People: Brian Williams to anchor MSNBC coverage of pope
Brian Williams will re-enter the headquarters of NBC News as an anchor for cable channel MSNBC on Sept. 22. Williams will handle MSNBC’s live coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S.
Williams will not have his own program when he returns, although it’s understood he’ll be available at an anchor desk at MSNBC’s New York studio. While other changes to the MSNBC daytime schedule are being planned, including a daily program with NBC News political director Chuck Todd, not all of them are expected to be in place by the time Williams returns.
Williams was last seen reading the news on Feb. 8 when he was still anchor on “NBC Nightly News.” Embroiled in a controversy over false statements he made about his reporting during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, he was suspended Feb. 11.
After an internal investigation of his work, Williams was removed from the “Nightly News” job and replaced by Lester Holt, who became the permanent anchor for the broadcast June 21.
NBC News and MSNBC chairman Andy Lack offered the new role to Williams as a chance for redemption and an opportunity to boost the cable channel’s dismal ratings during daytime hours.
Clarkson cancels shows to rest voice
Kelly Clarkson is canceling several upcoming tour dates this month, saying doctors told her to rest her voice.
Clarkson announced the cancellation of performances starting with shows in Vienna, Virginia, on Saturday and today. She also is canceling shows in Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Camden, New Jersey. Her tour says all tickets will be refunded at the original point of purchase.
Clarkson tweeted that she is “bummed” and “can’t wait to get heathy.”
John: LGBT rights mean good business
Elton John has called on Ukraine’s business leaders to accept gays in the workplace, telling them that policies “designed to repress LGBT citizens … hinder economic development.”
John, who is gay and an outspoken activist, spoke to hundreds of business and political leaders at a high-profile forum in Kiev.
The singer pointed to studies showing that emerging economies that protect LGBT rights have a higher gross domestic product per capita. So, he said, “being tolerant and inclusive is not only the morally right thing to do, for the new Ukraine, it’s the smart thing to do.”
The British singer and composer played two outdoor concerts in Kiev in 2007 and 2012 to raise awareness for Ukraine’s AIDS epidemic, which is the worst in Europe.
The birthday bunch
Actress Barbara Bain is 84. Rock singer David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat & Tears) is 74. Actress Jacqueline Bisset is 71. Singer Peter Cetera is 71. Actress Jean Smart is 64. Rock singer-musician Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) is 54. Radio-TV personality Tavis Smiley is 51. Rock musician Zak Starkey is 50. Singer Fiona Apple is 38. Rock singer Niall Horan (One Direction) is 22.