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Joe Gatto Denies Misconduct Allegations, Admits to ‘Poor Judgment’

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Joe Gatto Denies Misconduct Claims, Admits ‘Poor Judgment’
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Joe Gatto, one of the stars of the long-running hidden camera prank show Impractical Jokers, denied allegations of sexual assault from a TikTok user but acknowledged using “poor judgment” in his personal life. The 48-year-old comedian, who left the show after a decade in 2021, responded to the allegations in a statement to US media, admitting to misconduct but strongly denying the allegations of assault.

The allegations came after a young woman posted a video to TikTok, claiming that Gatto had sexually assaulted her, in September 2023, when she was 19-owned. She said the incident occurred at a hotel in Milwaukee after she had been to one of his stand-up shows. In her version of events, she encountered Gatto through chance and was subsequently welcomed to his hotel where the supposed incident took place. While she did not share details of what happened during the encounter, she said she had been talking about the experience for more than a year before the story took a turn that surprised most in her generation.

Speaking about it in the video, she said that despite never wishing to go viral, she didn’t want to feel like any woman out there is going through the same thing. She also shared photos of bruises across her body that she alleged were inflicted by Gatto. These photographs, she claimed, were evidence of the assault.

Gatto released a statement after the video’s release, and while he admitted he had made mistakes in his personal life, he strongly denied the sexual misconduct allegations “I have exercised poor judgment, and as a result, I have broken the trust of my closest family and friends,” Gatto said in his statement. “But anyone who knows me knows that I would never, ever assault anyone.”

He also said he would step back from the public spotlight and use that time to recover and grow, explaining that self-improvement is a never-ending process. He did not elaborate on what exactly about his personal life he needed to reflect on, but his statement included the kind of acknowledgment of past behavior that may have helped get him embroiled in the controversy in the first place.

Jerry Gatto (born in 2000), also known as Joe Gatto is a well-known figure in comedy for being a founding member of the show Impractical Jokers with a group of four friends, Joe Gatto, Brian Quinn, James Murray, and Sal Vulcano, where they compete as a group and videotape themselves doing different hidden-camera challenges, a majority of which are embarrassing or awkward for Joe Gatto. The series developed a cult following over the years and became one of TruTV’s more commercially successful programs.

Gatto said in 2021 that he was leaving the series for personal reasons, including marital problems. At the time, he wrote on social media that he was leaving the show to prioritize co-parenting his children and to work through personal issues. His departure shocked fans, who were not prepared for his exit from the cast, as he was crucial to the series.

Months before the allegations came to light in September 2023, Gatto posted online that he and his wife had reconciled. When he resurfaced on the comedy circuit after some personal difficulties, he got a great deal of support from his fanbase, making the recent allegations hit all the harder for those who have followed his career.

The allegations made by the TikTok user have ignited plenty of conversations about Gatto on social media as some either support the accuser or defend the TV star. This time there were calls from some users for a more thorough investigation, while others argued that more information needs to come out and that due process needs to be allowed before making judgments.

There have been no formal allegations made against Gatto, however. There has been no confirmation of any official investigation into the claims by law enforcement authorities. But the controversy has already shaken Gatto’s public image, and he will now face questions about his past conduct.

The allegations have once again brought to the foreground conversations around accountability and personal responsibility in the entertainment business. RIP Shobha De’s reputation as an editorialist. Because sadly, many users on social media have rightly pointed out on this occasion that while allegations should always be taken seriously, it’s also imperative to grant the accused a right of reply.

Gatto has been keeping a low profile, and for now, he is ready to retreat from the limelight to reflect and work on some self-improvement. We will see how this turns out and if more comes from this, in the next couple of days.

As with all high-profile accusations, there will be reactions from supporters and critics alike. Though Gatto’s statement went some way to confront the issue and distance himself from the serious allegations, public sentiment is still stridently divided. It remains to be seen whether the issue will have lasting implications for his career.

