Kirk Douglas turns 100, Gaitlinburg to reopen and more: 5 things you need to know Friday

Legendary actor Kirk Douglas turns 100 

Kirk Douglas, who appeared in his first film in 1946 and was nominated for his first Oscar in 1949 (the first of three nominations), turns 100 years old Friday. Over the course of the more than 90 performances in his career, he played roles ranging from the gladiator-turned-rebel Spartacus to the painter Vincent Van Gogh. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter and won an honorary Oscar for "50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community" in 1996. As Douglas celebrates his century of life, here are some of his more memorable roles available online to stream for free or rent.

Trump visits Louisiana, Michigan amid low transition rating

President-elect Trump will travel to Louisiana and Michigan on Friday as he continues his "Thank You Tour" following his presidential victory last month. In Baton Rouge, he will likely stump for State Treasurer John Kennedy in his runoff election for David Vitter's Senate seat.  But as Trump takes his victory lap, a survey released by Pew Research, shows that just 41% of Americans approve of the job Trump — more than halfway through announcing his Cabinet picks — has done making clear his “policies and plans” (a number that is significantly lower than past presidents).  News that president Trump intends to remain an executive producer on Celebrity Apprentice and the mounting concerns that his foreign business deals could present a constitutional quandary are unlikely to help.

Ravaged by fire, Gatlinburg to reopen to the public

The city of Gatlinburg, Tenn., reopens to the general public on Friday for the first time since a devastating wildfire roared through the area on Nov. 28. Local businesses — some of which were spared from the blaze while the ones next door were destroyed — were preparing to open their doors starting at 7 a.m. ET. Two teenagers have been arrested and charged with aggravated arson in the fire, which killed 14, injured nearly 150 and damaged or destroyed more than 1,700 homes and businesses.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Gatlinburg welcomes visitors back after wildfire

Real N.Y. town turns into classic film locale ‘Bedford Falls’

It's truly wonderful in Seneca Falls, N.Y., this weekend when the real-life town transforms into fictional Bedford Falls, the setting for the 1946 holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life. Seventy years after its release, the three surviving actors who played the "Bailey children" will help usher fans through film chats, and the town also has a parade, 5K race and museum exhibits. Activities run Friday through Sunday. If you plan to stay in your neck of the woods, catch It's a Wonderful Life reruns this month on NBC, USA Network and Universal HD.

Lawmakers vote to impeach South Korea’s president

President Park Geun-hye, the leader of Asia's fourth-largest economy, could be removed from office after South Korea's National Assemly backed a bill for impeachment early Friday. The country's Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide whether to unseat Park, 64, or restore her presidential powers. Prosecutors say Park let a corrupt friend and former aide manipulate government affairs and extort businesses. Park has denied wrongdoing but admits being careless in her affairs.

And the essentials:

Weather:More snow is expected around the Great Lakes and the Rockies on Friday, while more cold air rolls to the East.

Stocks: Global stocks were buoyed by an extension of the European Central Bank's bond-buying program.

Be inspired: Army specialist surprises little boy with huge honor.

TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? Celebrate Kirk Douglas' momentous birthday by streaming these classic hits.

If you missed Thursday's news, we’ve got you covered.

Most popular: See our top stories in one nightly digest on Facebook Messenger.

Need a break? Try playing some of our games.

You can subscribe to get the day's top news each weekday in your inbox.

Contributing: The Associated Press