Report details allegations against Hegseth, Trump’s defense pick; all the CMA Awards winners; and the Steelers face the Browns

Good morning, everyone. Can’t wait to see Wicked? Get in the spirit with these pink and green cocktails. Now, on to the news.

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NEED TO KNOW

Trump nominees face allegations

Another one of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration picks is facing scrutiny after a California police department report related to sexual assault claims made against him in 2017 was released last night.

The report: In a 22-page report, a woman accused Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, of blocking her from leaving a hotel room before sexually assaulting her. Hegseth claimed the encounter was consensual, and there were no charges filed. [Los Angeles Times]

Plus, a Gaetz update: The Hegseth report came on the same day that a House committee’s vote deadlocked over whether to release a report on alleged misconduct by Trump’s attorney general pick, Matt Gaetz. Another meeting is set for Dec. 5. [CNN]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

?? It’s Wallen’s world

Raise your whiskey glasses to Morgan Wallen, who won Entertainer of the Year at last night’s Country Music Association Awards. Check out the best red carpet looks, and let Jelly Roll and Brooks & Dunn take you to church. [People/Yahoo Entertainment/Billboard]

?? Remembering Liam

Liam Payne was laid to rest in the U.K. Family and friends, including his former One Direction bandmates, attended the funeral for the singer, who died suddenly at 31 after falling from a hotel balcony. [BBC News]

?? Turkey’s getting cheaper

Your Thanksgiving feast might cost a bit less this year. New Farm Bureau data showed that turkey prices are down 6%, thanks in part to “cooling demand” for the centerpiece bird as more people opt for beef or pork. [Reuters]

?? The year’s best books

Authors Percival Everett’s James and Jason De León’s Soldiers and Kings took home the top honors at last night’s National Book Awards. See if your fav books from this year made the list. [AP]

?? A bananas art auction

Maurizio Cattelan’s art piece “Comedian,” a “rhapsodically venerated” piece that’s quite literally just a banana duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.24 million at auction. Ugh, why didn’t we think of that? [NBC News]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

?? New on Prime Video: The TV adaptation of Cruel Intentions dropped overnight. Could be as spicy as the original, or could be “too boring to offend.” [TheWrap]

? Baseball fans: Does your favorite player have what it takes to nab the coveted MLB MVP award? Find out during tonight’s ceremony at 6 p.m. ET on the MLB Network. [NBC Sports]

?? On the rink, the coachless Bruins battle the Hockey Club at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. [Hockey News]

?? Cavaliers fans, have you recovered from last night? If so, your Cavs get a shot at redemption against the Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. [Yahoo Sports]

?? On Thursday Night Football: It’s a steel-town showdown, with the Steelers facing the Browns at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. [WPXI Pittsburgh]

?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1976, Rocky, starring Sylvester Stallone as the underdog prizefighter Rocky Balboa, debuted in New York City. Though it later became a multiple Oscar winner, Stallone said in his 2023 documentary that he initially thought the movie would “bomb” after most of the audience walked out of an early screening. [Insider]

3 QUESTIONS

...about Wicked

“Glicked” weekend is about to begin. I asked Yahoo Entertainment reporter Taryn Rider, who interviewed the cast, what to expect with Wicked.

Jessica: Give me a refresher: What’s Wicked about?

Taryn: For sure! It’s based on the popular musical and is essentially an origin story of how the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, came to be. It takes place before and after Dorothy's arrival in Oz. Part 1 shows the unlikely friendship of Elphaba and Glinda the Good Witch.

Jessica: You’ve already seen Part 1. Is it worth a watch?

Taryn: Yes! I spoke to Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) about their offscreen “no BS” friendship, which created an amazing chemistry onscreen. Plus, it’s PG and appropriate for kids — they won’t understand the underlying darker, political themes.

Jessica: This movie is split into two parts. Why?

Taryn: The short answer: That’s show business! But honestly, after seeing it, I’m so happy it’s split into two parts. It would have been a disservice to the characters who Erivo and Grande have brought to life.

What is “Glicked”? It’s the new “Barbenheimer.” Here’s an explainer.

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

There’s a new 314-pound baby on the block: Kirby, the Houston Zoo’s newest Asian elephant. But don’t book your zoo tickets just yet. Officials say Kirby and her mom need “several days bonding behind the scenes before they are ready to make their public debut.” [USA Today]

Have a great day. See you tomorrow!

?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Do you like to reward yourself with a little treat after completing daily tasks? Keep doing that, but beware of the downsides. [Self]

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