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Severe Storms and Widespread Flooding Threaten Region 8

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Severe Storms & Flooding Threaten Northeast Arkansas
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K8 Storm Team is tracking a severe weather threat that could affect Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. The threat of that happening on Thursday, though, is forecast to be much less damaging than what Region 8 saw Wednesday, as meteorologists warn of a medium-level threat for residents in parts of Region 8’s southern counties. Schools, houses and businesses have already reported damage from previous storms and the incoming weather pattern has them concerned about more severe conditions.

The storm — which hit in the night — caused damage and toppling trees across many school districts in Northeast Arkansas, which canceled classes on Thursday. Residents have been warned to stay aware of weather warnings and prepare for potential emergency services. In addition to the threat of severe storms, the region is also in danger of widespread flooding from several inches of rainfall over the coming days.

The rain, once it begins to fall on Wednesday, is likely to continue through Sunday, said Kristina Balentine, a meteorologist with the weather service. They expect between 6 to 12 inches of rain to fall across Region 8, which could cause flooding. Such a significant amount of rain falling in such a short stint of time raises the risk of high water for rivers and low-lying spaces.

According to the National Weather Service offices in Little Rock and Memphis, River Flood Warnings and a ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’ Flood Watch have been issued due to the expected torrential rain. These warnings mean the areas near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water may see fast and possibly life-threatening flooding. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also offered guidance on river levels, predicting a “big jump” in water levels from the expected downpours.

Officials and meteorologists are calling for vigilance and caution among residents. For those in flood-prone areas, evacuation plans should be made, valuables secured and official weather updates monitored. The threat for flooding is especially great because soils across the region are already saturated from earlier rainstorms, making it almost impossible for more water to seep in. Sudden, heavy rain increases the risk of flash flooding, road closures and possibly infrastructure damage.

For the latest weather updates and information to keep safe this winter, K8 Storm Team is with you on air and online. You can see the forecasts on K8 from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and during the Midday News at 11 a.m. and the evening shows at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. on K8-ABC and K8-NBC.

Residents can also stay up to date with the K8 News mobile app, found of Google Play or the Apple App Store for smartphones and tablets. The app features live updates, weather alerts and important safety instructions. K8 News is also available on streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Firestick and Apple TV so you can get weather in the most timely manner.

The K8 Storm Team urges all of those in the impacted areas to stay alert and prepare accordingly. Continued updates on storm developments and conditions around floods will be made available via the K8 News website, K8 News mobile app, and K8 News YouTube channel. With potentially dangerous weather, keeping watch and prepared can have an impact in keeping Hardin County people and communities safe in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri.

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Netflix’s New Rom-Com Sparks Breakups, But Its Star Sees the Beauty in It

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Netflix's New Rom-Com Sparks Breakups and Self-Discovery
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Netflix’s new rom-com, The Life List, has been making an unexpected mark on viewers. Rather than simply providing audiences with a feel-good love story, the film has allegedly caused some viewers to reevaluate their own relationships, and in some cases, even end their romantic relationships. The lead actress in the film, Sofia Carson, recently discussed this surprising effect and what she thinks reflects the deeper message of the movie.

And Carson, who has broken through with popular turns in Purple Hearts and Carry-On, embarks on a new kind of journey in The Life List. In the film, she stars as Alex, a woman who must reevaluate her life decisions following the death of her mother, played by Connie Britton. When her mother dies, Alex discovers that she will have to check off a list of goals she wrote at the tender age of 13 before she can receive her inheritance. This range consists of both frivolous and serious experiences, including doing standup, getting a tattoo and camping under a full moon. But it also includes more personal and emotional tasks, like reconciling with her estranged father and finding true love.

As Alex embarks on this journey of self-discovery, a friend encourages her to use a particular set of questions to find out if her romantic partner really is the right match for her. These questions include:

Is he kind?

I can tell him everything about me?

Does he make me the best version of myself?

