TMZ

I am a devoted AP stylist and have been since I started my career as a wire editor. 

I specialize in reporting breaking news online and on air -- accuracy first, with urgency and velocity.

TMZ.com is not an outlet that follows AP Style. I wrote and edited under the strict in-house Levin Style during my two years in that newsroom.

It's idiosyncratic, but there is an internal logic and structure. As for the site, there's a masthead, but there are no bylines. 

I edited roughly 200 stories every week, managed a team of writers and researchers, wrote breaking-news alerts and updates, and was deeply involved in many investigations, including the Diddy trial, the Guthrie abduction, the Liam Payne death case and the Kim Kardashian Paris jewelry heist, among so many others. Ask me about it.

Here are some of my own write-ups covering crime and politics. 

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/10/10/wgn-news-producer-arrested-chicago-cbp/

Chicago News Producer Violently Arrested by Feds in Traffic, on Video

Rush Hour Chaos Captured on Camera

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/04/09/weezer-scott-shriner-wife-shot-by-los-angeles-police-eagle-rock-pursuit/

Weezer Member's Wife Shot By Cops in Shootout, Booked for Attempted Murder

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https://www.tmz.com/2024/08/23/robert-f-kennedy-jr-phoenix-speech-expected-end-campaign-endorse-trump/

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Campaign, Endorses Trump

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https://www.tmz.com/2026/03/20/kendra-duggar-arrested-in-arkansas/

Kendra Duggar Arrested in Arkansas Days After Husband Joseph's Sex Abuse Arrest

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/06/18/karen-read-retrial-verdict-not-guilty-murder/

Karen Read Acquitted of Murder of Boston Cop Boyfriend in Retrial

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/05/29/fbi-deputy-director-dan-bongino-jeffrey-epstein-jail-death-video/

FBI Deputy Director Says Epstein Jail Video Shows Financier Was Not Murdered

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/05/13/kim-kardashian-testifies-paris-france-jewelry-heist-grandpa-robbers/

Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Jewelry Heist Trial: 'I Thought I Was Going to Die'

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/02/27/barron-trump-escorted-to-nyu-campus-secret-service-suv-cars/

Barron Trump Driven to NYU Campus in Fleet of Secret Service SUVs, on Video

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https://www.tmz.com/2026/03/06/stephen-hibbert-dead/

'Pulp Fiction's The Gimp, Stephen Hibbert, Dead at 68

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https://www.tmz.com/2025/01/20/elon-musk-speech-crowd-salute-trump-inauguration/

Elon Musk's Crowd Salute Draws Ugly Comparisons After Inauguration

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TELEPICTURES: "CRIME WATCH DAILY" - "TRUE CRIME DAILY"

Crime podcasts I've written, hosted and produced, followed by some crime coverage from across the country, drawn from local sources.

I produced multiple weekly Telepictures Inc. podcasts from 2018 to 2022.

Selected and pitched weekly crime case coverage featuring two long-form cases and three comments cases with legal review.

Researched and wrote rundowns and scripts in deep outlined detail with sources.

Booked, directed and hosted a variety of guests including legal experts, law enforcement, doctors, authors and other journalists. 

Coordinated and recorded in-person and remote interviews and sessions.

Edited audio and video on Pro Tools, Avid and Adobe Premiere.

Cleared photos and created custom Photoshop graphics for shows and distribution.

Wrote headlines, callout ledes, promo copy, distributed audio/video formats to podcast platforms, social media and newsletters.

Los Angeles Press Club Southern California Journalism Awards, 2021 Podcast winner: 

Investigative reports showing enterprise, initiative, research. Scripts available.

TCDPOD

"True Crime Daily: The Podcast" - "Covering high-profile and under-the-radar cases across the country every week."

