Steve Pond's Blog, page 47

17 Senators Demand US Pressure Israel Over Killing Palestinian Journalists, Opening Gaza to Media

In a letter made public Wednesday, a group of Senate Democrats urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pressure Israel about the deaths of Palestinian journalists covering the conflict in Gaza, and to push for Gaza to be opened to international media.

Signed by Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz and cosigned by 16 other Democratic senators, including Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine, the letter also specifically addresses the death of Al Jazeera Correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who was killed during an Israeli strike in Gaza on Aug. 10.

“Israel has not provided convincing evidence for its claim that al-Sharif was a Hamas militant. Absent a compelling explanation of the military objective for this attack, it appears Israel is publicly admitting to targeting and killing journalists who have shown the world the scale of suffering in Gaza, which would be a violation of international law,” they wrote.

The letter goes on to say that more than 190 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began with the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. “The Vast majority of whom,” the letter asserts, “were Palestinians killed in Gaza by IDF military action.”

The letter also says that Israel “continues to ban journalists from entering Gaza independently,” and urged Rubio “prioritize journalists’ immediate access to Gaza: as well as guarantees from Israel that the IDF will not “target them in its operations.”

“The United States must make it clear to Israel that banning and censoring media organizations and targeting or threatening members of the press is unacceptable and must stop,” they said also. “The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts serves to undermines U.S. moral leadership and credibility in the region and around the world.”

Read the letter below:

Al-Sharif, whose death ignited new uproar about the death of journalists covering Gaza, was killed along with seven other people in the attack early August attack. Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa were also among the dead.

Israeli military officials have alleged that the 28-year-old al-Sharif was a Hamas operative who participated in rocket attacks. Al Jazeera rejected the accusation. Al-Sharif – and Al Jazeera – were also controversial even among some in Gaza, where it’s been reported that locals were upset that protests against Hamas within Gaza weren’t being covered.

 Israel has frequently accused Palestinian reporters of belonging to militant groups, a charge critics say is aimed at undermining coverage of its actions in the war.

The post 17 Senators Demand US Pressure Israel Over Killing Palestinian Journalists, Opening Gaza to Media appeared first on TheWrap.

Jack White: Being Insulted by Trump White House ‘Is a Badge of Honor for Me’

Jack White isn’t sweating the insults lobbed at him by Donald Trump’s communications director on Wednesday.

“Being insulted by the actual White House that this particular conman leads is a badge of honor for me,” he wrote in a defiant statement posted Wednesday night to his Instagram account.

In case you aren’t aware, on Monday, White made a rare public political statement criticizing Trump administration policies and values, along with the gaudy makeover Trump has imposed on the White House. In response, on Wednesday morning Steven Cheung said, “Jack White is a washed-up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career. It’s apparent he’s been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of ‘The People’s House.’”

White’s response came soon after. “I was raised to believe that we defeated fascism in World War II and that we would never allow it again in the world. I don’t always state publicly my political opinions, and like anyone I don’t always know all of the facts, but when it comes to this man and this administration I’m not going to be like one of the silent minority of 1930’s Germany. This man is a danger to not just America but the entire world and that’s not an exaggeration, he’s dismantling democracy and endangering the planet on a daily basis, and we. all. know. it,” the White Stripes legend wrote.e

White expanded on these comments in a message included along with the images in his post. He began by quoting Cheung directly, then remarking on the fact that Cheung didn’t respond to any of the substantive criticisms he made about Trump, only those made about the White House aesthetics. “Masquerading as a real artist’? Thank you for giving me my tombstone engraving,” White added. “Well, here’s my opinion. Donald Trump is masquerading as a human being.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jack White (@officialjackwhite)

“He’s masquerading as a Christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy,” White continued. The singer then talked at length about Trump’s failed business ventures, his alleged cheating at golf, and his “inaction” during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as Trump’s “goon squads” and other policies, as well as the two party American political system.

White also explained his own nonpartisan political affiliation, and concluded that he’s just an artist and a small businessman “who has enough street sense to know when a 3 card monte dealer is a cheap grifter and a thief.”

The post Jack White: Being Insulted by Trump White House ‘Is a Badge of Honor for Me’ appeared first on TheWrap.

SAG-AFTRA Members Overwhelmingly Approve 2025 Broadcast TV Code

By an overwhelming margin, SAG-AFTRA members nationwide have approved the 2025 broadcast television code, which covers recorded and live programming throughout the broadcast day.

The code was ratified by 96.48% of members who voted, with just 3.52% voting against.

