Lori Loughlin's daughters' USC status on hold amid college admissions scandal investigation - Fox News

While Lori Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli's future is in limbo from their alleged involvement in the college admissions scandal, their daughters' academic fate at the University of Southern California has also been called into question.

USC said in a statement that students involved in the alleged cheating and bribery scams will not be able to withdraw from the school and that their situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

"USC determined which applicants in the current admissions cycle are connected to the alleged scheme and they will be denied admission. A case-by-case review of current students who may be connected to the alleged scheme is also underway. We will make informed decisions about those cases as the reviews are completed," the college wrote on its website.

LORI LOUGHLIN BONDS WITH DAUGHTER ISABELLA AFTER COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL

“USC has placed holds on the accounts of students who may be associated with the alleged admissions scheme," the statement continued. "This prevents the students from registering for classes (until they have agreed to participate in the review of their case), withdrawing from the university, or acquiring transcripts while their cases are under review.”

FELICITY HUFFMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL

USC would not go into specific cases publicly, pointedly noting, "USC, like other universities around the country, follows a federal law regarding the privacy of student records called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, often referred to as FERPA. According to FERPA, personally identifiable information in an education record may not be released without prior written consent from the student."

LORI LOUGHLIN SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS AHEAD OF COURT HEARING FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL

Loughlin, 54, and Giannulli, 55, were arrested last month for their allegedly bribing their daughters' ways into USC for $500,000 each. The "Fuller House" actress and the fashion designer reportedly paid William "Rick" Singer to get daughters Isabella and YouTube star Olivia Jade recruited to the USC crew team despite neither girl being a rower.

LORI LOUGHLIN WON'T SPEAK ABOUT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL

In terms of college athletics bribes, USC writes, "An internal investigation is continuing, including a thorough review of the student-athlete admissions process; we are continuing to update our procedures related to admissions review of student-athletes."

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Giannulli and Loughlin were each released on $1 million bonds. They appeared in court last Wednesday and surrendered their passports. They have not yet entered pleas and face potential prison time.

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2019-04-09 12:14:44Z
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Emilia Clarke Shared Photos From Her Brain Surgery After Having Two Aneurysms - BuzzFeed News

Last month, Emilia Clarke revealed that she'd experienced several life-threatening brain aneurysms that started after the first season of Game of Thrones wrapped.

In an essay for the New Yorker, Emilia explained that she'd been rushed into urgent surgery in 2011 after being diagnosed with a subarachnoid haemorrhage — a stroke that one-third of patients can die from.

PA

She wrote: "I’d never experienced fear like that — a sense of doom closing in. I could see my life ahead, and it wasn’t worth living. I am an actor; I need to remember my lines. Now I couldn’t recall my name. In my worst moments, I wanted to pull the plug. I asked the medical staff to let me die. My job—my entire dream of what my life would be—centered on language, on communication. Without that, I was lost.”

Emilia went on to write that when she returned to work six weeks later, she thought she was about to die "every minute of every day."

HBO

She wrote: "I told my bosses at Thrones about my condition, but I didn’t want it to be a subject of public discussion and dissection. The show must go on! Season two would be my worst. I didn’t know what Daenerys was doing. If I am truly being honest, every minute of every day I thought I was going to die."

Well, during an appearance on CBS This Morning on Sunday, Emilia opened up further about her experiences and shared never seen before photos from her hospitalisation.

The images were taken during Emilia's recovery from her first brain aneurysm in 2011.

And during the interview, Emilia spoke in more detail about the aneurysm which happened while she was at the gym.

CBS

She said: "Basically, I was in the gym, the most excruciating pain, like an elastic band just went, like, snap in my head. I felt an enormous amount of pressure suddenly, and then very, very, very quickly I realised I couldn't stand and I couldn't walk, and in that moment I knew I was being brain damaged."

Emilia went on to reveal that she endured a second aneurysm two years later, and this one was life-threatening.

CBS

She said: "With the second one, there was a bit of my brain that actually died. If part of your brain doesn't get blood to it for a minute, it will just no longer work. It's like you short circuit. So I had that. There was a deep paranoia. I was like, 'What if something has short-circuited in my brain and I can't act anymore?' I mean, literally it's been my reason for living for a very long time."

