Mojave desert environmental issues

EXCLUSIVE : The BBC raised concerns about the way the government was going about appointing its new Chairman before the controversial hire of Richard Sharp . Sir David Clementi, the BBC’s former Chairman, wrote to the government in October 2020 to complain about the recruitment process for his successor. The UK government is responsible for appointing the BBC’s Chairman, while ministers also play a role in hiring four other board members. The procedure has become increasingly divisive, with concerns about ministers installing political candidates, leaving the BBC open to the accusation that its non-executive directors are too close to the government. Clementi’s letter to Oliver Dowden, the former Culture Secretary, could fuel suspicions that the government played politics with the BBC’s board amid a wider agenda against the broadcaster. In the letter, disclosed by the BBC under a Freedom of Information request, Clementi raised questions about the Chairman … [Read more...] about BBC Complained To Government About Chairman Appointment Process Ahead Of Richard Sharp Hire

Britain’s culture secretary Oliver Dowden has denied a report that the government has asked right-wing commentator Charles Moore and former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre to fill two powerful UK media jobs. The Sunday Times reported that Moore has been tapped to be the next chair of the BBC , while Dacre is set to be installed as the new chair of UK media regulator Ofcom . The government is responsible for recruiting for both roles and the Sunday Times said prime minister Boris Johnson wants the pair, both ferocious critics of the BBC, to usher in a “revolution” in UK broadcasting. Senior government insiders told the newspaper that hiring Moore as a replacement for outgoing BBC chair David Clementi is a “done deal,” while Johnson “wooed” Dacre for the Ofcom job over drinks at Downing Street in February. But speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Dowden denied that any decisions have been made prior to the government launching a formal recruitment … [Read more...] about UK Government Denies Offering Powerful Media Jobs To Ferocious BBC Critics Paul Dacre & Charles Moore

UPDATE 3:41 PM PT -- The ACC has suspended Buddy one game for hitting Wilkes during their contest Wednesday. UPDATE The conference called Buddy's swing "a flagrant act" ... and said he will now miss the Orange's game against Duke on Thursday. UPDATE 12:47 PM PT -- Buddy just issued an apology for the incident, though he did not specifically admit to punching Wilkes. UPDATE "I swung my arm while turning to go back up the court," Buddy said. "It was wrong to act out in frustration. I apologized to Wyatt Wilkes multiple times in the handshake line." UPDATE Buddy added, "I pride myself in respecting the game and our opponent. I will not react that way again." Buddy Boeheim appeared to sucker punch an opponent in the gut during Syracuse's ACC Tournament game on Wednesday ... but his father, Orange head coach Jim Boeheim , says he believes the act was "inadvertent." The play happened in the middle of the first half of 'Cuse's blowout win … [Read more...] about Syracuse Star Buddy Boeheim Suspended For Hitting Opponent In Game

EXCLUSIVE : Good Deed Entertainment has acquired North American and UK rights to the indie drama Midday Black Midnight Blue , starring 2x Emmy winner Merritt Wever ( Godless ), slating it for a day-and-date release in June. The first feature from writer-directors Samantha Soule and Daniel Talbott, also starring Chris Stack (AMC’s Interview with the Vampire ) and Soule ( Godless ), follows Ian (Stack) as he grapples with his shifting memories of Liv (Soule), a woman he once loved. For Ian, it’s a chance run-in with Liv’s sister (Wever) that sparks a journey in which he has a chance to reconnect to the light and fight his way back to life. The film, which world premiered at last year’s Seattle Film Festival, is produced by Soule, Talbott and Stack, as well as Lovell Holder and Addie Johnson Talbott. Exec producers are Timothy Farrell, Conner Marx and Will Pullen. GDE’s EVP of Acquisitions Erik Donley negotiated Midday Black ‘s deal for the company, with … [Read more...] about Merritt Wever-Led ‘Midday Black Midnight Blue’ Acquired By Good Deed; Coral Peña, Nicole Byer Board ‘Thelma’; More – Film Briefs