In a statement Wednesday, the guild laid out the gains made in the new contract, among them:

A general wage increase of 3.5% in year one, 3% in year two, and 3% in year three — a compounded increase of 9.8% over the term — with additional targeted increases for specific performer categories. An increase of 1 percentage point to the benefit plan contribution rate and a reallocation of existing contributions that together effectively raise the AFTRA Retirement Fund contribution rate by 3.3 percentage points, adding vital resources to strengthen members’ retirement securityA general wage increase of 3.5% in year one, 3% in year two, and 3% in year three — a compounded increase of 9.8% over the term — with additional targeted increases for specific performer categories. An increase of 1 percentage point to the benefit plan contribution rate and a reallocation of existing contributions that together effectively raise the AFTRA Retirement Fund contribution rate by 3.3 percentage points, adding vital resources to strengthen members’ retirement security A commitment to adopt future artificial intelligence terms secured in the upcoming 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement negotiations into the Network Television Code.High-budget non-dramatic entertainment programs made for SVOD will now be subject to the minimum terms of the Network Television Code. Heightened protections for young performers, including background checks for individuals that supervise or teach minors, education requirements for emancipated minors, and confirmed access to video/audio feeds for parents/guardians. Broadcasters on specific sports events on streaming platforms will now be covered.Best efforts requirement to use intimacy coordinators for scenes involving nudity or simulated sex and provide 48-hour advance notification to background performers when nudity or simulated sex will be required.Better rates for dancers on the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Increased payments for singers who multi-track or sweeten three times or more in a session. Performers will now be provided with information for requesting disability accommodations no later than the first day of employment. 

“We’ve locked in meaningful gains for performers across all categories, while building a foundation for future victories on critical issues like artificial intelligence. I’m especially proud of the progress we’ve made on protections for young performers, hair and makeup equity, and the use of intimacy coordinators, all of which reflect our union’s values and vision for the future,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement after the vote.

“This agreement increases wages, establishes critically needed funding to protect retirement benefits, and secures any future A.I. safeguards bargained with the AMPTP across live and recorded television. My thanks go to the Network Television Code Negotiating Committee, led by Chair Keri Tombazian, and our outstanding staff, including lead negotiator Ray Rodriguez, for their dedication and expertise in delivering a contract that meets the needs of performers now and in the years to come,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said.

The post SAG-AFTRA Members Overwhelmingly Approve 2025 Broadcast TV Code appeared first on TheWrap.

Advisor to NY Mayor Eric Adams Hands Reporter Cash – Hidden in a Bag of Potato Chips

Winnie Greco, a campaign adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams, found herself in hot water on Wednesday after she attempted to give a reporter for the local publication The City a wad of cash – hidden in a bag of potato chips.

According to the publication, City Hall reporter Katie Honan ran into Greco at the opening earlier in the day for Adams’ new Harlem campaign office. Greco later texted Honan and asked to meet up with her across the street from the new office outside of a bank.

The pair then went into a local Whole Foods, where Greco bought said chips and opened the bag. She then handed the bag to Honan; when the reporter looked into the bag later, she saw that Greco had Stuffed a $100 bill and several $20 bills into the chips. At that point she texted Greco, said she could not accept that money and asked to return it to her — but received no response.

Honan informed her bosses at The City about the matter, and when contacted again Greco told Honan, “I make a mistake. I’m so sorry. It’s a culture thing. I don’t know. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I feel so bad right now. I’m so sorry, honey.”

Greco later called the publication back and told them, “Can we forget about this? I try to be a good person. Please. Please. Please don’t do in the news nothing about me. I just wanted to be her friend. I just wanted to have one good friend. It’s nothing.”

Greco also told the paper to contact her attorney, who insisted “Winnie’s intent was purely innocent. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused.”

The publication meanwhile notified the NY Department of Investigations, and reported Wednesday night that the money is now in possession of the U.S. Attorney for Brooklyn. Greco has since been suspended as an adviser to Adams’ reelection campaign, The City reported.

But Adams is no stranger to allegations of corruption. He was indicted on federal corruption charges a year ago. He denies any wrongdoing, but despite being elected in 2021 as a Democrat, after his indictment he began to publicly support Donald Trump.

Trump’s Department of Justice killed the case against him soon after he took office, doing so over the strenuous objections of several career DoJ employees. This included interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Renee Sassoon, acting head of the DOJ’s criminal division Kevin Driscoll, John Keller, the acting head of the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, three other prosecutors in the Public Integrity Section and Hagan Scotten, lead prosecutor in the case against Adams. All of them resigned in protest.

Meanwhile, alongside Adams last year, several other city officials were investigated, including Greco, who then resigned as Adam’s Director of Asian Affairs.

