Patterson reveals $5.3M in donations
Howard University, PEN America and Scholastic Book Clubs are among the latest recipients of donations from James Patterson, the bestselling author who has given over $100 million to literary and literacy programs.
On Tuesday, Patterson announced $5.3 million in cash awards. They include $2 million to PEN to support the organization’s fight for free expression worldwide; $2 million to Scholastic for the classroom project “The United States of Readers”; and $1.3 million total to Howard University for 12 James Patterson Writer Education Scholarships, worth $10,000 each for the current academic year, and to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop for 14 fellowships, given to 11 fiction writers and three poets.
Over the years, Patterson has also given millions of dollars to teachers, school libraries and independent bookstores.
“I was brought up to give back — so my mother and grandmother should get the praise here,” Patterson said in a statement. “I’ve dedicated my career to getting as many people to love books as possible.”
Feige addresses not recasting Boseman role:
It felt “much too soon” to recast Chadwick Boseman’s character in the upcoming “Black Panther” movie after the actor’s death, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said in a new interview.
Boseman, who played T’Challa in the first “Black Panther” film, died in 2020 at age 43. Co-written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” arrives in theaters Nov. 11.
“It just felt like it was much too soon to recast,” Feige told Empire magazine in a story out Monday.
“Stan Lee always said that Marvel represents the world outside your window. And we had talked about how, as extraordinary and fantastical as our characters and stories are, there’s a relatable and human element to everything we do. The world is still processing the loss of Chad. And Ryan poured that into the story.”
Shakira to face trial over tax fraud:
A Spanish judge on Tuesday approved a trial for Colombian pop singer Shakira on charges of tax fraud. The entertainer was accused in 2018 of failing to pay approximately $13.9 million in taxes on income earned between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors are seeking an eight-year prison sentence and a hefty fine if she is found guilty of tax evasion. A trial date hasn’t been set.
Shakira, 45, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Her public relations firm has said that she has paid all she owed and an additional approximately $2.8 million in interest.
Buffett to refrain from touring:
Citing unspecified “health issues,” Jimmy Buffett has canceled two upcoming tour dates and postponed three others. In an announcement Tuesday, the musician’s representatives stated that “on doctor’s orders,” Buffett “must take this time to recuperate and heal.”
The statement also referenced his “brief hospitalization” as a reason Buffett, 75, will need to “refrain from touring for the rest of the year.” No further details were provided.
Sept. 28 birthdays:
Actor Jeffrey Jones is 76. Actor Vernee Watson is 73. Comedian Janeane Garofalo is 58. Actor Mira Sorvino is 55. Actor Naomi Watts is 54. Singer Karen Fairchild is 53. Rapper Young Jeezy is 45. Musician St. Vincent is 40. Comedian Phoebe Robinson is 38. Actor Hilary Duff is 35.