Hollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-Harris
Lady Gaga sings the national anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. And country star Garth Brooks, doffing his black cowboy hat, sang a soulful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” his eyes closed for much of the song. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A festival hit waylaid by the virus, ‘The Climb’ peddles on
FILE - Writer/director Michael Angelo Covino, left, and actor Kyle Marvin pose during a portrait session to promote their film "The Climb" at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on May 18, 2019. With each lurch forward, we have to get our bearings for where Mike (Michael Angelo Covino) and Kyle (Kyle Marvin) are now. Joined on a Zoom call, Kyle and Mike are hundreds of miles apart. After Cannes, Covino and Marvin landed distribution from Sony Pictures Classics, rode the festival circuit and won a Film Independent Spirit nomination. When Covino and Marvin hit a wall while writing, they'd go for a ride to clear their heads and talk it over.
Ecuador's ex-president detained in organized crime probe
QUITO A former Ecuadorian president known for his wild antics has been detained in an organized crime probe as authorities investigate the murder of an Israeli man jailed in a possible COVID-19 medical supplies scandal, the nations interior minister said Wednesday. The chief prosecutors office confirmed Bucaram had been detained, but revealed little about the investigation, other than to say it is part of an organized crime probe that also involves one of the ex-presidents sons and three transit employees. In late July, his three adult sons were ordered detained as a preliminary measure as the investigation advances, though they have not been located. I maintain my word that in court, Ill get you out.Dahan was later found dead and the second Israeli man, Oren Sheinman, injured. Hctor Gabriel Vanegas, a lawyer for Sheinman, said his client has information about organized crime networks in Ecuador and has been subject to constant threats since his detention.
Ex-Ecuador president detained in COVID-19 corruption raid
QUITO A former Ecuadorian president has been detained after authorities raided his home Wednesday and found a gun and medical supplies including masks as part of a wider investigation into corruption during the pandemic. Investigators said the raid was conducted in connection with an ongoing probe into suspected embezzlement at a large public hospital. A lot of medical supplies were found, chief prosecutor Diana Salazar said. Prosecutors have opened 45 corruption cases in Ecuador related to the acquisition of medical equipment to confront the pandemic in recent weeks. Getting rich off a tragedy and at the expense of the most needy isnt just illegal, Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner said.