Emily also spoke about the toll the aneurysms took on her mental wellbeing, but added that returning to work ultimately "saved" her from thinking about her own mortality.

HBO

Emilia said: "You go on the set, and you play a badass character, and you walk through fire and you speak to hundreds of people, and you're being asked to work as hard as you possibly can. And that became the thing that just saved me from considering my own mortality."

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2019-04-09 10:06:00Z
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Kodak Black Artwork Taken Down in T.I.'s Trap Museum - XXL - XXLMAG.COM

Following Kodak Black’s controversial remarks about Lauren London this past weekend, the rapper’s artwork inside T.I.'s Trap Museum in Atlanta has been removed.

A fan video of the removal was posted on Instagram on Monday (April 8). In the clip, you see workers taking down the Kodak Black art installation while attendees looked on. The video abruptly ends after a security guard told the person to stop recording.

The expulsion of the artwork comes after T.I. called out the South Florida rapper for his ill-timed comments on Instagram Live about hollering at Lauren London, who is the girlfriend of late rapper Nipsey Hussle. "Hey, Kodak Black: You outta pocket, nigga. Fix that shit—quickly, expeditiously," said Tip.

Kodak would later apologize to London, but he was short-tempered when it came to T.I. and him barking orders at him. "I said what I said and then y'all trying to misconstrue what I said," he vented on IG Live last Saturday (April 6). "Man fuck that. I don't give a fuck what y'all talking about. I'm in Georgia, right now. What y'all talking about?"

Kodak's remarks about London have also prompted Los Angeles radio station Power 106 to ban the rapper's music from their playlists. Some fans are even calling for a boycott of Kodak's music altogether.

T.I. hasn't addressed the removal of Kodak Black's artwork at the Trap Museum. He's currently vacationing in Maui. Check out the removal process below.

21 of Hip-Hop's Most Unfortunate Rap Beefs

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2019-04-09 04:06:34Z
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'American Idol': Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon's Cyndi Lauper cover is 'glorious,' 'masterful' - USA TODAY

Patrick Ryan USA TODAY

Published 10:00 PM EDT Apr 8, 2019

Monday's "American Idol" ended on a high note. 

Church janitor-turned-singer Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, 26, closed out the Top 20 round with a stirring, sophisticated duet of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" with Broadway star Cynthia Erivo. Although the two had only met shortly beforehand in rehearsal, their undeniable onstage chemistry and Harmon's lofty vocal range both earned thumbs up from the judges. 

"It was like your guys' souls were singing to each other," Katy Perry said. "You're just very timeless and your voice is so mature. … You've got crazy range, so never forget to show that off. But it was like a spiritual moment for me." 

"It was incredible," Luke Bryan added. "I was sitting on the edge of my seat like, 'Please go for the big note,' and you did it and you knocked it out of the park."

Who's that?: 'American Idol': Bobby Bones steps in for ailing Ryan Seacrest on Monday's episode

Sunday: 'American Idol': Katy Perry calls Laci Kaye Booth her 'favorite' after emotional duet

Lionel Richie was similarly effusive in his praise of Harmon, calling it a "glorious" and "masterful performance." 

The Maryland native made the final cut for the reality singing competition's Top 14 round, which commences with a live show and fan voting on April 14 (ABC, 8 EDT/PDT). Three more contestants were eliminated Monday: Ryan Hammond, Raquel Trinidad and Logan Johnson. 

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2019-04-09 02:00:00Z
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All the Details on Felicity Huffman's Plea Agreement in Bribery Case - E! Online

Felicity Huffman is pleading guilty in the college admissions scandal.

On Monday afternoon, the actress released an emotional apology for her actions and revealed she is pleading guilty to the one charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud that was brought against her on March 12. "I am pleading guilty to the charge brought against me by the United States Attorney's Office," the Desperate Housewives star announced. "I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions."

According to the plea agreement obtained by E! News, the U.S. Attorney will recommend a prison sentence at the "low end" of the sentencing range, in addition to a "fine or other financial penalty of $20,000." The U.S. attorney will also recommend 12 months of supervised release and restitution payments to be determined at a later date. As part of the agreement, Felicity has also forfeited any claim to assets seized for the purpose of the investigation.

