5 dead, including 2 sheriff’s deputies, after 13-hour standoff in N.C.

Two sheriff’s deputies were among the five people killed after a lengthy standoff in northwestern North Carolina. Officials said the standoff began on Wednesday when deputies performed a welfare check at a Boone, N.C., home after the owner and family members failed to show up for work and didn’t answer phone calls. The Watauga County …

8 indicted in hazing death of Bowling Green State University student

Prosecutors announced Thursday that eight people were indicted by an Ohio grand jury in connection with the death of a Bowling Green State University student who died from alcohol poisoning after attending a fraternity party. Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson said the eight men attended a Pi Kappa Alpha party March 4 at an …

‘Gossip Girl’ reboot to premiere on HBO Max in July

The official Twitter handle of “Gossip Girl” announced that the reboot of the drama is set to premiere on HBO Max in July.  The tweet reads: “Good afternoon, followers. I need no introduction, but these New York elite do. Pleased to present your newest obsession — coming to @hbomax this July. Clear your calendars accordingly.” …

“Dexter” revival drops first teaser and reveals fall premiere date

Showtime has released the first official teaser for the series’ forthcoming revival of the series Dexter.  The network announced it would be reviving Dexter last October as a 10-episode limited series bring back original star Michael C. Hall and showrunner Clyde Phillips. On Thursday, Showtime shared a 10-second long clip on social media.  The first look …

North Carolina judge declines to release Andrew Brown Jr. shooting videos

A North Carolina judge ruled Wednesday against publicly releasing the body-worn camera footage of the police shooting of Andrew Brown Jr., Pasquotank County Superior Court Judge Jeff Foster said immediate family members, including Brown’s son, Khalil Ferebee, and a family attorney, can view the videos within 10 days. Foster denied a media request for the …

FBI agents search Rudy Giuliani’s NYC apartment and office as part of Ukraine probe

FBI agents executed search warrants at Rudy Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment and his office to seize electronic devices Wednesday. The New York Times first reported the on the search warrants. Federal investigators have been looking into Giuliani’s dealings with Ukrainian officials. Last December, federal prosecutors discussed whether to make a legal request for Giuliani’s electronic communications. …

“Game of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer confirms birth of first child

39-year-old actress Natalie Dormer welcomed her first child, a daughter, with her partner, David Oakes, in January. Dormer shared the news during Tuesday’s episode of the That’s After Life! podcast. Dormer kept her pregnancy private. Dormer and Oakes first met as co-stars in the West End play Venus in Fur in 2017.  Said Dormer: “It’s …

Leslie Jones to host 2021 MTV Movie and TV Awards

The 2021 MTV Movie and TV Awards announced via Twitter Wednesday morning that its host will be comedian and actress Leslie Jones. Jones will emcee the live ceremony in Los Angeles, which will begin on Sunday, May 16 at 9 p.m. and span two nights. The ceremony will be broadcast from the Palladium to honor …

President Biden to order minimum wage hike to $15 for federal contract workers

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday requiring federal agencies to pay contract workers a minimum wage of $15 per hour.  The order will affect hundreds of thousands of contractors, and comes weeks after Biden and Democrats in Congress attempted to raise the national hourly minimum wage to $15 as part of the American …

CDC sets new mask guidelines: those fully vaccinated can stop wearing masks outdoors, unless in crowded settings

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines on outdoor mask-wearing, saying that those fully-vaccinated may engage in outdoor activities, including running, hiking, and walking—without a mask—if they are alone or with members of their household. Attending small outdoor gatherings and dining outdoors without a mask are also considered safe, …