Latest news with #Rudolph
21 hours ago
A death on safari: The bizarre tale of the larger-than-life ladies' man
What began as a mysterious death on an African safari unfolded into an international investigation that spanned years and continents, centering on Larry Rudolph. The flashy Pittsburgh dentist had a taste for big game hunting and even bigger secrets, including a long-running affair with his dental hygienist, Lori Milliron. Prosecutors argued that after Rudolph was forced to choose between his wife of 34 years, Bianca, and longtime mistress Milliron, one of them was found dead in his safari cabin in October 2016 in Zambia. While local authorities ruled it an accident, mounting suspicions back in the U.S. led investigators to dig deeper into decades of unusual behavior and questionable dealings. In 2023, Rudolph was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife and will serve a concurrent sentence of 20 years in federal prison for defrauding multiple insurance companies. Milliron was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for her role as an accessory to the murder, for obstructing the investigation into Rudolph's crime and for committing perjury before a grand jury. In exclusive prison interviews, Larry Rudolph and his former dental hygienist-turned-mistress Milliron shared their sides of the story. The series also featured revealing conversations with an eclectic cast of characters who painted a picture of the larger-than-life Rudolph. "Larry Rudolph has the gift of making you feel like you're very important. That's what Larry does best," family friend Betsy Wandtke said in an interview. "But this is Larry's game. Perception is reality." The series opener revealed a man who built his dental empire on carefully crafted TV commercials and a public image as Pittsburgh's premier sedation dentist. Behind the scenes, however, former colleagues described a different person entirely. "Larry Rudolph was a big personality. Patients loved him, most loved him. But he also had another side," Dr. Tim Runco, his former business partner, said. "There was a Jekyll and Hyde there." His son Julian Rudolph remembered a more complex family dynamic. "My mother brought out the best in him," he said. "And Lori Milliron brought out the worst." While in Zambia, a suspicious crocodile attack happened that led to disability insurance payments of $30,000 per month. According to insurance broker Bill Gorman, he received a surprising call from Larry Rudolph in Zambia. Rudolph claimed that, while fishing on the banks of a river one morning, a crocodile attacked him as he reached for a fish he had caught. The crocodile allegedly pulled him into the water and rolled him, resulting in the loss of a digit on his hand. "Yeah, we have our own theories about what happened there," former colleague Maryann Versmessen said of the incident. Despite skepticism, Rudolph filed a disability insurance claim, arguing that as a dentist, he required the use of both hands. The insurance company conducted inquiries and ultimately approved the claim. However, according to former colleague Runco, Rudolph's behavior after the incident raised more questions than answers. "Because he's a dentist, he needs all 10 fingers. Well, I can tell you, he doesn't," Runco said. Runco speculated that the loss of Rudolph's finger didn't play out the way he claimed it did. "He either cut it off or shot it off or I don't know," he said of the incident. From hunting expeditions in Africa to questionable insurance claims to a dental practice built on TV fame, Episode 1 sets the stage for what would become an international investigation into a shocking and sudden death. Prosecutors would eventually paint a darker picture: they alleged Rudolph orchestrated elaborate schemes -- including his wife's death on safari -- to fund a new life with his longtime mistress, Milliron. Prosecutors began building their case by examining this earlier insurance claim, which raised questions about Rudolph's patterns with money.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Orbital slides, space shuttle at Exposition Park are almost ready for a big reveal
Along with the stars on Hollywood Boulevard and the Universal Studios theme park, a new celestial attraction is set to debut in Los Angeles. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at Exposition Park is expected to complete construction this year, according to its architects, only three years after the first shovels broke ground. That would make the center ready in time for when Los Angeles hosts visitors from around the world to see the 2026 World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympics. One of the aspects that makes this place special is its showcase, the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The spacecraft stands in a stack position, meaning it's standing — complete with boosters and a rare fuel tank — as if it were ready to launch. It's the only shuttle in the nation to feature such a feat. Jeffrey N. Rudolph, president and chief executive of the California Science Center, and Ted Hyman, partner at architectural firm ZGF, which designed the air and space center, recently shared updates with The Times, including news of an exclusive partnership with director/producer J.J. Abrams' production company Bad Robot. That silver cylindrical colossus that is easily seen from the freeway houses the stacked space shuttle. The Endeavour was meticulously placed there in January 2024 as much of the museum was built around it. As for the 20-story diagrid, or shuttle housing building, the museum's construction crew is about 80% finished wrapping a stainless-steel skin exterior around the shuttle, according to an estimate from Mark Piaia, a ZGF project architect. The shiny view comes courtesy of 4,247 panels and 1,074 diagonal strips that would stand 7,862 feet tall if lined up. Rudolph said building construction is expected to be completed this year. He would not provide an official opening day but noted that artifact and exhibit installations would still need to be completed. The museum is expected to house about 20 planes and jets, including a Boeing 747. There are also plans for a 45-foot slide that imitates the feeling of entering the atmosphere with a radiating orange glow, two sonic booms and the 'S' turns a shuttle would make upon reentry. Rudolph was excited about what he's calling 'the reveal.' He exclusively told The Times that a pair of introductory films are being produced by directing/producing titan J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot. That's the same production company responsible for some of the latest 'Star Wars' and 'Mission:Impossible' movies. The first film will greet visitors as they walk into the museum and will focus on the entire air and space exhibits. The second will screen at a mini theater at the entrance to the space shuttle exhibit. It is a five-minute film that focuses on the history and inspiration behind the space shuttle. The film ends with a simulated launch, during which steam rises from the floor and through hallway doors and fills the theater. As the steam impairs a guest's vision, the screen is removed and visitors get a surprise: a full, 'envelope' view of the stacked 20-story space shuttle. 'It is an amazing experience and we want to really build it up,' Rudolph said. 'It's not just about the hardware, but about the people and the educational aspects.' The delicate nature of the shuttle makes that impossible. 'There's no way,' Rudolph said. 'The hatch is very small and it's very fragile.' There is, however, a mock-up of the flight deck — an area designed to carry cargo — that visitors can toy with to get a feel that only shuttle astronauts once got. We'll continue to follow the progress of the air and space museum as we head toward opening day. Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team Jim Rainey, staff writerDiamy Wang, homepage internIzzy Nunes, audience internKevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorAndrew J. Campa, reporterKarim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@ Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Krispy Kreme giving away a dozen doughnuts for 88 cents
Doughnut and dozens fans, mark your calendars! This Friday, July 18, Krispy Kreme celebrates 88 years of hot, fresh and iconic Original Glazed doughnuts by offering a dozen for just 88 cents with the purchase of any dozen at regular price. "Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great,' said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme Chief Brand and Product Officer. 'It's a real joy every year celebrating Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty.' This Friday only, guests who purchase any dozen at regular price can receive an Original Glazed dozen for just 88 cents – limit two dozen when purchased in-shop and via drive-thru and one dozen when purchased online for pickup or delivery at participating shops across the U.S. while supplies last. Use BDAY to redeem online. So, Rudolph cut a hole in an outside wall and began selling Original Glazed doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk. Today, Krispy Kreme continues to evolve its menu with a wide range of delicious doughnut innovations, while the Original Glazed doughnut remains just as melt-in-your-mouth delicious and iconic as ever, enjoyed by all generations – especially when the brand's beloved Hot Light is on.
