New Jersey man pleads guilty to murdering and dismembering two women: Faces 40 years in prison

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie settle their divorce after an 8-year battle They were once one of Hollywood's 'it' couples, but Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016 after being together for almost a decade. Jolie accused Pitt of physically assaulting her and verbally abusing their children. Pitt was never charged with any of the accused crimes. 5 people have been charged in connection with Liam Payne's death According to Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office, five people have now been charged in connection with the former One Direction singer's death. Those individuals have been identified as hotel manager Gilda Martin, hotel receptionist Esteban Grassi, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra, hotel waiter Braian Paiz, and friend of Payne, Roger Nores. Pereyra and Paiz have been charged with supplying the drugs and if found guilty could face 4-15 years in prison. The others could face 1-5 years. New Year's Eve is celebrated in the U.S. It's one of the largest celebrations marking the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. In New York City, Times Square holds their annual ball drop ceremony. This will be the last year for the current ball which is 12 feet in diameter, nearly 12,000 pounds and covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles. After it drops for the final time, the ball will be retired to the lower floors of the One Times Square building as part of an immersive arts and culture exhibit. National Champagne Day is recognized It's the celebratory sparkling wine of choice that's associated with this day -- New Year's Eve. Best way to open a bottle? Peel the foil on top, twist the wire opening towards you, place one hand on the top of the bottle, prepared to open BOTH the wire/foil casing and the cork at the SAME time, and the other hand on the bottom of the bottle, while keeping your top hand still at the top, turn the bottom of the bottle towards you a couple of times, 'til the top gently pops open. Cheers! In today's birthday news: Actor Anthony Hopkins is 87, guitarist Andy Summers 82, actor Ben Kingsley 81, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg 78, actor Tim Matheson 77, actor James Remar 71, actress Bebe Neuwirth 66, musician Paul Westerberg 65, actor Val Kilmer 65, Anthrax's Scott Ian 61, businessman Donald Trump Jr. 47.