Cornwell awarded $50.9 million in case
Patricia Cornwell, author of the best-selling Kay Scarpetta mystery novels, won a judgment of $50.9 million against her former financial managers in federal court in Boston on Tuesday. Cornwell accused her former money management firm Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP and its former principal, Evan H. Snapper, of negligence in the handling of her finances. According to Cornwell, not only had the firm improperly invested $89 million of her money, it had also made illegal campaign contributions that drew the attention of the FBI, undermined her work and even traumatized her dog. The money management firm was paid about $40,000 a month to handle Cornwell’s finances. The managers claimed it was Cornwell’s own extravagance, including leasing expensive private jets, that was to blame.
Anchorman must steer clear of wife
A New York City TV anchorman issued a death threat against his wife as he was being arrested on charges of attacking her at their Connecticut home, according to a court document released Tuesday. A Darien police officer wrote that Rob Morrison, who works for WCBS-TV, “threatened that if he was released from police custody, he would kill his wife.” The document was offered in Superior Court in Stamford, in support of an order of protection against Morrison. Judge Kenneth Povadator ordered Morrison to stay 100 yards away from Ashley Morrison except when they’re both at work. She works for “CBS Moneywatch.” Rob Morrison, 44, was charged Sunday with strangulation, threatening and disorderly conduct. Officers had been called by his mother-in-law to the couple’s home in Darien. They said Morrison had been belligerent toward his wife throughout the night and had wrapped his hands around her neck, leaving red marks.
Former Obama aide hired by NBC
David Axelrod, former strategist and aide to President Barack Obama, has landed a new job at NBC News. The network said Tuesday that Axelrod is joining as a senior political analyst. He’ll contribute to broadcasts on both NBC News and the cable network MSNBC.
The birthday bunch
Gloria Vanderbilt is 89. Actor Sidney Poitier is 86. Racing Hall of Famer Bobby Unser is 79. Actress Marj Dusay is 77. Jazz-soul singer Nancy Wilson is 76. Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 76. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 72. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Phil Esposito is 71. Actress Sandy Duncan is 67. Rock musician J. Geils is 67. Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 59. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley is 50. Model Cindy Crawford is 47. Singer Rihanna is 25.