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK

"True Crime Daily: The Sidebar"

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNZToiVGCkYJIaZStWK9rwMXHgror4yx9

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrueCrimeDaily

5 Million YouTube Subscribers.

TCD: https://truecrimedaily.com/pages/podcasts/

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MCQgSSVQEPB6ME2jSy9u2

APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-daily-the-podcast/id1451999167

STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/true-crime-daily-the-podcast

EPISODES HOSTED

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School safety expert talks campus security, threat assessment, more - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfMGkUn735Q&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=168

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Campus security: Discussing Saugus High School attack with school safety expert - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnPj5NTkMk4&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=154

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1 apartment, 2 identical overdose deaths, no charges: Who's responsible? - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72i2U0mpht4&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=167

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Discussing directions, real-world effects of online extremism with Andrew Marantz - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0Am6BLY48&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=153

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West Virginia wife recorded hiring hit on husband; Nevada love-triangle homicide - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_71UYA6_RU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=152

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Wrongful Conviction: The Exoneration of Willie T. Donald - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxiOexWxM4Y&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=102

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SELECTED EPISODES PRODUCED

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Woman accused of killing friend with eyedrops; Football player arrested in Tinder 'catfish' murder - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LFMLIVM0TQ&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=78

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Dad arrested hours after pleading for baby's return; Mollie Tibbetts murder trial begins - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QODRT0D6vA8&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=82

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Ex-cult leader killed children, claiming she saved them from the devil; Alexis Murphy update - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwrPaOyRKgo&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=95

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Where is Stephanie Parze? New Jersey woman vanishes, ex-boyfriend dead - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUCss1yzp4I&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=147

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Fraud suspect accused of killing family, living with bodies; Girl records abusive dad - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdQyctVgesY&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=148

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Idaho couple at large, kids missing, spouses dead; Texas kidnapper caught - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhULvsA2M14&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=149

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Alabama's 'Cupcake' McKinney case; Legal hijinks in Florida man's murder case - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1acWrNN28Mw&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=150

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Moms' boyfriends: 1 kills kids over cigs; 1 dismembered by girlfriend's son - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZAT4YMUHEU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=151

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Woman's OD death recorded on camera; Does Echo have murder data? Rodney Reed update - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6iky-hsR4s&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=155

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Teen blames plot on FB hack; Girlfriend wanted in suicide case - w/guest Dr. Gail Saltz - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU1b6hvMdXk&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=156

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Author/former agent Amaryllis Fox discusses her book on life in the CIA - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_HM08787g&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=157

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Covering American cases abroad, with author/former CIA agent Amaryllis Fox - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mESV9GxvAc8&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=158

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Scott Michaels shows special documents: 'Hollywood Ripper,' Anton LaVey - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59nrzcbeBsU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=159

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Driver acquitted after shooting passenger dead; Guest Scott Michaels talks Sharon Tate items - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV3lV8pSkbI&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=160

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Author Jan Burke talks NamUs database, forensic science standards - TCDPOD Extra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0eTFXQRc1Y&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=161

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FBI confirms America’s most prolific serial killer; Amateur sting goes wrong - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beijfPH5-NY&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=162

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Texas man shoots intruder, gets murder charge; Florida kid killed protecting sister - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pnbzvoRZSw&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=164

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School cop canned for arresting 6-year-olds; Boy drives hours to meet app hookup - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IlylFpSlaU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=165

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Mom dead in husband's van, kids dumped in woods; Probation for burying baby; more - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf34sYAeidY&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=166

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Exonerated 28 years later; Pimping to raise bond; Astronaut crime - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrvxncArcr0&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=169

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Judge pleads to wife's murder; Arrest after girl killed by dogs - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AolcN5aW0yc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=170

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Wife found after ex killed in shootout; 1 family, 3 hot-car arrests - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8B62qESLfw&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=171

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Millionaire murder suspect caught in Mexico; Man puts kid in hospital over hat - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxqi4OA3K2Y&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=172

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Ad exec 'catfishes' murdered partner's family; Brothers missing after visiting farm - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zA6lwcRdZc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=173

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Ally Kostial case: Mississippi student arrested; Dad shoots daughter's boyfriend dead - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stS4sQdYVnE&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=174

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Grisly crime scene pics go viral. Missing Kentucky mom found dead - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPv7pjDhUCc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=175

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Strange clues in MacKenzie Lueck case; torture-video defendant uses weapon in court - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob08897l9ZQ&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=176

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'Catfished' teen promised $9M to record murder; 'Meth attack squirrel' lives - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzM5THNAHIE&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=177