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‘South Park’: Tim Cook and More Oligarchs Suck Up to Trump and Towelie Meets a Dark Fate in DC

Note: This story contains spoilers from “South Park” Season 27, Episode 3.

“South Park” brought back Towelie for a traumatic trip to Trump’s militarized Washington, only to meet a dark fate as Tim Cook and other tech and world oligarchs showered the President with gifts for favor.

Season 27’s Episode 3, titled “Sickofancy,” saw Randy Marsh enlist the help of ChatGPT to help his struggling marijuana farm overcome the financial impact of ICE deporting all his workers. With the help of the AI — and a newfound love for microdosing ketamine — Stan’s dad briefly transforms the farming operation into a tech company, run by himself, his business partner Towelie and “only one Mexican.”

The financial strain and his overreliance on Chat puts a strain in Randy’s relationship with wife Sharon, accusing him of letting the little “sycophant machine” push him to making the wrong decisions. The action then jumps to DC, where President Trump has an audience with human sycophants of his own.

“Mr. President, your ideas for the tech industry are so innovative and you definitely do not have a small penis. Please accept this gift on behalf of Apple,” CEO Tim Cook tells Trump before giving him a small gift, which the president turns into a sex toy with Satan.

Other people assuring the president in the line include Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the Emir of Qatar and Republican Senator Ashley Moody.

The “South Park” episode clearly pokes fun at people’s overreliance on AI, as Randy and Towelie use the AI to convince an ICE officer to let them into a detention center, and Randy uses it to gain access to the White House for Towelie, secure a gift for the President and schedule a meeting in an attempt to convince him to reclassify marijuana as a permitted substance on the federal level. Even Satan — previously established as Trump’s begrudging lover — sought ChatGPT’s assistance in plotting an escape plan.

Apple CEO Tim Cook presents Donald Trump
South Park pic.twitter.com/47G3kmKdlq

— 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕥Siegien (@margaretsiegien) August 21, 2025

Hoping he’d succeed in his mission, Towelie traveled to Washington DC and stood in awe at Union Station, the Supreme Court and other big monuments from the district — now infested with National Guard after Trump had them descend in an effort to quell crime.

At the White House, he nervously took his turn as Techridy’s envoy in delivering a gift in hopes of Trump’s favor. The gift was a hologram message from Randy who, high on ketamine, begged Trump to help with the marijuana legislation and offered Towelie himself as the real gift. Trump ignored the request and took Towelie hostage.

Back at the farm, a sobered up Randy realized his venture actually put him in more debt and he was forced to sell Marsh family home to settle it — which Stan and the rest of the family did not seem to mind as having a marijuana farm was only Randy’s dream. Viewers saw as the Randy, Stan and the family said goodbye to the farm and seemingly set their return back to South Park. In his drug-induced haze, Randy forgot he had given his towel friend away to the President.

An epilogue for the episode, parodying a CBS Studios sitcom called “Hey Satan,” then took us back to the White House. After avoiding a NSFW sexcapade with Trump and JD Vance, Satan went into the bathroom for a moment of peace. He heard a faint “Help” and found Towelie, a shell of his former self from overuse — seemingly by Trump.

Towelie begged him for help in escaping his new role at the White House.

“There is no escape from this place,” Satan told Towelie, as they were both resigned to their fates and the end credits rolled.

“South Park” Season 27 will air next Sept. 3 on Comedy Central and stream the next day on Paramount+. Past seasons are now streaming on Paramount+.

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George Conway Says Trump Turned GOP Into ‘A Mob Organization’ and Sarah Palin Was MAGA’s Canary in a Coal Mine | Video

George Conway believes that an authoritarian MAGA mentality existed in the Republican Party before Donald Trump — and some of the clues lie with Sarah Palin.

During Wednesday’s “Mehdi Unfiltered” podcast, Conway, a former Republican and The Lincoln Project co-founder, discussed with host Mehdi Hasan the through-line from Palin to Trump and the MAGA signs that existed back when she was tapped to be John McCain’s vice presidential running mate in 2008.

“Barack Obama once said that there’s a straight line from Sarah Palin to Donald Trump,” Hasan said. “The appointment of Sarah Palin – that was a precursor to Trump.

“I think it was one of the canaries in the coal mine,” Conway agreed.

Conway also said he was surprised how fast the GOP moved away from “small C conservative” ideals under Trump, saying it was shocking that an outsider like Trump could come in and take hold of the party so quickly.

“I didn’t think that a fringe of the party would take over and turn the party into basically a statist — a statist, government-expanding government,” he added. “It’s basically turned it into a mob organization. That was inconceivable to me.”

