From witness protection to ESPN layoffs, here's what's happening in entertainment.
'Rust' Shooting Update
Prosecutors are trying to protect a witness who says Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed handed off cocaine after a police interview that followed the 2021 shootings of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died, and director Joel Souza.
Last week armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged with additional drug-related counts. Prosecutors say the cocaine would have been critical evidence in the investigation.
Thursday's filing asks that the witness who cooperated with investigators be allowed to remain anonymous over fears for the person's safety and the possibility of being "blackballed" in Hollywood. Lawyers for Gutierrez-Reed argue it is not common practice to allow anonymity in these kinds of cases, according to Variety.
American Pie
Jason Biggs, star of the American Pie franchise, has no regrets about the classic scene where he got more cozy with a pie than one might like. Still, he said that type of comedy from the 1999 film would not fly in today's society.
Biggs is currently promoting a limited edition Edwards Desserts pie and told Yahoo that while he would be up for another saga in the franchise, things that were done on-screen in the past should stay there.
"The movie stands as its own little time capsule – it's a reflection of the times that we lived in," he said.
He also admitted that meeting fans can get a bit awkward, particularly when he is with his young children that are not familiar with the movies.
ESPN Fires Longtime Talent
A few of our favorite on-air sports analysts have met the unfortunate layoff ax brought down by the House of Mouse.
ESPN cut ties with about two dozen commentators and reporters in an effort to save on their bottom line. But they didn't get rid of just anyone. NBA staples Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose, who both joined the network in 2007 were let go along with Suzy Kolber who hosted several shows during her 27 years with the network.
"This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company," ESPN said in a statement. "These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.
Other notable layoffs include Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, hosts of the morning radio show.
John Bencich, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss a new plant-based compound that's being used to fight nicotine addiction.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: CEO of Achieve Life Sciences discusses a new plant-based compound that's being used to fight nicotine addiction; President & CEO OF DiaMedica Therapeutics explains a new ischemic stroke treatment option that expands the window for effective therapy for stroke patients; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'Asteroid Rush.'
Catching you up on today's entertainment headlines with the Tribeca Film Festival has kicked off in NYC, "Black Adam," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson dropped its first full trailer, the musical "Come From Away" based on a true story set during 9/11 will be closing on Broadway this October, and more.
Survivors of Larry Nassar, including Olympian Simone Biles, are seeking $1 billion in damages from the FBI due to its failure to investigate the former gymnastics team doctor convicted of committing years of serial sexual abuse of minors. Jack Queen, a senior reporter at Law360, joined Cheddar News to break down the legal grounds of this case. "This is one of the biggest black eyes that the Bureau has faced in generations, quite frankly, and the FBI has taken full responsibility and admitted that it completely botched this investigation," he said. "So, there's a lot of pressure to settle."
The Elevate Prize Foundation is donating $10,000 to different grassroots organizations based on a theme every month to help scale their work, focusing on a different theme each time. Upcoming prizes will help uplift an organization supporting the LGBTQ community and one mobilizing to help end gun violence. The foundation's CEO Carolina Garcia Jayaram joined Cheddar to discuss the initiative and why it's important to uplift these grassroots organizations. "We are identifying social entrepreneurs around the world to help them scale their work. but the ultimate purpose of that is to create the first-ever fanbase for good," she said. "We're trying to make good famous and by inspiring people to think about the role they can play in doing good in the world."
With real estate being a largely male-dominated industry, Stephanie Shojaee, vice president and chief marketing officer at development company Shoma Group, joined Cheddar News to discuss how she took on the gender gap for women to achieve leadership roles, starting at her own company. “It's been very important to teach all the women that work here, especially the younger ones, that they shouldn't change themselves," she said. "You need to be happy with who you are and just keep breaking barriers."
We are already starting to feel the effects of summer. Heat waves in Texas and California are already sending temperatures soaring. That could spell trouble for the nation's power supply. there are new concerns about outages in many areas of the country. Cheddar's Shannon Lanier explains the two main causes of blackouts, and what states are doing to keep the lights on and the air conditioning running.
If you have been on the road this past year, you've probably seen more accidents on the road than you ever have. You're not wrong. Traffic fatalities are not only increasing they are hitting historic highs. Almost 43,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2021. Cheddar's Shannon Lanier investigates - and finds out why.
U.S. stocks close Tuesday at session highs after a subpar start to the trading day. Tim Chubb, Chief Investment Officer at the wealth advisory firm, Girard, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss. 'We're starting to see the moderation of three core things -- we've seen the moderation of prices, we've seen the moderation of wage growth we've seen in the labor market, and we've also seen a moderation of job openings,' he says.
The victims from the USA gymnastics sexual abuse scandal continue to seek justice. Survivors of Larry Nassar are seeking more than one-billion dollars from the FBI for failing to stop the convicted sports doctor when the agency first received allegations. According to a report released by the Justice Department's Inspector General, FBI agents knew
in July of 2015 that Nassar was accused of abusing gymnasts; however, Nassar wasn't arrested until December of 2016. The group that filed the claim includes Olympic medalist Simone Biles and around 90 other women. Louise Radnofsky, sports reporter at The Wall Street Journal, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