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Conviction concludes McStay Family murder mystery; Alien cult member killed - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXPnVy2m-dc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=178

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Mom missing on custody hearing day, husband charged; Woman's phone records her death - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz5IJKDP_b0&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=179

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Ex-cop drove Texas to NY to kill dad of wife's kids? Drowning 'Smiley Face Killers' myth - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAQ2oaEWUMU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=180

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Grim discoveries in missing pregnant mom case; carnival worker, pilot murder arrests - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwqiDbQBXKs&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=181

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Maleah Davis missing in Houston; faking death for profit; bartender over-served shooter? - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoeiVi1C6bo&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=182

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Amiah Robertson, Michael Cummins, Katlyn Alix, Shane Piche - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEPdFrRLQJ0&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=183

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AJ Freund; Ex-boyfriend in attic; Domain-name gangster goes down - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9esT4tC26Rc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=184

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Sol Pais; Austin Smith; Najah Ferrell; Jacob Gonzales - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMcWpmoLPDM&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=185

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Crowd-solving Marques Gaines' fatal street assault - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoD12THG3fE&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=186

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Timmothy Pitzen; Samantha Josephson; Kelsey Turner - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ljHMdAhh3w&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=187

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Stacia Hollinshead; Kuzniks case in Cleveland; Closs, Packer updates - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYNZ1nALwUc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=188

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Trinity Love Jones, Diana Keel, Kiaya Campbell - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRWzdrhoWc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=189

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Boston mom abducted, found in trunk; Florida sisters' 'perfect murder'; Alabama girl taken - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw0hWz2Vv-s&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=190

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Cold-case DNA & online data; adoptive parenting horror; Michigan mom kills - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuMPeGpp_jo&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=192

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Bound body found in suitcase, Vegas cold-case arrest, smoking with a tiger - TCDPOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8atgC_qTFNg&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=191

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CRIME WATCH DAILY

Wrote hundreds of daily long- and short-form coverage items.

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https://truecrimenews.com/2018/06/28/reports-multiple-people-shot-at-capital-gazette-newspaper-in-annapolis/

5 dead, 2 injured in shooting at Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis

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https://truecrimenews.com/2018/07/21/suspect-barricaded-after-violent-police-pursuit-ends-at-trader-joes-store-in-l-a/

Silver Lake update: 1 woman killed, barricaded suspect surrenders to police after violent pursuit

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https://truecrimedaily.com/2015/10/26/yelp-reviews-of-jails-and-prisons/

Yelp reviews of jails and prisons, 10/26/15

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https://truecrimenews.com/2015/10/06/ink-in-the-clink-prison-tattoos-explained/

Ink in the Clink: Prison tattoos explained

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KABC-TV ABC7.com

Wrote hundreds of daily and hourly breaking-news stories and ongoing coverage of news, entertainment and features. 

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https://abc7.com/post/armed-suspect-killed-in-gunfire-exchange-with-anaheim-police/316449/

Armed suspect shot dead in gunfire exchange with Anaheim Police

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https://abc7.com/post/ex-cop-gets-25-years-for-forced-sex-while-on-duty/370142/

Ex-San Bernardino cop sentenced to 25 years for sex with prostitutes while on duty

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https://abc7.com/post/charlie-sheen-sued-for-alleged-violent-dental-office-attack/336109/

Charlie Sheen sued for alleged violent dental office attack

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https://abc7.com/post/son-in-law-arrested-for-1998-aliso-viejo-murder/344123/

Son-in-law arrested for 1998 Aliso Viejo murder

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https://abc7.com/post/lawndale-swat-standoff-gunman-wounded-after-firing-shots/371919/

Gunman wounded after firing shots in Lawndale SWAT standoff

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https://abc7.com/post/suge-knight-katt-williams-arrested-for-stealing-photogs-camera/372199/

Suge Knight, Katt Williams arrested for stealing photog's camera

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https://abc7.com/post/war-machine-captured-in-simi-valley/264195/

'War Machine' captured in Simi Valley; wanted for assaulting ex-girlfriend

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https://abc7.com/post/vagrant-leads-police-chase-in-stolen-mini-cooper/240201/

Ventura suspect leads police chase in stolen Mini Cooper

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KABC-TV OnTheRedCarpet.com

Random items retrieved from the Wayback Machine after previous site migration.

