Archive for the ‘News’ Category

CELEBRITY NEWS: MARCH 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

CELEBRITY NEWS: MARCH 25, 2024
http://www.imdb.com/news/celebrity

Big Sean (Rapper) – 36 years old
Ryan Lewis (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis) – 36 years old
Katharine McPhee (Pop Singer/ NBC’s Smash) – 40 years old
Danica Patrick (Race Car Driver) – 42 years old
Jenny Slate (“The Secret Life of Pets” movies/ “Zootopia”) – 42 years old
Lee Pace (ABC’s Pushing Daisies) – 45 years old
Wladimir Klitschko (Boxer, Father of Hayden Panettiere’s Daughter) – 48 years old
Lark Voorhies (Saved By The Bell) – 50 years old
Laz Alonso (The Bobby Brown Story/ “Avatar”) – 50 years old
Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex And The City) – 59 years old
LisaGay Hamilton (Private Practice) – 60 years old
Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives) – 62 years old
Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives) – 64 years old
Haywood Nelson (What’s Happening) – 64 years old
Mary Gross (formerly of Saturday Night Live) – 71 years old
Bonnie Bedelia (NBC’s Parenthood) – 76 years old
Elton John (Pop Singer) – 77 years old
Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky & Hutch) – 81 years old
Gloria Steinem (Political Activist) – 90 years old 

FIRST LOOK/ ON TV/ POWERBALL/ WEEKEND BOX OFFICE

March 25, 2024

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (MONDAY 3/25/24)
ID: Mean Girl Murders (Premiere) at 9pm
ID: Lethally Blonde (Premiere) at 10pm
NETFLIX: Gabby’s Dollhouse (Premiere)
ABC: The Bachelor (Finale) at 8pm

Former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has joined NBC News as a political analyst. The appointment of the one-time ardent Donald Trump supporter “represents an ongoing commitment to featuring a variety of voices who can offer firsthand insight on today’s politics,” said the network. McDaniel’s first appearance in the new role was on Sunday’s “Meet the Press,” for an interview that had been booked, according to moderator Kristen Welker, before it was announced that McDaniel would be joining the network. After a sometimes contentious discussion, Chuck Todd told Welker, “I think our bosses owe you an apology for putting you in this situation.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for TV animation. The new deal includes provisions for AI, including describing voice actors as “only humans,” and establishes mandatory meetings to discuss the tracking the use of digital replicas. Color Duncan Crabtree-Ireland thrilled about the strike-free process. “We were able to ride the wave of our strike victory to secure a better deal for members,” said SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator. “That momentum paid off in terms of substantial wage increases, more than $3 million in back pay, two new holidays and the first SAG-AFTRA animation voiceover contract with artificial intelligence protections and gains.” 
(Source: Cynopsis)

Actors aren’t the only people concerned about AI. Asked about their perceptions of AI in search and advertising, 43% of respondents to a survey from Intango either viewed it positively or somewhat positively, with 37% expressing reservations about their search history being used to shape ad content. When asked about their receptivity to AI-driven personalized ad content, 45% of participants acknowledged the benefits of such personalization, but 27% showed a preference for non-AI personalized ads. “It is evident that while there’s an appreciation for and curiosity about the enhanced experiences that AI-driven personalization can offer, consumers do have privacy concerns,” said Uri Lichter, CEO of Intango. “It’s crucial for us in the adtech industry to navigate these concerns thoughtfully.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Add former Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner to the industry heavyweights backing current CEO Bob Iger in Nelson Peltz’s fight to secure two seats on Disney’s board. “Bringing in someone who doesn’t have experience in the company or the industry to disrupt Bob and his eventual successor is playing not only with fire but earthquakes and hurricanes as well,” posted Eisner, who ran Disney from 1984 to 2005, on social media. “The company is now in excellent hands and Disney shareholders should vote for the Disney slate.” Eisner joins “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, the families of Roy Disney and Walt Disney, and Laurene Powell Jobs among those supporting Iger.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Nickelodeon canceled “Erin & Aaron” after one season. The comedy series followed stepsiblings with a shared passion for music.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Disney Channel greenlit “Wizards” (w/t), a continuation of 2007-12 comedy “Wizards of Waverly Place.” From Disney Branded Television, the new series begins production next month in LA and is slated to premiere later this year on Disney Channel and Disney+. The series reunites Selena Gomez and David Henrie as Alex and Justin Russo, who also serve as executive producers.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Rockmond Dunbar is back in acting again. Fired from Fox’s “9-1-1” for not complying with the studio’s vaccine mandate, Dunbar has joined the recurring cast of Peacock’s “The Million Dollar Heist,” starring and executive produced by Kevin Hart. Dunbar, whose request for medical and religious exemptions for the vaccine were denied, filed a $1 million lawsuit against Disney in a case expected to go to trial.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Eric,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a man whose nine-year-old son disappears on the way to school, premieres Thursday, May 30 on Netflix. The drama series is set in 1980s New York.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Be My Guest with Ina Garten” returns Sunday, April 21 at 12p on Food Network. The season kicks off with a visit from Jennifer Garner.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The IAB PlayFronts take place March 26-27 at Convene in NYC. The annual marketplace aims to help advertisers navigate the gaming landscape.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Horror films “Lisa Frankenstein” and “Night Swim” start streaming March 29 and April 5, respectively, on Peacock.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Season eight of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac” ended last night. So now it’s reunion time! The reality show’s three-part gathering premieres Sunday, March 31 at 8p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC News and National Geographic are teaming for “Eclipse Across America,” airing live Monday, April 8, beginning 2p on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu. The special will be anchored by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and “ABC News Live Prime” anchor Linsey Davis, who will be reporting live from Burlington, Vermont.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Halfway through the season, Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” has reached more than 13 million P2 viewers, with last week’s episode posting a season high 1.02 P25-54 / 1.13 W25-54 Live+3 rating.
(Source: Cynopsis)