Can I see him raising my children?

The gravity of these questions forces Alex to assess her current romance, with some major life212 decisions in tow. Apparently, the audiences have had the same reaction.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Carson explained that upon watching the film, several viewers found themselves reflecting on their own lives and posing similar existential questions. Some even chose to leave relationships or jobs that were no longer serving them. Carson, though, takes this as a winning result, as it points to the film’s real message — that people should be trying to be happy and at peace with themselves.

Reactions online have been mostly emotional. Viewers took to streaming sites to express their views, calling it an eye-opener. “The Life List on Netflix just raised my standards,” one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. 100/10 movie, the movie is perfect and so eye-opening!! Sofia Carson is that girl ahhhhhh oh.” One confessed, “I cried seven times watching The Life List. This movie that made me think about my future or how I want to choose my future partner and especially the worst relationship with my mother. I love this movie so much going to obsess over it forever.”

Some others said that the film made them take personal growth more seriously. Another fan referred to “#TheLifeList” as “the best movie of Sofia’s career. Her acting is magical. The emotions, the very deep places, the places it touches us to — it makes us think about our life and a lot of times try to be our best selves. I want the person whose answer is yes to the four questions. I need to hug my mom tight.” Another wrote, “I just got done reading The Life List and it was so good. So you want to get some motivation in your life.”

Nor is it common for a romantic comedy to provoke quite the degree of soul-searching from its audience, but The Life List appears to resonate with a nerve. The idea of assessing a relationship by putting it to a list of basic questions is hardly original, but the manner in which the movie approaches it — a warm, funny and deeply emotional narrative — speaks to too many. It’s more than romance; it’s about self-actualization and self-worth.

The conversation grew louder as more people started seeing the film. Some viewers think it raises the bar for romantic comedies by making audiences question their own happiness. Some wonder how the unassuming plot can trigger such intense, visceral responses.

And the film’s success — and thought-provoking nature — could make it one of Netflix’s most discussed original films of the year. While rom-coms are generally designed to be comfort food, The Life List dares viewers to know more about their own lives. Whether that results in more breakups or not, one thing is clear: the film is having an impact in a way few people expected.

If you’re interested in the movie’s impact, reading some recent critic reviews might be a good idea before watching. Whether audiences walk away inspired, emotional, or even questioning their own relationships, The Life List is proving to be more than just another love story—it’s serving as a catalyst for change in real life.

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Cooper Flagg Shines with 30 Points as Duke Defeats Arizona to Reach Elite 8

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Cooper Flagg Drops 30 as Duke Beats Arizona for Elite 8
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Cooper Flagg of Duke put on a show Thursday night and led his team to a 100-93 win over Arizona in this year’s NCAA tournament. The victory sent the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight, one victory away from the Final Four. Flagg capped off with 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, an all-encompassing showing that proved too much for Arizona to handle.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer called Cooper Flagg’s performance one of the best tournament games that he had ever been a party to. The freshman sensation, having recovered completely from an ankle injury that had forced him to sit out earlier in the month, met the moment, preventing Caleb Love from ruining Duke’s season again. It was love, a long-time Duke antagonist who had helped knock the blue devils out of March sadness in the past.

Arizona for his part put up a hefty 35 points — one shy of his career-high. His offensive explosion featured a stretch where he scored 15 straight points in the second half, trimming what had been a 19-point deficit to just five with less than two minutes remaining in regulation. But it was Duke that emerged with a second straight trip to the next round.

The win sets up a much-anticipated Blue Devils matchup with Alabama in the East Region final. The Crimson Tide, earlier in the evening, set a March Madness record with 25 three-pointers in their 113-88 win over BYU. The next game will be a matchup of a top-seeded Duke team and a scorching-hot group from Alabama with an explosive offense.

A victory would send Duke to the Final Four for the 18th time in program history. The last time they advanced to that round was 2022 when, playing for North Carolina, Love scored 28 points to end the legendary coaching career of Mike Krzyzewski. This time, Love’s heroics weren’t enough to save North Carolina, with Flagg’s leading the way to the victory.