::

Motormouth Williams takes a short breather

By Owen J Michael, 3/4/09

Robin Williams (seen above at a USO show in late 2007) has reportedly canceled four comedy shows in Florida due to health problems.  Williams has been experiencing shortness of breath badly enough that medical attention was needed. 

Doctors have advised Williams to take a week of rest. He's currently under medical evaluation.

Williams, 57, had four performances of his one-man show, "Weapons of Self-Destruction," scheduled in Hollywood, Orlando and Tampa. The shows will be re-scheduled and tickets will be honored. Williams will reportedly continue his tour next Monday in Jacksonville, Fla.

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And that's a wrap 

By Owen MIchael, 2/22/09

In the final category of the 81st Annual Academy Awards, Steven Spielberg presents the award for Best Motion Picture of the Year. And the award goes to ... "Slumdog Millionaire." Half of Mumbai crowds onstage as producer Christian Colson thanks the audience. "Slumdog" turns out to be the clear

winner of the evening.

And the evening itself ran like clockwork, coming in right on time, without overlong speeches or awkward moments (Ben Stiller's staged goofiness notwithstanding). Hugh Jackman deftly guides the show to a close, as a music-video montage of coming

attractions of 2009 rolls over the credits.

Modesty, class, tastefulness ... whether by design or circumstance, the cycle has returned to the understated glamour of Classic Hollywood, and it seems authentic and well-received. Here's to another year's films well done.

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Get well soon, Ed

By Owen Michael, 2/27/09

Former "Tonight Show" co-host and perennial TV pitchman Ed McMahon has been in the hospital for several weeks, according to a spokesperson. McMahon has pneumonia and other ailments. The name of the hospital has not been released. McMahon's wife, Pamela, and other family members are reportedly present at McMahon's side.

McMahon has already dealt with a broken neck and a foreclosed house over the last year.

"I'm a tough Marine," said McMahon in a recent interview with entertainment reporter George Pennacchio of ABC7 in Los Angeles. "I keep pushing ahead, and things are going to be fine."

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But will they all wear Hammer pants?

By Owen Michael, 2/18/09

'90s rap phenom MC Hammer has a new reality show in production that will air on A&E later this year. The show will be called ... wait for it ... "Hammertime." Yes, "Hammertime." Brilliant. When something works, you stick with it.

The show will feature Mr. Hammer, 46, at home with his wife, their kids, plus two nephews that live with the family. 

Mr. Hammer promises a portrayal of "a real American family in current-day America." It will be just like how you grew up, with your famous, one-time best-selling rap-star dad showing off in front of a crew of cameras in your living room.

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Truth be told, exhibit features rare Pinocchio artwork

By Owen J Michael, 3/4/09

Santa Monica-based art gallery Every Picture Tells A Story held a special celebration Wednesday night. Disney is soon to release a 70th Anniversary DVD and Blu-ray of its classic film "Pinocchio," and Every Picture Tells A Story showcased some rare Disney artwork at

the Wednesday night event. The event featured the original Pinocchio artwork from the Disney Animation Research Library.

"Pinocchio" was Walt Disney's second animated feature, debuting 70 years ago this year. The hand-drawn animation and the soundtrack scored a huge success for Disney, and it's been a classic ever since.

Featured art included original hand-drawn cells and panels used in the animation process (pre-computer!). If you missed it, you're out of luck. The event was one night only. But you can see a few selections of the featured artwork in a slideshow here.

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Forget oil, try entertainment production

By Owen Michael, 5/27/09

Deep in the heart of Texas, the Houston Astrodome sits empty. After years of service as a baseball stadium and home to other events, the Astrodome now is not safe enough to hold a rodeo, or anything else.

But a group in Houston called Astrodome Studios says they are weeks away from presenting a formal plan to the county to develop the 'Dome into one of the largest movie production studios in the country. 

Despite electrical wiring hazards, fire alarm problems and sprinkler system failures, Texans are hopeful that the Astrodome can enjoy a second life as a soundstage and production facility.

