Three Things for October 31

1. Black Adam continues top ranking in box office

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new superhero movie, Black Adam, reached No. 1 ranking in North American box offices. 

 Worldwide, the film has brought in $250 million and $111.1 million domestically, and with little competition, these numbers are likely to grow.

According to the Associated Press, Black Adam has cost studios $200 Million, not including marketing for the movie.

As a result of the financial situation The Warner Bros. studio finds themselves in, there is no news on a decision to begin a sequel for Black Adam.

Lesser known comic book heroes may soon have their own story to tell as Peter Safran and James Gunn, known for their love of forgotten DC characters, are now a part of the leadership team at DC Comics.

For more information on Black Adam, click here.

2. Appalachian Trail closes after reported sighting of aggressive bear

On Friday, Oct. 28, sightings of a black bear were reported by campers hiking the Appalachian trail. 

The camping closure at Abingdon Gap Shelter is officially off limits to travelers at the Tennessee-Virginia border to prevent any interaction with the bears as there has already been a recent bear injury who had to be euthanized within the last week in Tennessee. 

Last Sunday, Oct. 23, a DNA test proved a match as a female 209-pound bear attacked a man in his Gatlinburg rental cabin according to an affiliate WATE out of ABC reports.

“U.S. Forest Service officials are also urging visitors to exercise caution when recreating within the area and be on the lookout for black bears,” stated a USDA Forest Service news release.

A forest order has been officially released closing all campsites located at Abingdon Gap Shelter and hikers are advised to use caution. 

“Visitors along the Appalachian Trail are asked to please report any future bear sightings within the area to the campground host or to the Watauga Ranger District office at 423-735-1500” according to wate.com.

3. 153 pronounced dead from Halloween crowd surge in Korea

On Saturday, Oct. 29, over 150 people died in Seoul, South Korea as a Halloween party ended with a mass crowd trampling, killing those trapped under the parade of partiers. 

This outdoor Halloween festival had 100,000 people in attendance with music so loud the cries for help could not be heard. 

The chaos arose as a narrow alleyway became the gravesite of over 150 residents, mostly in their 20s and 30s, simply enjoying the party. 

“I still can’t believe what has happened. It was like a hell,” said Kim Mi Sung, an official at a nonprofit organization that promotes tourism in Itaewon according to US News.

Another 133 people were reported injured with the number of deaths likely to rise as some of the injured are in critical condition, officials told AP News. 

As it is still not completely clear what caused the surge, an investigation is being conducted to find out what went wrong.

For more information, click here.