NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Today’ producer mad over Lauer stories

NEW YORK

The “Today” show’s top producer on Wednesday defended Matt Lauer against stories that have portrayed the anchor as difficult to deal with during the show’s slide in the ratings.

The longtime morning champ has slipped behind ABC’s “Good Morning America” in the ratings over recent months, after more than 15 years of being the unquestioned leader in the morning.

“Matt has been the heart and soul of the show for a long, long time, and any of the stuff out that has portrayed him in an unflattering light as being difficult to work with is patently false,” said Jim Bell, “Today” executive producer.

Lil’ Wayne opens park

NEW ORLEANS

Lil’ Wayne is returning to New Orleans, his hometown, for the opening of the Trukstop skate park in the Lower 9th Ward — which was devastated after levees failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The Grammy-winning rapper was scheduled to open the park Wednesday with Mountain Dew and Glu Agency.

Associated Press