POWERBALL
Today’s Jackpot is $800 million. 

Powerball is played in 43 states.

NYLottery.NY.gov

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – $45.2 million
Dune: Part Two – $17.6 million
Kung Fu Panda 4 – $16.8 million
Immaculate – $5.4 million
Arthur The King – $4.4 million
(Source: Box Office Mojo)

CAMERON DIAZ & BENJI MADDEN WELCOME BABY NO. 2, A BOY

March 22, 2024

CAMERON DIAZ & BENJI MADDEN WELCOME BABY NO. 2, A BOY
https://www.eonline.com/news/1397987/cameron-diaz-and-benji-madden-welcome-baby-no-2

KAREN HUGER (REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC) REEKED OF ALCOHOL AFTER CAR CRASH ACCORDING TO COPS

March 22, 2024

KAREN HUGER (REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC) REEKED OF ALCOHOL AFTER CAR CRASH ACCORDING TO COPS
https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/22/karen-huger-smell-booze-alcohol-crash-cops-dui-arrest-rhop/

NICKI MINAJ & HUSBAND KENNETH PETTY HAVE TO PAY $500K TO A SECURITY GUARD’S LAWSUIT

March 22, 2024

NICKI MINAJ & HUSBAND KENNETH PETTY HAVE TO PAY $500K TO A SECURITY GUARD’S LAWSUIT
https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/22/nicki-minaj-husband-kenneth-petty-default-judgment-lawsuit/

PRINCE HARRY & MEGHAN MARKLE WISH KATE MIDDLETON WELL AFTER CANCER NEWS; PRAYING FOR HEALING, PRIVACY

March 22, 2024

PRINCE HARRY & MEGHAN MARKLE WISH KATE MIDDLETON WELL AFTER CANCER NEWS; PRAYING FOR HEALING, PRIVACY
https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/22/prince-harry-meghan-markle-well-wishes-kate-middleton-cancer-diagnosis/

PRINCESS OF WALES, KATE MIDDLETON, ANNOUNCES CANCER DIAGNOSIS

March 22, 2024

PRINCESS OF WALES, KATE MIDDLETON, ANNOUNCES CANCER DIAGNOSIS
https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/22/kate-middleton-princess-wales-diagnosed-cancer-health-update-kensington