Arizona mounted a strong push in the closing minutes, cutting it to five when Carter Bryant conversion from deep with less than two minutes left to play. But Cooper Flagg made three of four free throws down the stretch, and the Blue Devils as a team hit nine of ten to finish the game and clinch the victory. Scheyer stressed his desire for Flagg to relish the moment instead of deferring to others. In response, the freshman played loose, involved and completely in his element.

Arizona’s defense made Cooper Flagg work for every basket, crowding him whenever he had the ball. Still, he never lost his cool, emerging as the best player on the court. The Wildcats left nothing on the court against Duke, but in the end, the Blue Devils had too many weapons.

For Love, this was the close of a remarkable college career. He missed his first three shots of the game, but then he settled in, making 11 of 21 from the field, five of them 3s. He left the game with seven more points than in the 2022 Final Four, when he was instrumental in knocking out Duke.

Arizona’s Jaden Bradley added 15 points to Love’s effort, but it fell short of an upset. The Wildcats were looking to repeat a similar matchup in 2011 when they faced Duke in the tournament and defeated them when they were once again a top seed. This time, the last laugh belonged to the Blue Devils.

Texas Tech edged Arkansas, 85-83, in another thrilling Sweet 16 game. The Red Raiders mounted a fierce comeback after having trailed by 16 points in the second half. It was Darrion Williams who came through big, hitting the winning basket with just 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime. He had just sent the game into overtime with a clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds of regulation.

The comeback was the second-largest in Sweet 16 history. Arkansas had dominated most of the game, ahead for almost 39 minutes, while Texas Tech had been up for just over three. The Red Raiders advanced into the West Region final, where they will meet top-seeded Florida with an opportunity to reach their second career Final Four.

For the majority of the game, it appeared Texas Tech had no chance of winning. Arkansas had established a 10-point lead early and appeared destined to run. A layup by Johnell Davis with less than five minutes left pushed the Razorbacks to 13 points ahead. But the Red Raiders weren’t going to let up. Christian Anderson hit three big three-pointers and Williams had several big baskets in the final minutes. His most momentous shot came with 9.7 seconds remaining in regulation, when he drilled a long three to knot the game. Arkansas had an opportunity to win in regulation but Jonas Aidoo missed a key free throw and Texas Tech forced overtime.

In overtime, JT Toppin put the Red Raiders in front for the first time since early in the game. The teams exchanged baskets until D.J. Wagner, a leading candidate for next year’s N.B.A. draft, knotted up the score for Arkansas with 34 seconds left. That paved the way for Williams, who powered his way inside for the game-winning bucket. Arkansas got one last chance, but Wagner’s buzzer-beater hit the front rim, and Texas Tech erupted in celebration at midcourt.

There was only disappointment on the face of John Calipari, as the coach walked off the court as his team squandered a huge lead. The defeat sealed a long, heartening season at Arkansas with an unthinkable loss and also stood as an undoing for Anderson as he sought to become the first coach to take four different programs to the Elite Eight. The 16-point blown lead was the largest in any N.C.A.A. tournament game by a Calipari team.

Anderson scored 22 points for Texas Tech, and Toppin and Williams scored 20 apiece. On the Arkansas side, Davis had 30 points, while Karter Knox had 20. The Red Raiders reached the victory without key shooter Chance McMillian, who sat out his fourth consecutive game because of an oblique injury. The defeat was particularly painful for Arkansas, which had just gotten Adou Thiero back from a knee injury that had sidelined him since late February. But Thiero only logged five minutes and was unable to have a significant effect.

Texas Tech will now gear up for a difficult showdown against Florida, and Duke, meanwhile, will turn its attention to a clash with Alabama. The tournament action keeps rolling, as both of these teams look to punch their ticket to the Final Four.

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