Table of contents for March 7, 2022 in Globe

TEMPERAMENTAL Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak seems to be spinning out of control, stunned insiders say. The 75-year-old’s bizarre behavior has been raising eyebrows, most recently with his headline-grabbing histrionics over an unlikely streak of contestants hitting jackpots, fueling ongoing rumors the game show is rigged. At the beginning of a Feb. 9 segment, Sajak quipped: “Monday, we gave away $100,000 in the bonus round. Yesterday, we gave away $100,000 in the bonus round. So, because of budgetary considerations, rather than cash, we’re playing for luncheon meats tonight.” The joke fell flat, as often happens with Sajak’s odd sense of humor. But then he seemed to lose it entirely when Bree Yokouchi became the third contestant in three nights to win $100,000 in bonus prizes. At that point, Sajak…

NEWLY released autopsy findings show murdered beauty Gabby Petito’s fugitive boyfriend Brian Laundrie shot himself in the head while on the lam from the law — and rats and dogs feasted on his bones! A Florida medical examiner’s report revealed the 23-year-old fired a “single bullet” that “entered his head at the left temple and exited through the right, traveling slightly upward.” Laundrie’s shattered skull and most of his bones were found scattered in the marshy Carlton Reserve near Sarasota where he’d fled to escape cops who named him a person of interest in Gabby’s grim death. His remains were undiscovered for weeks. His bones had been gnawed on by animals after his death in an overgrown area where searchers also found a pair of green shorts, slipon shoes, a…

CNN host ANDERSON COOPER, 54, welcomed son SEBASTIAN LUKE MAISANI-COOPER, who joins big bro WYATT MORGAN, 1. The boys, born via surrogate mother, are being co-parented by Anderson’s ex BENJAMIN MAISANI, 49. Scottish-born star JAMES McAVOY, 42, secretly wed Philadelphia native LISA LIBERATI. It’s the X-Men actor’s second marriage. A howling congrats to former Talk host EVE, 43, who gave birth to her first baby, son WILDE WOLF FIFE ALEXANDER SOMERS COOPER. Hubby is Brit-born race car driver MAXIMILLION COOPER, 49. KYLIE JENNER and rapper baby daddy TRAVIS SCOTT also have a WOLF at the door, their newborn son. Supermodel ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY, 34, and fiancé JASON STATHAM, 54, named their second baby, a daughter, ISABELLA JAMES STATHAM. It’s a sequel for Kill Bill director QUENTIN TARANTINO, 58, who’s expecting his…

CHAMELEON Renée Zellweger is following up her Oscar-winning turn as Hollywood legend Judy Garland by playing a plus-sized killer in NBC’s six-episode true crime drama The Thing About Pam. But after years of yo-yo dieting to play scale-obsessed screen heroine Bridget Jones in three hit rom-coms, Renée’s latest project sees the twiggy beauty trying on a prosthetic fat suit for size. Here are ten things you don’t know about the 52-year-old Texan. 1 She was a cheerleader and gymnast in high school. 2 While attending college, she worked as a cocktail waitress at a jiggle joint and says of the job, “I learned a lot. As much as I did in my classes the club paid for.” 3 When she was attempting to launch her movie career, she shared an…

MONSTER Colorado mom Kelly Turner was socked with 16 years behind bars after pretending her daughter had a terminal illness to score cash donations while repeatedly subjecting the girl to needless medical treatments before she died! Turner, 44, pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in the 2017 death of seven-year-old Olivia Gant, in addition to charitable fraud and theft. Prosecutors claim she faked the girl’s illnesses to get sympathy for herself! The lying louse copped the plea to avoid going to trial for first-degree murder. But prior to Turner’s sentencing, her attorney insisted she’s not guilty of killing her kid! However, authorities say Turner spent years claiming Olivia suffered from multiple ailments, including a seizure disorder, a tumor and a buildup of fluid in her brain — all without medical…