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Krispy Kreme turns 88, you get a deal on a dozen doughnuts on July 18
For its 88th birthday, Krispy Kreme is giving customers a gift: a deal on a dozen doughnuts. When you order any dozen doughnuts at the regular price on Friday, July 18, you can get a second dozen of Original Glazed doughnuts for 88 cents. When you drive through or buy in-shop, you can double up and get two 88-cent dozens (when you buy two dozen at regular price); online purchasers for pickup or delivery orders are limited to one dozen. The deal is good at participating shops while supplies last. When you order online, use the code "BDAY" to get the offer. Coca-Cola: Trump says coke agrees to use cane sugar in US sodas, like Mexican Coke "Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great,' said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme's chief brand and product officer, in a news release. 'It's a real joy every year celebrating Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty." Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme now has more than 357 shops in the U.S., plus its doughnuts are sold in thousands of supermarkets and convenience stores, can be ordered for delivery by app and online, and the company operates in more than 40 countries. The company was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, N.C., by Vernon Rudolph, who bought a secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts from a New Orleans French chef, according to the Krispy Kreme website. A1: Yes! Our founder was Vernon Rudolph! #KKBDay Rudolph began selling doughnuts to grocery stores, but their aroma began attracting attention. "Romanced by the irresistible scent of doughnut-making drifting into the streets, passersby asked if they could buy hot, fresh doughnuts," the chain said in its 88th birthday news release. "So, Rudolph cut a hole in an outside wall and began selling Original Glazed doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk." Timed to the arrival of the new "Superman" movie, the doughnut chain cooked up a "Hungry for Heroes" doughnut collection devoted to DC Comics superheroes: The doughnuts, added to the menu July 8, are available individually and in a custom-designed dozen's box for a limited time at participating U.S. shops (also available for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website). Next week, from July 24-27 (coinciding with the San Diego Comic-Con), you can get a free Hungry for Heroes doughnut if you flash some DC Comics superhero flair, while supplies last. Contributing: Gabe Hauari Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Krispy Kreme turns 88, you get a deal on a dozen doughnuts on July 18
For its 88th birthday, Krispy Kreme is giving customers a gift: a deal on a dozen doughnuts. When you order any dozen doughnuts at the regular price on Friday, July 18, you can get a second dozen of Original Glazed doughnuts for 88 cents. When you drive through or buy in-shop, you can double up and get two 88-cent dozens (when you buy two dozen at regular price); online purchasers for pickup or delivery orders are limited to one dozen. The deal is good at participating shops while supplies last. When you order online, use the code "BDAY" to get the offer. Coca-Cola: Trump says coke agrees to use cane sugar in US sodas, like Mexican Coke "Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great,' said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme's chief brand and product officer, in a news release. 'It's a real joy every year celebrating Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty." Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme now has more than 357 shops in the U.S., plus its doughnuts are sold in thousands of supermarkets and convenience stores, can be ordered for delivery by app and online, and the company operates in more than 40 countries. The company was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, N.C., by Vernon Rudolph, who bought a secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts from a New Orleans French chef, according to the Krispy Kreme website. A1: Yes! Our founder was Vernon Rudolph! #KKBDay Rudolph began selling doughnuts to grocery stores, but their aroma began attracting attention. "Romanced by the irresistible scent of doughnut-making drifting into the streets, passersby asked if they could buy hot, fresh doughnuts," the chain said in its 88th birthday news release. "So, Rudolph cut a hole in an outside wall and began selling Original Glazed doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk." Timed to the arrival of the new "Superman" movie, the doughnut chain cooked up a "Hungry for Heroes" doughnut collection devoted to DC Comics superheroes: The doughnuts, added to the menu July 8, are available individually and in a custom-designed dozen's box for a limited time at participating U.S. shops (also available for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website). Next week, from July 24-27 (coinciding with the San Diego Comic-Con), you can get a free Hungry for Heroes doughnut if you flash some DC Comics superhero flair, while supplies last. Contributing: Gabe Hauari Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@