Conway admitted that he got it wrong when it came to the president. He thought that despite Trump being an egomaniac he would be able to be moderated in the office by everyone else around him. What he did not account for was Trump’s “bad instincts” always winning out.

“There is just a rotten core in there,” Conway said. “He’s truly evil, and from a psychological standpoint, he’s a narcissistic sociopath … People do manipulate him, but you can’t control him. And in the end, the bad instincts always win out and they get worse.”

Watch the full interview below:

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Patton Oswalt Defends Dave Chappelle Trans Jokes as a Reaction to ‘Things That Happened to Him When He Was Young’ | Video

Patton Oswalt once again defended his longtime friend and comedy contemporary Dave Chappelle on Tuesday, saying that the string of transphobic jokes that got him in hot water in recent years do not make Chappelle transphobic, but that “he’s reacting to some things that happened to him when he was young.”

“I thought the jokes were lazy. I don’t think he’s transphobic,” Oswalt said on a Tuesday episode of the “We Might Be Drunk” podcast with hosts Mark Normand and Sam Morril. Maintaining his support for the trans community, Oswalt said that Chappelle is “f–king brilliant. I came up with him, he’s a friend, but we disagree on this one f—king thing. I don’t agree with his stance on this one thing. Comedians fight about s—t all the time.”

It echoed Oswalt’s 2022 apology after blowback from trans fans and their allies for posting a New Year’s Eve photo with Chappelle on Instagram, captioning the image, “I ended the year with a real friend and a deep laugh. Can’t ask for much more.”

Oswalt’s apology — posted just the next day, Jan. 1, 2022 — said that while Chappelle as a comic is “the funniest I’ve ever met” and that they’d known each other since they were teenagers, “I support trans peoples’ rights — ANYONE’S rights — to live safely in the world as their fullest selves.”

“For all the things he’s helped ME evolve on, I’ll always disagree with where he stands NOW on transgender issues,” Oswalt said of Chappelle. “But I also don’t believe a seeker like him is done evolving, learning. You know someone that long, see the struggles and changes, it’s impossible to cut them off.”

The sordid history and social media fallout against Oswalt from both his fans and staunch supporters of Chappelle came up on Tuesday’s podcast with Normand and Morril as the three reflected on the reactionary nature of X in contrast to comedy being “one of the most ephemeral art forms in existence.”

“I’ve said plenty of s—t on my early albums that now I know better,” Oswalt said, explaining that comedy “doesn’t age.”

“We should accept that and kind of roll with it,” he said. “But at the time, I have a lot of friends, I have family members who are trans, who are transitioning, and I talked to them, and they’re f—king terrified right now. And it’s the exact same thing to me back when Black people would say, ‘The cops beat us up all the time,’ and it’s like, ‘Oh this is all bulls—t, this is fear mongering,’ and then we put cameras on cops and lo and behold, there’s footage of cops beating the f—k out of [them]. Listen to the minority group. If they’re telling you they’re scared, they’re not making s—t up.”

Oswalt then emphasized that one of the gifts of comedy is its ability to evolve with the times. Comedians can still mine the topics they want at the mic, but it’s their job to “find a way to make it funny.”

“If you’re a comedian and enough people are saying, ‘Hey, this is really, I’m coming to you because I’m not a scold, I’m just, like, this is really harmful and this is why,’ just go, I’m sure I can find another way to say this. I’m a comedian,” he said. “You can’t go, No, that’s the way I wrote it and I can’t change it. Well then, how the f—k are you in showbiz?”

Chappelle first came under fire for a series of jokes that many deemed transphobic in 2021’s Netflix special “The Closer.” His 2023 special, “The Dreaming,” also included material centered on the trans community. In his 2022 special, “What’s in a Name?”, Chappelle said of the topic, “The more you say I can’t say something, the more urgent it is for me to say it.”

Listen to Oswalt’s full “We Might Be Drunk” podcast appearance here.

The post Patton Oswalt Defends Dave Chappelle Trans Jokes as a Reaction to ‘Things That Happened to Him When He Was Young’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Hallmark Eliminates 30 Roles Amid Company-Wide Restructuring

Hallmark has eliminated 30 roles amid a company-wide restructuring, TheWrap has learned.

The company is tightening up its workforce across multiple divisions and restructured several parts of its business, resulting in the loss of 30 jobs. The cuts have been made with “the goal of investing in capabilities that will propel our business into the future,” according to a Hallmark spokesperson.

“As the industry continues to traverse a significant period of transformation, Hallmark is taking steps to transition our workforce to meet the needs of the business today,” the spokesperson continued. “This means an ongoing exploration of specific roles and functions.”