YOUNG adults exposed to secondhand nicotine from vaping have double the risk of developing wheezing and shortness of breath, researchers say. University of Southern California scientists examined data from nearly 2,000 subjects with an average age of 17, who were followed for five years. The scientists say their study found kids breathing in secondhand vaping fumes — who did not smoke or vape themselves — displayed increased respiratory issues compared to those not exposed. In addition to wheezing and shortness of breath, the young adults affected were also three times more likely to experience bronchitic symptoms, such as a daily cough. The researchers also say individuals with a history of secondhand exposure appeared more likely to later use tobacco or cannabis products themselves.…

RUNAWAY pooch Maggie miraculously survived 17 days in the snowy Ohio wilds where she fought for her life against freezing cold, starvation, thirst and ferocious coyotes! Owners Judy and Walter Preston are thrilled the two-year-old black lab mix-breed, who by then was terrified of everything including rescuers, was finally found and returned to their Newark farm. Days after Maggie’s survival ordeal, Judy says, “I think she’s put on a little weight. She’s happy.” Her chilling adventure began shortly after being adopted on Jan. 13 by the couple, who’ve rescued ten dogs during their 45-year marriage. The Prestons already had two 13-year-old pooches, but wanted a younger dog, too. The day after the adoption, they took Maggie, who was still skittish over her new life, to their machine shop. At lunchtime,…

HORRIFIED Rev. Andres Arango has resigned in disgrace after bungling thousands of baptisms over 25 years as a Roman Catholic priest, which officially means folks involved in the ceremony aren’t recognized members of the church! According to church doctrine, the priest is supposed to say “I baptize you,” which calls upon the power of God. But Father Arango had been saying “We baptize you,” which indicates the community. That incorrectly worded “formula” doesn’t work spiritually, according to church officials. The bungling Phoenix, Ariz., cleric realized his snafu after the Vatican sent out a note last year notifying priests that the words, “We baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son of the Holy Spirit” are incorrect and voided the ritual. In a Feb. 1 letter, Arango apologized…

MEDDLING Barbra Streisand is pushing step-granddaughter Eden Brolin to make things official with longtime fiancé Cameron Crosby — and once again her brash prying is shredding her family’s nerves, according to spies. Barbra, 79, married to Eden’s grandfather James Brolin, 81, since 1998, often takes her role as stepmom too seriously, say sources, who insist Eden’s dad, Avengers star Josh Brolin, 54, is getting annoyed. “They all know she means well and gets excited over things, but meddling, fussing about everything and interfering, calling them at all hours with ideas she’s had is way over the top,” spills an insider. “Eden loves Barbra, they are very close, so the last thing she wants to do is offend her, but she’s been begging her dad, Josh, to step in and tell…

ALARMED by estranged hubby Kanye West’s unhinged behavior, Kim Kardashian was surrounded by a “ton” of security when she and beau Pete Davidson went for a cozy dinner date in the Big Apple. Sources say there “was someone at every entrance” of the ritzy Cipriani eatery, where the 41-year-old reality queen and pencil-thin 28-year-old SNL comic openly showed their affection while dining on Feb. 13. The sudden net of security came amid social media attacks by Kanye, who called Pete a “d**khead,” accused him of “destroying” his family, threatened to “beat his a**” and declared “war” on him. Kanye claims Kim has begged him to stop and says she texted him: “U are creating a dangerous and scary environment and someone will hurt Pete and this will all be your fault.”…

CHEEKY JUDGE MARILYN’S SEXY UNDERCOVER SECRETS Brainy People’s Court judge MARILYN MILIAN isn’t just a pretty face — she’s got a rockin’ bod and loves to show it off! The legal eagle gives fans an occasional sneak peek, posting behind-the-scenes snaps online she cheekily captions: “What’s Under the Robe?” While viewers don’t always agree with her wardrobe choices — snarking stuff like she could use a stylist — there’s no doubt the 60-year-old mom of three grown daughters can fill a sexy mini-dress! And in another undercover shocker, the reality star confesses there’s been times she’s worn nothing but her birthday suit beneath that drab black robe! KATY’S STILL BLOOMIN’ NUTS In more nude news: KATY PERRY wears the pants in the family—’cause her babydaddy fiancé, ORLANDO BLOOM, prefers letting…