In accordance with the agreement, Felicity relinquishes any right to an appeal, "regardless of whether she later changes her mind or finds new information that would have led her not to agree to give up these rights in the first place."

In addition to her announcement that she is taking full responsibility, the actress apologized to her daughter and other students who were negatively impacted by the college scandal. She remorsefully wrote, "I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologize to them and, especially, I want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly."

Charles Krupa/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Furthermore, the star revealed that her teenage daughter was unaware of the lengths she went to ensure her admission. "My daughter knew absolutely nothing about my actions, and in my misguided and profoundly wrong way, I have betrayed her. This transgression toward her and the public I will carry for the rest of my life," Felicity stated. While the actress meant well, she acknowledged that it is "no excuse to break the law or engage in dishonesty."

12 other parents involved in the college bribery scandal are also planning on pleading guilty, including William "Rick" Singer.

E! News has reached out to an attorney for Felicity Huffman for comment.

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2019-04-08 21:47:00Z
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Felicity Huffman to plead guilty in college admissions scandal: 'I am ashamed of the pain I have caused' - Fox News

Felicity Huffman has agreed to plead guilty in the college admissions cheating scam that has ensnared wealthy parents, Fox News has learned.

On Monday, the 56-year-old actress announced her decision, explaining that she accepts "full responsibility" for her actions.

"I am pleading guilty to the charge brought against me by the United States Attorney's Office," the "Desperate Housewives" alum said in a statement obtained by Fox News.

FELICITY HUFFMAN, LORI LOUGHLIN AMONG SEVERAL DOZEN SNARED IN ELITE COLLEGE CHEATING SCHEME, AUTHORITIES SAY 

"I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions," Huffman continued. "I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologize to them and, especially, I want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly.

FILE - In this April 3, 2019 file photo, actress Felicity Huffman arrives at federal court in Boston to face charges in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal. In a court filing on Monday, April 8, 2019, Huffman agreed to plead guilty in the cheating scam. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

"My daughter knew absolutely nothing about my actions, and in my misguided and profoundly wrong way, I have betrayed her. This transgression toward her and the public I will carry for the rest of my life. My desire to help my daughter is no excuse to break the law or engage in dishonesty," she concluded.

"I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done."

— Actress Felicity Huffman

The Department of Justice revealed on Monday that Huffman was one of the 11 defendants, who was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud, and have agreed to plead guilty pursuant to plea agreements.

LORI LOUGHLIN APPEARED ‘ARROGANT’ IN COURT WHILE FELICITY HUFFMAN LOOKED ‘MORE GENUINE,’ SAYS SKETCH ARTIST

Last week, Huffman appeared in a Boston federal court. She is accused of paying $15,000 disguised as a tax-deductible charitable donation so her daughter could take part in an apparently rigged college entrance exam.

FELICITY HUFFMAN, LORI LOUGHLIN APPEAR IN COURT FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL HEARING 

Court documents stated that a cooperating witness met with the actress and her husband, "Shameless" star William H. Macy, at their Los Angeles home and explained to them that he "controlled" a testing center and could have someone secretly alter her daughter's answers. The person told investigators the couple agreed to the plan.

Huffman was arrested and released on a $250,000 bond last month. Macy was not charged.

More than four dozen people have been charged in the nationwide scam, which is alleged to have placed students in top-tier schools like Yale, Georgetown, Stanford, the University of Southern California, UCLA and the University of Texas. A federal investigation into the matter – dubbed "Operation Varsity Blues" – has been ongoing for more than a year.

NICOLLETTE SHERIDAN CALLS FORMER CO-STAR FELICITY HUFFMAN'S ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT IN COLLEGE SCAM 'DISGRACEFUL'

Fellow actress Lori Loughlin and Loughlin's fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, are also charged in the scam. They are not among those who've agreed to plead guilty and haven't publicly addressed the allegations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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2019-04-08 18:58:36Z
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Game of Thrones is no longer a game of thrones - The Verge

The eighth and final season of Game of Thrones premieres on Sunday, April 14th, and HBO has been in full marketing swing to remind viewers of the years-long journey to get here: Iron Thrones have been hidden around the world, and the network has been producing endless trailers and teasers and spinoff products from custom sneakers to branded Oreos, all centered on one message: #ForTheThrone. But eight years in, Game of Thrones’ title has never been less accurate. As the sweeping stakes of the show have escalated, the Iron Throne of Westeros, and the question of who gets to sit on it, has become almost completely unimportant to the story.

