Comedian Joan Rivers has died, according to her daughter, Melissa Rivers.

"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother. Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated.

My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon." Melissa Rivers  ‪#‎RIP‬ ‪#‎JoanRivers‬

Scarlett Johansson pregnant: Actress, fiancé Romain Dauriac expecting first child

Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Scarlett Johansson and Romain Dauriac announced their engagement in September. They have been dating publicly since November 2012. 

 

E! News first reported.the "Her" actress, 29, has one on the way. Johnasson is roughly five months along, according to sources for TMZ.

Johnasson announced plans to wed her French journalist boyfriend in September. The two went public with their romance in November 2012. But Johansson isn't rushing down the aisle.

By Margaret Eby / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Investigator: ‘Midnight Rider’ Crew Wasn’t Supposed to Be on Tracks

February 21, 2014 | 04:55PM PT

27-year-old camera assistant was killed Thursday on set of Gregg Allman feature

Ted Johnson 

 

The crew of Gregg Allman biopic “Midnight Rider” was working on train tracks without permission from the railroad in Wayne County, Ga. when a train crashed into the production team, killing one and injuring seven others, an investigator said Friday.

The tracks, owned by CSX Railroad, cross private land owned by forest-products company Rayonier, which has a nearby paper mill. Joe Gardner, the lead detective on the case, said the crew had Rayonier’s permission to film on its property next to the train tracks.

“CSX has told me they were aware they were out there, but they did not have permission to be on the train tracks,” Gardner told reporters.

An eyewitness told Variety the Open Road Films drama was in its first day of shooting Thursday afternoon and the crew was filming a dream sequence on a railroad trestle when a train unexpectedly crossed the bridge.

The victim, a second camera assistant, was later identified as Sarah Jones, 27, of Atlanta.
A rep for Open Road has declined to comment on how Thursday’s fatal incident could effect the pic’s future.

The crew, including director Randall Miller, had been warned to expect two trains on the local bridge, one in each direction, and waited until after those two trains had passed to set up their shot, which involved placing a bed on the tracks. The railroad had also told the production that if any additional trains came, they’d hear a whistle about a minute before the train would reach the bridge.

A third train did arrive unexpectedly, blowing its whistle while the crew was on the bridge and the bed was on the track. Crew members ran toward their base camp, which was on land at one end of the bridge, using a plank walkway on the side of the trestle bridge. However in doing so they ran toward the bed. That proved disastrous.

Miller, who also directed the 2008 film “Bottle Shock,” and a still photographer rushed to get the bed off the tracks. Miller fell onto the tracks but the still photographer pulled him off, according to the witness, saving his life. The train was unable to stop and crossed the bridge while the crew was still on the walkway and the bed was still on the tracks.

The bed was hit by the train and shattered, sending debris flying. One large piece of debris hit Jones as she was running and knocked her onto the tracks. She was then struck by the train and killed. Debris also hit and injured several other people, including one who was seriously injured and airlifted to Savannah’s Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Another person also suffered injuries during the accident and was admitted to the hospital while at least two other people from the crew, none seriously injured, were treated in the emergency room at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Jesup, Ga. Gardner told reporters on Thursday that seven people were injured.

In addition to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department in Jesup, Ga., near where the accident occurred, officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are conducting an investigation, according to a spokesman for the agency in Atlanta.

Starring William Hurt, Bradley Whitford, Eliza Dushku, Zoey Deutch and Tyson Ritter, “Midnight Rider” is set to be released by Open Road in the U.S.
Allman is also an executive producer on the film.

Representatives for the production did not immediately return requests for comment.
Update: Nick Gant, creative director and principal of Meddin Studios in Savannah, which is working with the production, said via email:

“This is not gorilla film making or a group of indie film makers trying to grab a shot. It was weeks of communications and scouting multiple places. You had to have access to get onto the site. We have 20-30 year veterans in all the departments, crew is extremely qualified, cast trailers were transporter, location was almost 90 minutes away… No corners were cut.”

“CSX will say what they want because they can retract their statement in 6 months and it will have no press around it.

“We are spending too much time trying to place blame on a horrific accident. Sarah’s actions probably saved other peoples lives. The crew, our families and our community are very tight. We are able to hand select who we are going to spend long days and weeks together. Sarah and every crew members were friends, family and professionals at what they did.

“We need to celebrate their accomplishments, their lives and support their families as we move forward.”

The Associated Press contributed to this repot

Charlotte Dawson found dead at her Sydney home

ONE of Australia’s most popular television identities, Charlotte Dawson, has been found dead at the age of 47 after a long history of depression. 

The Kiwi-born former model is understood to have been found by a security guard in the early hours of this morning having failed to show up to a planned lunch date.

Police confirmed they were called to Wooloomooloo wharf at 11.18am and there were no suspicious circumstances to the death.

Charlotte Dawson was found dead in her apartment at Woolloomooloo today. Pictured is a police van entering the private wharf driveway. Source: News Corp Australia

 

Police at the doorstep of the apartment where Dawson died. Source: News Corp Australia

 

The tragic news led to an immediate outpouring of grief on social media networks.