SNOOP DOGG is being hounded by a lawsuit from a gal who claims the rapper sexually assaulted her in 2013 — but he’s branding her story as a “pack of lies!” The dancer, whose name was not revealed in court documents, claims the Drop It Like It’s Hot hitmaker, 50, forced her to perform oral sex at a California studio. Sources say she’s demanding nearly $10 million in damages. The pot-peddling entrepreneur, who recently acquired Death Row Records, grumbles on Instagram, “Gold digger season is here. Be careful.”…

FIENDISH Floridians Tracy and Timothy Ferriter deadbolted their adopted son in a tiny garage cell for five years, forcing the boy to relieve himself in a bucket and clean it himself, stunned police say. Shocking details of the 14-year-old boy’s hellish home life came to light only after he ran away and begged cops to put him behind bars — because a prison cell would be more comfortable than the 8-by-8-foot box where he’d been kept! Jupiter police say the boy told them, “I feel like no one loves me” and claimed his folks beat him with a rope and belt and even spat on him! Authorities responding to the couple’s missing person report got suspicious when their search turned up the grim cell, containing only a mattress, desk and…

ARIES March 21 - April 20 It may be hard to give up the reins but let someone else take the lead in money matters while Saturn is in Aquarius, Ram. The results will be astonishing! Midweek, keep on top of your health — see the doctor for that troubling symptom. A teen seeks advice Saturday — you’ll know exactly what to say. TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Could a spontaneous cup of coffee lead to romance? Venus says yes — and the gloomy mood hanging over your head vanishes in a trace. It could kick off a lovely partnership that brings lasting happiness. After Thursday, look for a chance to boost your income by selling a skill. An air sign can help. GEMINI May 22 - June 21…

DISGRACED Paul “Peewee Herman” Reubens is penning an explosive tell-all memoir that will rip the lid off Tinseltown’s most twisted secrets, showbiz insiders say! Now 69, the childlike comedian, whose career tanked after a 1991 indecent exposure arrest in a Florida porn movie house, is promising to tell his side of the story while serving up some deep-dish Hollywood dirt, a spy says. “He’s always felt it was wrong of authorities to charge him and it will be dealt with in his book, and no doubt in a scathing way because Paul’s always maintained his innocence,” reveals the insider. “He wants to clear his name and rid himself of that shame. He wants to come out swinging and address the elephant in the room that’s haunted him, and he’ll list…

BUSTED! Crestfallen Caitlyn Jenner has been dragging around her droopy boobs that are way out of proportion with the rest of her body as she continues to pack on the pounds — and insiders tell GLOBE she’s lined up an emergency procedure to give her bust a boost, STAT! As a shocking new photo shows, the 72-year-old former Olympian was spotted on her usual coffee run to Starbucks a couple of weeks ago, but the billowing tracksuit she’s wearing cannot hide the sad truth — her rack is out of whack! “She’s been very unhappy about the way her boobs look so she’s decided to do something about it,” tattles an insider. “Losing weight has been a problem for her because she’s always eating, but the weight gain has caused…

SCIENTISTS have discovered chimps understand the concept of medicine. The primates were filmed creating an ant-based paste to heal each other’s wounds. BRITAIN’S oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, is closing after 1,229 years of continuous operation. The cash-strapped owners blame COVID. DESHA-ANN and Rashaan Kealoha got a shocking $18,000 bill from the Hawaiian Electric Company — for street lights. The couple, who live in Waianae, Oahu, were told records show they own their entire street! MORE people live in California than the entire nation of Canada, which has the lowest gravity on the planet! PRESIDENT Ronald Reagan went to his grave furious because he never won an Oscar despite appearing in 53 films over a 30-year career.…