Zack Snyder will host a weekend of screenings next month, with proceeds going to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of his daughter Autumn Snyder, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 20. The fundraising event, “Full Circle, a Special Three-Day Celebration of the Snyderverse Trilogy,” will present movie screenings at the Ahmanson Auditorium at ArtCenter College of Design on April 28-29, and a third screening April 30 at Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood. The three-day event will consist of director’s cut screenings of Snyder’s films, followed by in-person and livestreamed Q&As featuring the filmmaker and special guests. The movies include Man of Steel, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. “We’re honored to participate in this fundraiser in support of suicide prevention and to help increase awareness of this important issue in our community,” said Karen Hofmann, president, … [Read more...] about ‘Full Circle, Three-Day Celebration of the Zack Snyderverse Trilogy’ Will Benefit Suicide Prevention Foundation

Lea Michele will be back as Fanny Brice in Broadway ’s Funny Girl tomorrow after missing shows this week due to an unspecified health issue that required the hospitalization of her two-year-old son. In an Instagram Story post today, Michele wrote, “Thank you for all your well wishes this past week. We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.” On Wednesday, Michele posted on Instagram that she would miss performances this week due to her son’s “scary health issue.” “I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.” Julie Benko filled in during Michele’s absence. Michele and husband Zandy Reich are the parents of two-year-old Ever Leo Reich. … [Read more...] about Lea Michele Returns To Broadway’s ‘Funny Girl’ This Weekend As Son Leaves Hospital

Second in a series on broadcast network series renewals. Reboots have been hot on NBC this season, with the two freshman follow-ups to classic TV series, drama Quantum Leap and comedy Night Court , both already picked up for a second season. For the first time in years, NBC faces renewals of its four top-rated dramas: Dick Wolf’s Chicago franchise and Law & Order: SVU , whose three-season pickups all are coming to an end. I hear negotiations already are underway, and the goal again is to secure multi-season renewals for all four shows. That is considered attainable as the biggest obstacle for long-running hit shows usually is cost, and Wolf is known for keeping his productions on tight budgets. That sometimes is reflected into how long actors stay on his procedurals, with cast turnovers used as both a way to keep shows fresh creatively and keep costs in check. RELATED: We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Of course, … [Read more...] about NBC Renewal Status Report: One Chicago, ‘Law & Order’ Franchise, ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’, ‘American Auto’ & More

Getty Gladys Knight is furious that President Biden has invited the likes of BTS to The White House, yet her repeated requests for a sit-down with the President over a vital issue have been ignored ... and she flatly asks the question ... "Are the problems associated with African Americans not equal to those of other races? Why do we have to be last?" Gladys' company, Riccino Optical, provides COVID-related products, including antigen tests, anti-fog goggles and face shields. Her company, which she describes as an "African American woman owned minority business," has been trying to get a government contract to provide these PPEs to the public, but she says they've been ignored. Document Launch Doc The singer says the feds are giving contracts to the "Good old boys' network of Washington D.C. insiders." She goes on to say a contract was specifically targeted to help Native American businesses in this space, yet she says there are no Native … [Read more...] about Gladys Knight Demands Meeting With Biden Over PPE Company, Why BTS and Not Me?

TMZSports.com UPDATE 7:06 PM PT -- Blount issued a mea culpa for his role in the fight on Monday evening ... apologizing to his players and the parents on his team -- "and also to the players and parents on the other team." UPDATE "As a leader, coach, father and a role model I understand my actions are unacceptable," he added. "I hope and pray for your understanding and forgiveness and plan to continue to be a positive impact in the lives of our youth." UPDATE Blount did say in his statement he believes there's more to the story than the footage shows ... but he explained, "Regardless of that, I take full responsibility for my part in it and for putting myself in this situation." Former NFL running back LeGarrette Blount was involved in a fight at a youth football game on Saturday ... throwing punches in a wild skirmish -- and now, TMZ Sports has learned cops are investigating it all. The altercation happened following the conclusion of a … [Read more...] about LeGarrette Blount Apologizes For Role In Youth Football Game Fight, Cops Investigating

Gallery Launch Gallery TMZ The actress who plays the mom in " My Big Fat Greek Wedding " was taken to the hospital after a nasty car wreck ... and some witnesses say it was her fault. We're told Lainie Kazan was driving in the Valley Saturday and drifted into an oncoming lane. We're told her Lincoln SUV struck another vehicle head-on. And, of all places, the accident happened right in front of The Great Greek restaurant. For real. Our on-scene sources tell us Lainie and the other driver were both conscious afterward -- but you can see in the pics Lainie's neck was immobilized in a neck brace. Lainie's current condition is unclear -- her rep wouldn't comment. No citations have been issued, but cops tell us the accident is still under investigation. … [Read more...] about ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ Star Hospitalized After Car Wreck