When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO on April 17th, 2011, the network didn’t use the poetic but unwieldy name George R.R. Martin gave his densely written book series. The creators simplified: instead of A Song of Ice and Fire, they used a slightly truncated version of the first book’s title A Game of Thrones.

Back in season 1, “game of thrones” was an apt description of the action. The show’s driving force was largely political in nature, with far less of a focus on epic fantasy. Instead of giant battles and dragon-filled set pieces, earlier episodes tended to spend more time on debate-filled council sessions and surreptitious alliance-forming meetings than on epic battles.

But the stakes have escalated dramatically. The second and third seasons continued the “game of thrones” theme, with warring factions vying for the throne after the suspicious death of King Robert Baratheon. That was the most apt era of the show for the title, back when there were five kings running around, facing off in actual martial and political contests over the throne. But by the time season 4 ended, the contest for the Iron Throne was virtually over — Robert Baratheon’s supposed heir Tommen (and by extension, his mother Cersei Lannister) had gained near-total control over the country of Westeros. Their power was contested in disastrous ways, but Cersei only solidified her status over the next few seasons.

Despite the shifts in power in the south, Game of Thrones has increasingly drawn its focus away from the actual Iron Throne and toward the inevitable fight with the undead White Walkers in the north. Having moved past Martin’s published material and into original scripts, the series has become far flashier, a much more special effects-driven story, more attached to traditional sword-and-sorcery fantasy than Martin’s slow-burning, complicated political gambits, with their scheming and backstabbing.

There have been costs to those jumps. Earlier seasons of the show were more grounded in historical politics and realistic in a sort of alternate-medieval-history sort of way, but each progressive year has seen the show get less subtle and more bombastic. In season 1, for example, the show devoted an entire episode (“The Kingsroad”) to showing the time it took to get from the northern castle of Winterfell to the southern city of King’s Landing. Building an army and crossing the Narrow Sea to invade Westeros took up years of plotlines for upstart queen Daenerys Targaryen. But now, characters teleport across the Seven Kingdoms as if by magic, pinging back and forth between the farthest reaches of the North to King’s Landing and back in no time at all as the rapidly accelerating plot demands.

That’s partially simple narrative progression. Eventually, events had to come to a head in Westeros. That series title that HBO discarded has been promising a war between fire-breathing dragons and ice zombies since the first book was published back in 1996. But the dried-up well of source material has also contributed. As fans of the novels are exceedingly aware, Martin has only written five of the seven promised books that the show is based on. It’s been nearly eight years since he set out to write the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, and the TV series has moved far past his published stories. Without hundreds of pages of Martin’s political intrigue to guide them, it’s no wonder showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have shifted toward broad strokes and big battles.

The writers have even laid out the shift openly. Last season, in a speech entreating Daenerys to join the North’s fight against the invading White Walkers, Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) addressed the issue head-on: “If we don’t put aside our enmities and band together, we will die. And then it doesn’t matter whose skeleton sits on the Iron Throne.”

The stakes of Game of Thrones have elevated so much that the question of who rules Westeros pales in comparison to the question of whether Westeros can possibly survive. But not everyone has embraced the shift in priorities. Last season ended with Cersei still seeing the White Walkers as a possible weapon in her pointless jockeying to keep the Iron Throne. She’s still playing the game, even if no one else is.

Not that this matters to the title of the show. Game of Thrones has become a recognizable, highly successful brand, and so has the Iron Throne. They’re far too well known for HBO to want to change them, or even de-emphasize them in marketing. At this point, the title Game of Thrones is certainly more recognizable than Martin’s original A Song of Ice and Fire — even if that latter title better reflects what the series has become and what we can most expect from the final season.

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2019-04-08 17:52:16Z
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