REALITY babe Denise Richards and her wild man ex Charlie Sheen are locked in a wrenching tug-of-love over their teen daughter Sami, who’s chosen to live with her permissive dad. The 51-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, who also shares daughter Lola, 16, with Charlie, is absolutely livid at the way he’s parenting 17-year-old Sami and allowing her to do whatever she pleases, spies say. Meanwhile, good-time Charlie, 56, who is HIV positive, wants his meddling ex to butt out! “Denise and Charlie both think they’re in the right,” spills an insider. “Charlie’s convinced Sami’s happy living with him and Denise should accept it. But Denise can’t sleep at night for fear her daughter isn’t getting the proper guidance from her dad. “She knows Charlie only too well!” Former…

TORMENTED Friends star MATTHEW PERRY is now threatening to dish the dirt — and pull no punches — in his explosive memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, due this fall. “So much has been written about me in the past, I thought it was time people heard from me,” says the 52-year-old sitcom sensation, who’s battled addiction, weight problems and a disastrous love life. Perry, who abruptly called things off with former fiancée MOLLY HURWITZ, 30, in June, boasts, “I have lived to tell the tale, even though at times it looked like I wouldn’t. And it’s all in here. I apologize it’s not a pop up book.” His former co-stars DAVID SCHWIMMER, JENNIFER ANISTON, COURTENEY COX, LISA KUDROW and MATT LeBLANC and the rest of Hollywood are…

SOAP siren Susan Lucci cheated death for the second time when she rushed to the hospital after suffering terrifying heart attack symptoms. The 75-year-old actress, famed for her role as Erica Kane on All My Children, was alarmed last year when she suffered “shortness of breath” and pain “around her ribcage” similar to three years earlier when she survived a near-fatal heart attack known as “The Widowmaker.” She was rushed to the hospital, where docs found an 80 percent plaque blockage in an artery and inserted a stent. Now Lucci urges people to “be your own advocate. You’ll save your life.”…

AMERICAN Idol has-been Caleb Kennedy was high on pot when he got behind the wheel and fatally mowed down a man in South Carolina, prosecutors charge. Larry Duane Parris, 54, was standing in his driveway when the country singer, 17, plowed into him with his pickup, investigators say. The high school junior, who quit the reality TV contest last year amid a racism scandal, was charged with felony DUI and is being held without bond.…

A DEMONIC Florida dad fatally shot his two kids before turning the gun on himself, leaving their lifeless bodies to be found by his hysterical ex-wife, who desperately tried to resuscitate her children! Lawmen reveal Jessica Forero Cardona made the heart-wrenching discovery in Miami Lakes when she went searching for daughter Valeria, 12, and son Matias, 9. According to police, crazed Humberto Christian Tovar Zapata, 41, picked up the youngsters earlier in the day. But Jessica grew concerned when the hour grew late, and her ex didn’t respond to phone calls. Neighbor Magda Peña says she heard the mother’s screams and ran to the grisly scene. She recalls, “I saw the man’s body there. I saw the little girl’s body there, and the mom was trying to do compressions on the…

TROUBLED Wendy Williams insists she’s not loony and is battling to win back control over her millions after they were frozen by a bank. Despite being absent from her Wendy Williams Show since July and Sherri Shepherd’s appointment as her permanent “temporary” replacement, the 57-year-old TV chatterbox insists she was a “victim of undue influence and financial exploitation” when Wells Fargo locked down her assets after a financial adviser claimed she was mentally unfit. Now her lawyer LaShawn Thomas has asked a judge for a temporary restraining order against the bank’s asset freeze and insists Wendy is “of sound mind” and “doing fine.” Williams has battled health issues including the thyroid condition Graves’ disease and drug addiction. Thomas says she has been receiving treatment from “holistic health professionals” during her…