The news comes less than a month after Hallmark brought back former programming executive Michelle Vicary as the company’s new head of programming. Before departing in 2021, Vicary worked at Hallmark for 22 years, and played a vital role in greenlighting projects like “When Calls the Heart,” “Wedding Every Weekend,” “The Christmas House,” “Chesapeake Shores,” “Good Witch” and “Countdown to Christmas.”

Hallmark has gradually entered the streaming race, with Hallmark Movies Now transforming into Hallmark+, a hub for all of Hallmark’s original movies and series, in 2024. The new streamer, which also features membership benefits for retail products, launched in September 2024, with annual plans starting at $79.99 and monthly subscriptions starting at $7.99.

“Based on the success of the Hallmark experiences that we’ve recently rolled out, people want new ways to interact with the brand,” EVP of streaming and digital platforms Emily Powers told TheWrap at the time. “We’re very, very confident that there’s an audience for this and that it’s going to continue to grow.”

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‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox’ Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Out?

“The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” dives into the murder trial that rocked Amanda Knox’s life from the time that her roommate, Meredith Kercher, was murdered in 2007 in Italy up through present day.

The show, which is executive produced by Knox alongside Monica Lewinsky, features “Tell Me Lies” star Grace Van Patten as Knox, who navigates the Italian legal system alongside her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito (Giuseppe De Domenico) and the years of injustice that follow.

When does “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” come out?

The new series premieres its first two episodes on Wednesday, Aug. 20 on Hulu.

What time is “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” on Hulu?

The first two episodes will drop at 12 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 20, meaning that viewers on the West Coast can watch Tuesday night at 9 p.m. PT.

Here’s the release schedule for “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox”Episode 1: “Amanda” – Aug. 20American college student, Amanda Knox, embarks on her study abroad trip in Italy. The morning before Amanda is supposed to leave on a romantic excursion with her new Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, things take a sinister turn.Episode 2: “Ci vediamo più tardi” (“See you later”) – Aug. 20Under mounting pressure, the police try to break Amanda and Raffaele while Edda races to reunite with her daughter.Episode 3: “The Guardian of Perugia” – Aug. 27Episode 4: “All You Need Is Love” – Sept. 3Episode 5: “Mr. Nobody” – Sept. 10Episode 6: “Colpevole”– Sept. 17Episode 7: “U were there”– Sept. 24Episode 8: “Libertá” – Oct. 1Will “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” have a Season 2?

The show is billed as a limited series, so it’s unlikely there would be a second season.

What is “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” about?

The limited series dives into how Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted for the tragic murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, and her 16-year odyssey to set herself free, per the official logline.

Who is in “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” cast?

Grace Van Patten stars as Amanda Knox, while Sharon Horgan stars as Amanda’s mom, Edda Mellas, John Hoogenakker plays Amanda’s dad, Curt Knox. Francesco Acquaroli plays Amanda’s former prosecutor, Giuliano Mignini, Giuseppe De Domenico plays Amanda’s boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, and Roberta Mattei plays Monica Napoleoni, the head of the homicide division in Perugia.

Watch the trailer:

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Lifetime Cuts Majority of Unscripted Team, Including VP of Programming and Development Nicole Vogel

Lifetime made cuts to its unscripted division, TheWrap has learned. Several employees have been axed from the A+E owned network, including Vice President of Programming and Development Nicole Vogel. The cuts are in the single digits, saving down the unscripted division’s already narrow team.

This news comes a year and a week after Lifetime SVP Amy Savitsky as well as VPs Kim Chessler and Cat Rodriguez left the company as part of cuts at the network. That round of layoffs also impacted employees across History and A&E.

Vogel’s departure is especially jarring for the future of the company as she was the most senior member of the unscripted division. She joined Lifetime in 2019 and has spearheaded projects like “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard,” “#TextMeWhenYouGetHome,” “Phrogging: Hider in My House,” “Meet, Marry Murder,” Cellmate Secrets and “Beyond the Headlines: Black Girl Missing.” Before joining Lifetime, Vogel was the director of development at WE tv where she developed and executive produced “Extreme Love” and “Love After Lockup.”

As streaming has become more popular, cable networks like Lifetime, History and A&E have taken the biggest hit. During the month of July, streaming accounted for nearly half of all TV viewership, according to data from Nielsen. For the third month in a row, that share was more than viewership for cable and broadcast combined. Owned by Hearst Communications and the Walt Disney Company, A&E launched in 1984 and has long been known for its true crime documentaries as well as its made-for-TV movies.

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