"This could very well be the next economic boom to Houston and Texas. We're not oil, not gas, we're not anything that depends on that," said Elise Hendrix, Astrodome Studios.

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Jay Leno says goodnight - for now

By Owen Michael, 5/29/09

That's a wrap! Jay Leno completed 17 years of hosting "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" Friday evening. He took over the job after a contentious jousting with David Letterman for the venerable Johnny Carson's spot.

Leno was the second-longest lasting "Tonight Show" host. Carson had the longest stint, at 30 years.

Jay Leno's final guest? Conan O'Brien, the man slated to take over "The Tonight Show."

Leno has a new show lined up with NBC, set to begin in an earlier time slot three months from now.

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SURFER Magazine

Wrote dozens of front- and back-of-book sections and reviews from 2004-2006, much pre-digital transition. Print scans forthcoming.

https://casagrandepress.com/surfings-greatest-misadventures-dropping-in-on-the-unexpected/

Surfing’s Greatest Misadventures: Dropping In on the Unexpected (REVIEW)

Required reading right here, a future staple of Surf Culture 101 collegiate classes. Much of surfing’s enduring culture is passed along the chain of wave-riders and ocean folk through tall tales and reports from around the world. Surfing has its own historical mythology, and the intense bonding of sharing stories after a session, or during a flat spell, or while on a long slog of travel, adds to it. Surfers, some of the world’s most colorful characters, consistently find themselves in activities beyond the average worldly experience. But the best voices, stories and storytellers are more likely to be found out in the field, out on the journey, along the trail of the tropics, and if you’re not there, then you’re not tapping the source.

Paul Diamond and Tyler McMahon did the legwork of corralling a remarkable collection of those stories and storytellers to produce Surfing’s Greatest Misadventures: Dropping In on the Unexpected. The stories are so good this book achieves mass appeal; drama, humor, loss and gain, wisdom, failure, humility… serious literature, bro, go ahead and lose yourself. This collection features professional writers and editors mixed in with industry types, active participants and interested bystanders, and there’s not a bad tale in the lot. Ben Marcus with Greg Noll on Miki Dora; Steve Pezman on Trestles then and now; a few selections of Matt George’s incomparable style; Buzzy Kerbox, Shawn Alladio, Fernando Aguerre; Terry Gibson’s heavy-duty tour of the Transkei; shark attacks, birds exploding jet engines, navigating storm-tossed seas for 12 hours with nothing but an AM radio signal, a surf contest for homeless guys…there is a lot here, and it’s all good. Do yourself a favor and get this book, enjoy the heck out of it, and pass it on.

— Owen Michael, Surfer Magazine

https://www.amazon.com/Surfings-Greatest-Misadventures-Dropping-Unexpected/dp/0976951606

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BIO

I'm Owen Michael, an independent writer, editor and producer working in broadcast, print and digital media journalism. 

I began my career wire-editing business news and earnings reports, then wrote and edited for SURFER magazine, before moving to online news production at KABC-TV, covering Los Angeles and Southern California and writing nightside breaking news.   

I went on to write, edit and produce digital content for the syndicated true-crime TV series "Crime Watch Daily." That hour-long weekday show aired for 3 seasons, then rebranded fully digital as "True Crime Daily." I produced and programmed the site and socials, which were both quickly successful. I developed, launched and produced two subsequent crime-show podcast series of the same brand, and hosted multiple episodes, at Telepictures -- where I received an L.A. Press Club investigative-report journalism podcast award in 2021.

As a freelance specialist, I've taken on a variety of editing and production roles, including helping lead digital content creation, distribution, engagement and streaming expansion at KCBS/KCAL-TV.

I started at TMZ in 2024 as a Senior News Editor, overseeing most digital posting every weekday, final QC-ing for errors, legal issues, smooth and factual writing, and of course enforcing the particularly demanding in-house style. I edited at least 20 stories every week, among a dozen other duties. My skills were best used in investigations, political and legal coverage, and breaking news. We averaged 2 million uniques daily on the site, with some days at 10 million, and growth was steady over the previous two years -- even with Google's constantly shifting best practices for publishing rank, and the atomization and decline of social media as a distribution tool. Gotta stay on top of the game.

