is getting ready to announce the report is finished as early as next week. CNN
The report is reportedly ready to be reported.
4. EL CHAPO
In a stunning admission to a Vice reporter, a juror from the El Chapo trial said a handful of jurors defied the judge’s warning to stay away from media coverage of the case. The juror also admitted to keeping notes from the case despite being told not to. A lawyer for Chapo called the juror’s comments “deeply concerning and distressing,” and said the defense may consider challenging the verdict. VICE NEWS
Way to CYA, jurors.
5. ADVERTISING DOLLARS
Digital ad revenue is expected to surpass all forms of old-fashioned advertising -- including billboards, TV, newspaper, magazine, billboard and radio -- for the first time ever this year. Spending on digital ads already eclipsed TV commercial spending two years ago. Google and Facebook alone control nearly 60 percent of that revenue. AXIOS
Where do tattoo ads fit in?
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6. FOLDABLE PHONE
Samsung unveiled the first mass-market foldable smartphone. The Galaxy Fold will go on sale in April with a base price of $1,980. It has six cameras, comes in four colors, and opens into a tablet. CHEDDAR
At these prices, Samsung will be the next thing to fold.
7. DUKE V. UNC
The biggest rivalry in college hoops ended in an upset, with the Tar Heels blowing out the Blue Devils 88-72. But the story wasn’t the score -- it was the injury suffered by Duke’s freshman superstar, Zion Williamson, in the first minute of play. Williamson appeared to blow out his shoe, leading him to awkwardly slip and hurt his knee. He did not return to the game. AP
8. KING & QUEENS
Beyonce and Jay-Z submitted a video acceptance speech to the Brit Awards, where they won the award for Best International Group. The pair recreated the scene from their ‘Apeshit’ music video, only instead of standing in front of the Mona Lisa, they’re in front of a portrait of Meghan Markle in a crown. COSMOPOLITAN
Crowd going Ape-Brit.
9. MIDDLETON MESS
The brother of Kate and Pippa Middleton, James, is in hot water after his company reportedly printed a gift box with an image of a swastika and what appears to be concentration camp gates. DAILY MAIL
Good thing he wasn’t in charge of the baby shower party favors.
10. LEFTOVERS: SHARK SNAPS
An Australian photographer captured up-close-and-personal photos of a 16-foot great white shark. In the stunning photos, the shark’s head is out of the water, just inches from the camera. SEE PICS
This story has teeth.
** LOVE ** HATE ** ATE **
One thing we love: Diane Keaton’s Insta. The big hats, the platform shoes -- maybe she’s the original influencer?
One thing we hate: Cashless stores. Legal tender for all debts, public and private. Says it right there on the bill!
One thing we ate: All that cheap Valentine’s Day candy we bought on sale for next year. That idea never works!
RETWEET
@colesprouse: Could you imagine loving and raising a child only to have that child record a live concert on their phone?
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