Radio personalities Kyle and Jackie O were among the first to express their shock. “Heartbroken to hear news that Charlotte Dawson has died,” they tweeted.

At least one close friend contacted soon after Dawson was found dead admitted the troubled TV host and former model was in “the worst shape emotionally” they had ever seen her — and on more than one occasion had failed to meet friends at organised times in the three days leading up to her death.

It is understood it was Dawson’s failure to appear at a lunch appointment — as well as the fact her Twitter account had remained dormant for 19 hours — that alerted one friend to contact the building manager at Dawson’s apartment building early Saturday morning.

A security guard then made the discovery in Dawson’s unit, number 104, and raised the alarm, with police arriving soon after to remove the body.

Fellow Woolloomooloo wharf resident Russell Crowe was in tears as he heard the news today. Source: News Corp Australia

 

“She was in very bad shape. Terrible shape,” said a friend, who asked not to be named.
“She had failed to show up to a lunch a couple of days ago and then when I had seen she hadn’t tweeted in almost a day it was clear something was wrong.”

"She was in very bad shape. Terrible shape"

Police are believed to have entered Dawson’s up-market waterfront apartment complex through a back entrance, with diners at Woolloomooloo Wharf restaurants continuing lunch oblivious to the fact Dawson had only hours earlier taken her life in a nearby unit.

One waiter at the nearest eatery to Dawson’s apartment said there had been no visible sign of police entry.

A major anti-online bullying advocate, Dawson had long documented her struggles with depression via her Twitter account.

She had previously had one highly-publicised suicide attempt back in September 2012, after copping a barrage of abuse on social media.

Since then she had been vocal about her battle with mental illness and also wrote at length about it in her tell-all book Air Kiss And Tell.

A long-time judge on the popular cable modelling series Australia’s Next Top Model, it was announced last year that Dawson would not be returning the show after a cast shake-up.

Dawson with Australia's Next Top Model judges Alex Perry, Sarah Murdoch and Jaz Daly. Source: News Limited

 

Despite putting on a brave face at the time, friends admitted Dawson took the axing particularly hard but had recently talked optimistically about new ventures.

As news broke today of Dawson’s death, friends rushed to social media to share their grief — with former international modelling pal and fellow Kiwi Rachel Hunter writing; “I’m devastated, such an amazing & kind soul. Heartbreaking!”

Dawson’s former boss at Foxtel, Brian Walsh, also offered his condolences, releasing a statement that read: “This is tragic news and deeply sad. Everyone at Foxtel is devastated. Our sympathies are with Charlotte’s family and friends.”

For support and information about suicide prevention, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Dawson with good friend Alex Perry and Megan Gale. Source: Supplied

 

Dawson in a favourite holiday photo. Source: News Limited

 

RIP CHARLOTTE DAWSON 1966 - 2014

Leave your tributes below     Amy Harris

Leighton Meester and Adam Brody officially tied the knot!

Gossip Girl would have a field day with this one! Less than three months after news of their engagement went public, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody have married in a super-secret wedding, multiple sources confirm exclusively to Us Weekly.

Us exclusively revealed back in February 2013 that the Gossip Girl alum, 27, and the former O.C. star, 34, were dating. The pair -- both of whom starred on shows created by Josh Schwartz -- had worked together two years earlier on the 2011 film The Oranges and "were always close and friendly," an insider said at the time.

Nine months later, in November 2013, a source confirmed to Us that the resolutely private twosome were engaged. Neither has commented on the romance publicly, but they've been spotted in and around Hollywood on a handful of occasions over the last year. They also worked together again on the upcoming comedy Life Partners.

This is the first marriage for both. Meester previously dated actor Aaron Himelstein, and Brody was linked to director Lorene Scafaria and also romanced his O.C. costar Rachel Bilson.

By Allison Takeda

Christina Aguilera is engaged!

Matt Rutler gave girlfriend Christina Aguilera a Valentine’s Day present to never be forgotten: An engagement ring!

Christina accepted and took to her Twitter page to share news of her diamond—captioning the photo simply, “He asked and I said…”

Simon Cowell And Lauren Silverman Welcome 'Handsome' Baby Boy Eric

X Factor U.K.' judge becomes a first-time father Valentine's Day.

We're not sure about you, but Simon Cowell is having a really great Valentine's Day.

Photo: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman/Getty Images

The "X Factor U.K." judge and girlfriend Lauren Silverman welcomed their first son, Eric, on Friday (February 14). This is the first child for Cowell, 54, and the second for 34-year-old Silverman. (She also has a son, Adam, with ex-husband Andrew Silverman.)

"Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome," Cowell tweeted on Friday.

He also shared that Eric is his father's name and that Lauren is "in great shape."

Cowell reportedly flew from London to be by Silverman's side at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Earlier this month, Fox canceled "X Factor" after he announced that he was returning to the U.K. version of the reality singing competition.

Silverman announced her pregnancy in July. She was still married to Silverman, a friend of Cowell's, but the two were divorced in December.