I grew up in the northern suburbs of the Chicagoland area. 

I graduated Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature, Semiotics focus, Sociology minor.

I started working in restaurants in high school and continued through college and into my early editorial career.

I've lived in Los Angeles since 1999. I get outside regularly for quality time on the trails and in the water.

CURRICULUM VITAE

https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenjamesmichael/

Profile

Writer-editor-producer with expertise in digital, print and broadcast media.

Skilled journalist, award-winning podcast producer, visual artist.

Experience

Senior News Editor, TMZ, Los Angeles — 2024

Editing all copy for grammar, spelling, style, tone, SEO best practices and publishing standards. 

Coaching writers and researchers to produce best product. 

Partnering with news director, producers, researchers and legal on publishing content. 

Providing feedback across the brand as a key stakeholder in TMZ’s voice and style. 

Making real-time decisions in breaking news situations and content production.

Assisting in training and onboarding of new writers and researchers.

60M uniques monthly.

On-site.

Editor-in-Chief, knewz.com, Empire Media Group; New York — 2023-2024

Leading editorial team coverage of world events, popular science topics, offbeat

subjects. Managing team of writers, social strategy, newsletter outreach.

Worked with generative artificial-intelligence (A.I.) in text and audio applications.

WordPress. 3-5M uniques monthly.

Remote.

Senior Digital News Producer, cbsnews.com/losangeles, KCBS/KCAL-TV; Los Angeles — 2022-2023

Leading digital-side transition into new 7-hour morning broadcast news block.

Troubleshooting, developing workflow solutions, managing streams, social media.

On-site.

Senior Digital Writer-Producer, Telepictures; Burbank, Calif. — 2015-2022

Launched, managed website, social accounts of syndicated true-crime TV show

“Crime Watch Daily” (2015-2018): Writing daily crime coverage; video-editing,

graphics; broadcast coordination; rights management, legal clearances; SEO;

audience engagement; integrations; newsletters; affiliate relations.

Accumulated 5M YouTube subscribers, 3M Facebook followers, 23% newsletter open rate.

On-site.

Developed, launched “True Crime Daily Podcast” and “TCD The Sidebar” audio/video podcasts:

Research, writing; booking; hosting; directing; A/V editing; team management.

Remote.

Los Angeles Press Club Southern California Journalism Awards, 2021 Podcast

winner: Investigative reports showing enterprise, initiative, research.

Digital News Producer, abc7.com, KABC-TV; Glendale, Calif. — 2006-2014

ABC7 Eyewitness News: Breaking-news editor, lead nightside producer for

abc7.com covering Southern California news, sports, features, franchises.

OnTheRedCarpet.com: Entertainment coverage, content production.

High-volume deadline-driven newsroom, live broadcast TV coordination.

On-site.

Copy Editor, Staff Writer, SURFER, Primedia; Dana Point, Calif. — 2004-2006

Magazine publishing, special projects. Copy-editing book; writing ecology column,

sections coverage, product reviews. Layout, production management, buyouts.

200K distribution/1M monthly reach.

Hybrid.

Associate Editor, Marketwire; Los Angeles — 2002-2004

Distributing company news, filing financial disclosure, reportage to SEC legal standards. 

AP-style copy-editing, deadline-driven newsroom. 

Editorial formatting, satellite distribution coding. 

Fact-checking, quality-control editing/proofreading news releases. 

Domestic/international news agency/media relations partners coordination. 

Writing/editing headlines, content for company newsletters. 

Developing, editing internal startup company policies/procedures documents. 

Client services.

Overnight on-site.

Editor, Business Wire; West Los Angeles — 2000-2001

Distribution of company news and financial reportage to SEC legal standards. 

AP-style copy-editing, deadline-driven newsroom. 

Client services, distribution coding, editorial formatting, quality control.

Overnight on-site.

Education

Arizona State University, Tempe — Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, Sociology

Skills

AP Style, Chicago Style. Analytics, Omniture, Chartbeat. Microsoft, Adobe, Quark,

Final Cut, Grass Valley Stratus, Aurora, Akta, Edius. ENPS, iNEWS, CMS, SEO/SEM

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