CELEBRITY NEWS: MARCH 22, 2024

March 22, 2024

CELEBRITY NEWS: MARCH 22, 2024
http://www.imdb.com/news/celebrity

Bear Payne (Liam Payne & Cheryl Tweedy’s son) – 7 years old
Heaven Hart (Kevin Hart & Torrei Hart’s Daughter) – 19 years old
Tyler Oakley (You Tube Star) – 35 years old
J.J. Watt (NFL Player) – 35 years old
Constance Wu (“Crazy Rich Asians”/ Fresh Off The Boat) – 42 years old
Reese Witherspoon (Big Little Lies/ “Walk The Line”) – 48 years old
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Family Matters) – 48 years old
Guillermo Diaz (Scandal) – 49 years old
Kidada Jones (“Empire”, Quincy Jones’ Daughter) – 50 years old
Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele) – 53 years old
Matthew Modine (“Full Metal Jacket”) – 65 years old
Stephanie Mills (R&B Singer) – 67 years old
Lena Olin (Alias/ “Chocolat”) – 69 years old
Bob Costas (Sports Reporter) – 72 years old
Andrew Lloyd Webber (Theatrical Composer) – 76 years old
Wolf Blitzer (CNN Journalist) – 76 years old
James Patterson (Author) – 77 years old
George Benson (Jazz Guitarist & Singer) – 81 years old
William Shatner (Star Trek) – 93 years old

FIRST LOOK/ ON TV/ MOVIES/ MEGA MILLIONS/ POWERBALL

March 22, 2024

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (FRIDAY 3/22/24)
HULU: Davey and Jonesies Locker (Premiere)
PRIME VIDEO: My Undead Yokai Girlfriend (Premiere)

(SATURDAY 3/23/24)
NAT GEO WILD: Rocky Rapids Vet 9-1-1 (Premiere) at 10:30pm
GALAVISION: Viva la Comedy (Premiere) at 9:30pm

(SUNDAY 3/24/24)
INSP: Into the Wild Frontier (Premiere) at 6pm
BRAVO: Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard (Premiere) at 9pm

The U.S. Dept. of Justice, 16 states and the District of Columbia filed an anti-trust suit against Apple Inc. on Thursday, alleging the iPhone maker engaged in practices aimed at keeping customers reliant on the company’s smartphones and less likely to switch to devices from competitors. According to the New York Times, the 88-page suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, claims that Apple’s actions “built and reinforced a moat around its smartphone monopoly,” prevented other companies from offering apps that competed with its products, and that its policies hurt consumers and its smaller competitors with “higher prices and less innovation.” The government is asking the court to cease from engaging in those current practices and an unspecified financial penalty.
(Source: Cynopsis)

According to the paper, an Apple spokeswoman said the suit would set a dangerous precedent and “threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets.” If the suit were to succeed it “would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect,” she added. 
(Source: Cynopsis)

Proxy advisor service ISS recommended that Disney name activist investor Nelson Peltz to its board of directors, a move with which the company immediately disagreed. Peltz has been a harsh critic of Disney, but ISS said the dissident shareholder could help with the company’s succession plans. CEO Bob Iger, who retired in 2021 but returned in November 2022 after his replacement Bob Chapek was ousted by the board, has agreed to stay on through 2026. 
(Source: Cynopsis)

Beyoncé will receive the iHeart Radio Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Hosted by Ludacris – who will also perform – the event airs live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, April 1 at 8p on FOX and will also be heard on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Other performers include Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Tate McRae, plus a special musical tribute to the 2024 iHeartRadio Icon Award Recipient Cher. 
(Source: Cynopsis)

Fred Rogers Productions will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Be My Neighbor Day on Mrch 23 in its hometown of Pittsburgh and throughout the country. Inspired by an episode of its own animated program “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” (itself inspired by “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”), Be My Neighbor Day includes a series of grassroots, family-centered events that encourage children and adults to get involved and help make a positive impact in their community. The activity-based celebrations are hosted by PBS member stations across the U.S. and are free and open-to-the-public.
(Source: Cynopsis)

NBC 4 New York/WNBC honors the golden anniversary of broadcast news anchor Chuck Scarborough with a series of special events around the city. Scarborough began his tenure at the station 50 years ago on March 25, 1974, anchoring the news from Studio 6B in 30 Rockefeller Center. The celebrations will kick off on March 25 at 10a, with Scarborough joining representatives from the Empire State Building and NBC 4 New York to “flip the switch” and light the Empire State Building in honor of his 50th anniversary. “Chuck Scarborough is a giant in American journalism and the face of television news for generations of viewers, including me. He is also the longest serving television anchor in the largest, most prestigious television market in America – making his 50-year anniversary even more remarkable.” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights worldwide to “The Choral.” Directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by BAFTA- and Tony-winning playwright and screenwriter Alan Bennett, the film will star Academy Award® nominee and BAFTA winner Ralph Fiennes, Academy Award® and BAFTA winner Jim Broadbent, and BAFTA winner Simon Russell Beale. Principal photography begins in Yorkshire this May.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Lion Forge Entertainment has purchased rights to “Best Wishes,” the best-selling literary series by author Sarah Mlynowski, and plans to build a multi-picture, live-action franchise around the popular tween books. Founder and CEO David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, President and Chief Creative Officer, and Jennilee Cummings, Senior Vice President, Live Action, will produce for Lion Forge Entertainment.
(Source: Cynopsis)

