Morning Edition:
Bob Dylan was one of 13 people to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom yesterday. President Barack Obama called Dylan one of his individual heroes and said of the crowd gathered to watch the ceremony, “This is a testament to how cool the group is. Everybody wanted to check them out.” Other people selected for the honor were Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, astronaut John Glenn and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The award is given out by the President every year and honors individuals who have made huge contributions to the national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or significant public or private endeavors.
Former Diff’rent Strokes star Todd Bridges announced yesterday that he and his wife, Dori, are divorcing after 14 years of marriage. Bridges’ rep said, “It is confirmed that after 14 years of marriage, the Bridges have decided that disunion is in the best interest of their collective futures. Although Todd and Dori are going their separate ways, they are mutually committed to the well-being of their son.” The couple has a 13-year-old son, Spencir, who appeared in the film Daddy Day Camp.
Evening Edition:
In case we didn’t have enough singing shows on our televisions, NBC has given the green light for a new reality singing competition called The Winner Is. The show is from the producers of The Voice, and will feature contestants fighting for a $1 million prize. The twist is that the show will focus on head-to-head battles, and before the results are revealed, singers will be able to negotiate deals with their opponents, choosing to exit the show in exchange for a cash prize. The amount of money will increase with every round, right up until the finale.
TNT’s spinoff of The Closer, Major Crimes, hasn’t even premiered yet and it already has a guest star. NCIS star Michael Weatherly will appear early in the first season as Arthur Woodson, a charming con artist who currently works as life strategist for a group of Israeli mob wives. Weatherly is currently in contract negotiations to continue his role of Tony on the hit CBS drama. Major Crimes will premiere on Monday, August 13th at 10 p.m. following the series finale of The Closer.
