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.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is displaying his world-renowned collection of historic memorabilia to the public for the first time in the Big Apple. Irsay joined Cheddar News to talk about why he's bringing artifacts from the Beatles to Jerry Garcia to light now. "I borrow all this stuff, you know, and I just feel kind of an obligation to share it with the public and make it come alive if you will," he said.
Catching you up on the entertainment headlines of the day with Justin Timberlake selling his entire musical catalog to IP management firm Hipgnosis, Ellen DeGeneres airing the final episode of her show, Alanis Morissette making a guest appearance on Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ tour, and more.
Cheddar recently teamed up with Amazon Bestseller Jamie Hopkins to explore the term 'Rewirement' while highlighting those who didn't let retirement be the end of their journey... Instead, they used it as a new beginning.
Today, Jamie is speaking with Linda Lombri, a former home economist and marketing executive, and Virginia Cornue, a former cultural anthropologist. For them, retirement didn't mean stopping work--it meant re-inventing themselves and living out their dreams of becoming mystery authors, even though neither had written fiction before. Together, Linda and Virginia began an e-book series, the Sandra Troux Mysteries.
Brightseed Co-Founder Sofia Elizondo breaks down what plant bioactives are, and how they're using the latest technology to study human's biological connections with plants.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Brightseed Co-Founder breaks down what plant bioactives are, and how they're using the latest technology to study human's biological connections with plants; Esper Bionics CEO breaks down how they re creating a mind-controlled bionic hand that guest smarter the more you use it; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'Capturing A Black Hole In Our Milky Way.'
The number of births in the U.S. increased last year for the first time in seven years. According to a new federal report, about 3.6 million babies were born in 2021, only about a 1% increase from 2020. Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst for creditcards.com, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss why the pandemic baby boom was more like a baby bust, and how to raise kids while on a tight budget.
Following the mass shooting at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 children and two adults dead, the debate over gun control has been reignited. While studies have shows most Americans agree on some additional regulations, there hasn't been much legislative traction even as gun violence worsens in the country. Brian Lemek, the executive director of Defend The Vote and the former executive director at Brady PAC for gun control, joined Cheddar to discuss reform efforts. "The lawmakers that we have aren't passing these at the federal level," he said. "That's the problem. We have the wrong people in charge."