In an interview with Ellen Degeneres in September, Cowell admitted the situation was "uncomfortable," but still was excited to become a father.

"Oh my god, this is exciting," Simon said about hearing the news. "It was kind of uncomfortable because of the situation ... these things happen. I'm actually happier than I've ever been."

By Emily Blake

Jeter announces 2014 season will be his last

Yankees captain releases statement on Facebook, thanks fans and organization

TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter started his career as a fresh-faced rookie shortstop hoisting the World Series trophy in his first full season. He would go on to collect five championship rings, more than 3,000 hits and savor the celebrated title of Yankees captain.

And now as Jeter prepares to enter what will be his 20th season in the big leagues, he has acknowledged that the ride is coming to an end. Jeter announced Wednesday that the 2014 season will be his final one, doing so via a lengthy Facebook post.

Jeter, who will turn 40 in June, said that the numerous injuries that he has recently battled -- beginning with a left ankle fracture sustained in the 2012 American League Championship Series -- have taken their toll, making the game less enjoyable and more of a struggle.

"The one thing I always said to myself was that when baseball started to feel more like a job, it would be time to move forward," Jeter said. "So really it was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last."

Commissioner Bud Selig issued the following statement on Wednesday acknowledging Jeter's announcement: "In the 21-plus years in which I have served as Commissioner, Major League Baseball has had no finer ambassador than Derek Jeter. Since his championship rookie season of 1996, Derek has represented all the best of the National Pastime on and off the field. He is one of the most accomplished and memorable players of his -- or any -- era.

"Derek is the kind of person that generations have emulated proudly, and he remains an exemplary face of our sport. Major League Baseball looks forward to celebrating his remarkable career throughout the 2014 season."

Jeter's announcement comes months after longtime teammates Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera took off their uniforms for the final time. The fourth member of the "Core Four," Jorge Posada, walked away after the 2011 season.

A 13-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger Award winner and five-time Gold Glove Award winner, Jeter has spent his entire career in Yankees pinstripes. He has been working out for several weeks at the Yanks' complex in Tampa, Fla., taking ground balls and batting practice to prepare for what he has repeatedly called "a normal spring."

Jeter left the Himes Avenue complex before Wednesday's announcement was published on the social media site, but agent Casey Close confirmed that it is legitimate.

Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said as he was leaving Steinbrenner Field that the team would put out an official statement shortly. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said as he left the facility that it was difficult to react to Jeter's announcement.

"I don't know what you say about a guy who's done what he's done in his career," Rothschild said. "I don't know if I'm the right guy to put words on it, because it's just been an unbelievable career for him."

Jeter said that he has been wrestling with the decision, and how best to announce it, for some time.

"As I came to this conclusion and shared it with my friends and family, they all told me to hold off saying anything until I was absolutely 100 percent sure," Jeter said. "And the thing is, I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart."

In his post, Jeter thanked the fans for their support over the years, as well as the late George M. Steinbrenner and the Steinbrenner family.

In his Kalamazoo, Mich., bedroom, Jeter once vividly dreamed of playing shortstop for the Yankees, and he said on Wednesday that he "never had to wake up" because "I have been living my dream every single day."

"I've experienced so many defining moments in my career: winning the World Series as a rookie shortstop, being named the Yankees captain, closing the old and opening the new Yankee Stadium. Through it all, I've never stopped chasing the next one. I want to finally stop the chase and take in the world.

"For the last 20 years I've been completely focused on two goals: playing my best and helping the Yankees win," he continued. "That means that for 365 days a year, my every thought and action were geared toward that goal. It's now time for something new."

Coming off a season in which he was limited to just 17 games and served four stints on the disabled list, Jeter's actions have suggested that he was uncertain how much longer he would play.

Jeter negotiated a one-year deal at $12 million after the season, which in hindsight may serve as a window into his thinking. Jeter announced that he was launching a book publishing imprint in partnership with Simon & Schuster last November, and also joined an Atlanta-based food company, Luvo Inc., in January.

"I have achieved almost every personal and professional goal I have set," Jeter said. "I have gotten the very most out of my life playing baseball, and I have absolutely no regrets. Now it is time for the next chapter. I have new dreams and aspirations, and I want new challenges.

"There are many things that I want to do in business and philanthropic work, in addition to focusing more on my personal life and starting a family of my own. And I want the ability to move at my own pace, see the world and finally have a summer vacation."

By making his announcement so early, Jeter has ensured that 2014 will serve as a sendoff celebration of his career -- similar to the tour that Rivera enjoyed last season. He also has milestones to chase: Jeter enters the season with 3,316 hits, three behind Paul Molitor for eighth place on the all-time list. Carl Yastrzemski (3,419), Honus Wagner (3,420) and Cap Anson (3,435) are also within reach.

It remains to be seen how Jeter will handle all of the increased attention, though his past actions suggest that he will not be distracted from the ultimate goal.

"I want to soak in every moment of every day this year, so I can remember it for the rest of my life," Jeter said. "And most importantly, I want to help the Yankees reach our goal of winning another championship."

Bryan Hoch