T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, who have been on leave from their roles as co-hosts of ABC's afternoon show "GMA3," will not return to the network after the completion of an internal review into their relationship, which burst out into the open in late November. "After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it's best for everyone that they move on from ABC News," a network spokesperson said in a statement on Friday night. "We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions." The television drama began on Nov. 30, when the Daily Mail published a photo-heavy article detailing the relationship between the two hosts, who were married to other people at the time. The network initially chose not to take any action. Then, on Dec. 5, ABC News president Kimberly Godwin announced internally that she would pull the pair off air while she considered the best way to handle "an … [Read more...] about Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes to leave ABC after relationship revealed
Cnn
The Biden documents scandal is a test for the media – and an opportunity
After two years of relative quiet, the Washington press corps mounted familiar battle stations this week as a Biden administration scandal took shape. "You're not going to answer the questions, but we're going to ask them because that's our job," Ed O'Keefe, a correspondent for CBS News, told White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing Wednesday in which she repeatedly refused to provide new information about classified documents that had been found improperly stored in the president's former office space. It triggered a back-and-forth that led Jean-Pierre to plead, "You don't need to be contentious with me here." Yet for all the pent-up vigor with which they launched into the facts of the case, journalists also labored to contextualize a matter made all the more complex by the shadow of former president Donald Trump's own ongoing classified-documents scandal. And they girded against partisan criticism that they are going too hard or too soft on the … [Read more...] about The Biden documents scandal is a test for the media – and an opportunity
Gina Lollobrigida, Italian film siren of the 1950s, dies at 95
The Italian movie industry after World War II was a juggernaut that competed alongside Hollywood as one of the world's leading exporters of films. Grittily poetic works such as Roberto Rossellini's "Rome, Open City" and Vittorio De Sica's "Bicycle Thieves" were masterpieces of neorealism that turned themes of deprivation and desperation into high art. But when Time magazine examined the might of Italian film production in 1954, it did not put Rossellini or De Sica on the cover. Instead it featured Gina Lollobrigida, a ruby-lipped bombshell encased in clinging gowns, whose presence in comedies, romances and adventures powered a rebellion against neorealism. Ms. Lollobrigida, who died Jan. 16 in Rome at 95, was for a time an international sensation with few equals. In the estimation of actor Humphrey Bogart, her allure made "Marilyn Monroe look like Shirley Temple." Life magazine called "La Lollo" - as she was nicknamed - "the most fetching argument ever advanced for liberal … [Read more...] about Gina Lollobrigida, Italian film siren of the 1950s, dies at 95
These 15 restaurants serve the best barbecue in Houston
While Central Texas may get all of the praise for its star-led barbecue destinations, there are plenty of power players packed within the urban confines of the Houston area. Trusty pitmasters that have served the city for decades continue to thrive, but there are also a number of hidden gems worth seeking out, including innovators who are interpreting the cuisine in new ways. Lines have long been blurred between barbecue and Tex-Mex . These days, East Asian, Cajun and even French influences have joined the mix. While you may think you know all the who’s-who and what’s-what in Houston's barbecue community, consider our pro tips next time you set out on a 'cue excursion. Here's where to dive in at 15 of the best BBQ joints in Houston. Blood Bros. BBQ In recent years, this barbecue joint located in a nondescript Bellaire retail strip has skyrocketed in popularity, even opening an outpost in the buzzy new Resorts World Hotel in Las Vegas. Helmed by brothers Robin and Terry … [Read more...] about These 15 restaurants serve the best barbecue in Houston
Police investigate Monterey Park shooter’s weapons, history; motive unknown
Investigators are delving into the history of the shooter who killed five men and five women inside a dance hall in Monterey Park, Calif., as the community mourns the victims of the mass killing in the Los Angeles suburb. In the aftermath of the shooting, which left at least 10 others injured, Huu Can Tran's motive remained unclear, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Tran, 72, fatally shot himself as law enforcement officers closed in on him after a manhunt, authorities said. The shooting, which happened shortly after the majority-Asian city's Lunar New Year celebration, initially raised fears of a hate crime. Although that was not ruled out, officials said Tran was of Asian descent. Questions also remained about the weapon Tran used; Luna said law enforcement officers recovered a semiautomatic pistol with an "extended large capacity magazine attached to it" that he did not think was legal in California. The 10 victims were pronounced dead at the scene and were … [Read more...] about Police investigate Monterey Park shooter’s weapons, history; motive unknown
Former U.S. leaders asked to recheck for classified docs
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives has asked former U.S. presidents and vice presidents to recheck their personal records for any classified documents following the news that President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence had such documents in their possession, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday. The Archives sent a letter Thursday to representatives of former presidents and vice presidents extending back to Ronald Reagan to ensure compliance with the Presidential Records Act. The act states that any records created or received by the president are the property of the U.S. government and will be managed by the archives at the end of the administration, according to the two people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about investigations. The Archives sent the letter to representatives of former Presidents Trump, … [Read more...] about Former U.S. leaders asked to recheck for classified docs
News organizations grapple with showing horrific Nichols, Pelosi videos
News organizations tried to decide Friday night whether to broadcast video that was unquestionably newsworthy but horrifically violent - hardly for the first time. In this instance, it was graphic footage of five Memphis police officers fatally beating 29-year-old motorist Tyre Nichols. Hours earlier, it was police body-camera video of a man attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer. On other days, it's been recordings of mass shootings, war, any other number of atrocities that comprise part of the modern news cycle. Most networks decided to air the Nichols videos shortly after they were released - some before they had reviewed it themselves - and always with copious on-air and verbal warnings for viewers. CNN aired the entire four-part video, after anchor Erin Burnett said the network determined that it is "of great public importance." "The family and the police chief all want the world to see this video," she added. Ahead of a video clip showing paramedics slow to respond, … [Read more...] about News organizations grapple with showing horrific Nichols, Pelosi videos
Black Memphis police spark dialogue on systemic racism in the U.S.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 MEMPHIS - For the mother of Tyre Nichols, the fact that five Memphis police officers charged with beating her son are also Black has compounded her sorrow as she tries to cope with his violent death at age 29. "It makes it even harder to swallow," RowVaughn Wells said in an interview last week, "because they are Black and they know what we have to go through." The race of the five officers charged in the Nichols killing has prompted a complex grappling among Black activists and advocates for police reform about the pervasiveness of institutional racism in policing. Nichols died three days after he was pulled out of his car Jan. 7, kicked, punched and struck with a baton on a quiet neighborhood street by Black officers, whose aggressive assault was captured on body-camera videos released Friday. The widely viewed videos of the Nichols beating provided fodder for … [Read more...] about Black Memphis police spark dialogue on systemic racism in the U.S.