Happening Today: Olympics, Rob Porter, George W. Bush, Diabetes, Diane Neal, Mickey Jones

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

North Korea Has Military Parade on Eve of Olympics in South

North Korea held a military parade and rally on Kim Il Sung Square, just one day before South Korea hosts the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang. Kim Jong Un, dressed in a long black winter coat, was shown walking on a red carpet with his wife at the beginning of the event, which North Korea's state-run television broadcast hours after it was over. It began with thousands of goose-stepping troops lined up in Kim Il Sung Square to form words and slogans. Virtually all foreign media were excluded from the event. In a televised speech, Kim said that the parade marks North Korea's emergence as a "global military power" despite facing the "worst sanctions." He called for his military to maintain a high-level of combat readiness against the United States and its "followers" so that the "invasive forces cannot infringe upon or harass the republic's sacred dignity and autonomy even by 0.001 millimeters." Kim didn't make any comments about the Olympics in the parts of his speech that were broadcast.

Top White House Aide Resigns Amid Abuse Allegations

One of President Trump's top White House aides resigned following allegations of domestic abuse leveled against him by his two ex-wives. Staff secretary Rob Porter said in a written statement that allegations that became public this week are "outrageous" and "simply false." Porter said photos published of his former spouses — in which one appears to have a black eye — were "given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described." Porter added in a written statement. "I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign." Porter said he will leave the White House after a transition period. Porter's former wives recounted physical, verbal and emotional abuse they say he subjected them to during their marriages. Porter's first wife, Colbie Holderness, told the DailyMail.com that Porter choked and punched her during the five years they were husband and wife. Porter's second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, also described for the DailyMail.com how Porter once dragged her naked and wet from the shower to yell at her.

George W. Bush Says Russia Meddled in 2016 U.S. Election

Former President George W. Bush said "there's pretty clear evidence that the Russians meddled" in the 2016 American presidential election. While never mentioning President Donald Trump by name, Bush appeared to be pushing back on Trump's decisions on immigration, as well as trying to have warmed relations with Russia. Bush also said "it's problematic that a foreign nation is involved in our election system. Our democracy is only as good as people trust the results." U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded Russia meddled in the 2016 election to help Trump win. Numerous investigations are under way to determine whether Trump's campaign aided the Kremlin in its efforts. Trump has repeatedly denied any "collusion" with Russia. Speaking of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bush called him "zero-sum." Bush also stressed the need to back NATO and other alliances the U.S. has with the world.

Insulin Quality Questions Have Diabetes Experts Scrambling

Preliminary research suggesting that some diabetes patients may be injecting medicine that has partially disintegrated is causing concern even as serious questions are raised about the research itself. The study author, a pharmacist, bought vials of insulin at a number of pharmacies and found that on average the vials had less than half of what was listed on the label and none met a minimum standard. The study tested just 18 vials of insulin — far too few to be definitive — and questions have been raised about the methods used to test the insulin. Insulin makers, patient advocate groups and diabetes experts say if the findings were accurate, diabetes patients would be getting sick. But given potentially serious implications for millions of diabetics, many of these groups are now trying to reassure patients in the wake of the research. All say that patients should continue to taking their insulin as prescribed.

Dong Dong: Former “Law & Order: SVU” Star Running for Congress

Diane Neal has launched her political campaign. The actress, known for starring as ADA Casey Novak on "Law & Order: SVU," is running for Congress in New York. A registered Democrat, The Daily Freeman reports Neal will need 3,500 petition signatures to guarantee a spot on the November ballot as an Independent candidate. She tweeted, "MORNING! Ok, so it's ON!!! But I'm doing with nearly no staff, no donations (yet), with no party. Website will be up later today (fingers crossed) and all ready to go. But goal is bigger than parties. Goal is no negativity. Goal is HIGH ROAD all the way." Neal, 42, lives in Hurley, New York, and is running for the state's 19th Congressional District seat.

“Justified,” “Home Improvement” Actor Dies, Publicist Says

Mickey Jones, a veteran character actor who played Rodney "Hot Rod" Dunham on "Justified" and construction worker Pete on the 1990s sitcom "Home Improvement," has died. He was 76. Jones died of the effects of a long illness, said his publicist, Cherry Hepburn. The illness and where he died were not immediately disclosed. A native of Houston, Texas, Jones worked steadily in TV from the 1970s, with appearances on shows including "Baywatch" and "T.J. Hooker" and, more recently, "Growing Up Fisher" with J.K. Simmons and "Newsreaders" with Kumail Nanjiani. On the big screen, Jones was seen in "Sling Blade," ''Tin Cup" and "Starman."