INSP will premiere Season 4 of series “Into the Wild Frontier” on Sunday, March 24 at 6p. 
(Source: Cynopsis)

The first six episodes of “Ark: The Animated Series,” an original series based on the hit adventure video game “Ark: Survival Evolved,” are available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada and the U.S. The series will debut in all other Paramount+ international markets starting Friday, April 19. Part two of the season will debut with seven new episodes at a later date.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The eight-episode second season of the HBO Original drama series “House of the Dragon” debuts Sunday, June 16 at 9p on HBO.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Ana Ortiz is the latest addition to the cast for the second season of Disney+ anthology series “Goosebumps.” She joins previously named cast members David Schwimmer, Sam McCarthy (“Dead to Me”) and Jayden Bartels (“Side Hustle”) as fraternal twins Devin and Cece, respectively; Elijah Cooper (“That Girl Lay Lay”) as CJ; Galilea La Salvia (“Party Down”) as Frankie; and Francesca Noel (“R#J”) as Alex.
(Source: Cynopsis)

FOX Nation’s four-part docuseries “Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains” – will debut Monday, March 25 and feature never-before-heard and exclusive sound from Lyle Menendez from prison, along with interviews with the Menendez brothers’ lawyer Mark Geragos, and the case prosecutor Pamela Bozanich. Comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell, who conducted a 2023 interview with Lyle Menendez from prison, radio personality Adam Carolla and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Darrell Hammond, who has advocated for the pair’s release, will also make contributions. In addition, “The Five” co-host and former Westchester County District Attorney Judge Jeanine Pirro will host key discussions breaking down the Menendez case with crucial figures on both sides of the trial.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Two documentaries from PBS’s “Independent Lens” will make their broadcast and/or streaming debut across the PBS platform on March 25. “If Dreams Were Lightning: Rural Healthcare Crisis” explores the lives of people living in the rural South with limited or no access to healthcare, and “Greener Pastures” follows four Midwestern farming families persevering through climate change, industrialization, and mental health crises. 
(Source: Cynopsis)

“In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin,” a five-episode cooking series executive produced and hosted by the actor, writer and entrepreneur Harry Hamlin and his niece and trained chef, Renee Guilbault will premiere on AMC Networks’ AMC+ and IFC on Wednesday, May 15 at 11p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

MOVIES
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – Paul Rudd, Billy Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Emily Alen Lind, James Acaster
Immaculate – Sydney Sweeney, Alvaro Morte, Simona Tabasco, Benedetta Porcaroli, Giorgio Colangeli, Dora Romano, Giulia Heathfield Di Renzi, Giampiero Judica, Betty Pedrazzi, Giuseppe Lo Piccolo
William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill (Documentary, Limited Release) – William Shatner
Sleeping Dogs (Limited Release) – Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Marton Csokas, Tommy Flanagan, Kelly Greyson, Elizabeth Blackmore, Zara Michales, Thomas M. Wright, Lynn Gilmartin, Lucy-Rose Leonard, Jasper Bagg, Jane Harber

STREAMING MOVIES
Road House – Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Conor McGregor, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, B.K. Cannon, Joaquim de Almeida, Post Malone, Travis Van Winkle, Lukas Gage, Dominique Columbus, Arturo CastroChad Guerro, JD Pardo, Beau Knapp, Hannah Love Lanier, Kevin Carroll

MEGA MILLIONS
Today’s Jackpot is $977 million.

You can now play in 43 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

NYLottery.NY.gov

POWERBALL
Saturday’s Jackpot is $750 million. 

Powerball is played in 43 states.

NYLottery.NY.gov

MICHAEL STRAHAN’S DAUGHTER ISABELLA SHARES UPDATE ON CHEMOTHERAPY TIMELINE AMID CANCER BATTLE

March 22, 2024

MICHAEL STRAHAN’S DAUGHTER ISABELLA SHARES UPDATE ON CHEMOTHERAPY TIMELINE AMID CANCER BATTLE
https://www.eonline.com/news/1397843/michael-strahans-daughter-isabella-shares-update-on-chemotherapy-timeline-amid-cancer-battle