newsmakers

newsmakers

Dispatch call describes Paris Jackson’s injuries

LOS ANGELES

Audio released by authorities reveals that paramedics were dispatched to Paris Jackson’s home last week on a report that the 15-year-old had taken 20 Motrin pills and cut herself with a kitchen knife.

The details were relayed between dispatchers for the Los Angeles County sheriff’s and fire departments. Jackson is the only daughter of pop superstar Michael Jackson and was hospitalized after the June 5 incident.

The teen was described as conscious and breathing during the call, which was released Tuesday. No other details about her injuries were given on the call, which lasted approximately a minute.

Perry Sanders Jr. is a lawyer for her grandmother and guardian and has said Paris is physically fine and receiving appropriate medical treatment. Sanders did not return a phone message seeking a comment Tuesday.

Cameron Douglas pens drug-policy essay

LOS ANGELES

Michael Douglas’ son is speaking out from behind bars, calling for treatment rather than jail time for nonviolent drug offenders.

Cameron Douglas wrote an essay published Tuesday by the Huffington Post that says United States laws impose tougher penalties on addicts than on violent criminals. The 34-year-old is serving a 91/2-year prison sentence after various drug violations.

Douglas first was convicted in 2010 of selling methamphetamine, and a judge nearly doubled that sentence after he was found guilty of repeatedly breaking prison rules by arranging to get drugs.

Douglas writes that he “seem[s] to be trapped in a vicious cycle of relapse and repeat, as most addicts are.” He says a long prison sentence without adequate treatment “does absolutely nothing but temporarily deter them from succumbing to their weakness.”

British singer Sheeran calls Nashville home

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Music City has snared another star: Ed Sheeran.

The British singer-songwriter turned pop star says he moved to Nashville in February, settling just outside of town in a rural area.

Sheeran said he wanted to live somewhere that incorporates a lot of music, has a lot of countryside and a relaxed atmosphere — and isn’t filled with rude people.

“And Nashville is full of very, very nice people,” the 22-year-old said.

Always home to most of country music’s top stars, figures from the pop and rock world also have fallen for the city’s charms. Jack White and The Black Keys moved to Nashville in the past few years. Sheryl Crow calls it home now. And Sheeran can hang out with good friend Taylor Swift.

Like those artists, Sheeran feels comfortable walking the streets.

Unlike Los Angeles and New York, Nashville doesn’t have paparazzi on the lookout for celebs, and most folks in town can have lunch in a public restaurant and be left alone.

Nintendo focuses on games at Electronic Entertainment Expo

LOS ANGELES

It’s all about the games for Nintendo.

The Japanese gaming giant opted to showcase five games for its Wii U system at a brief Monday presentation at its booth instead of host a flashy presentation at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the gaming industry’s annual trade show.

Nintendo showed off the anti-gravity racer “Mario Kart 8,” 2D platformer “Donkey Kong Country Returns: Tropical Freeze,” 3D platformer “Super Mario 3D World,” action sequel “Bayonetta 2” and a speedier rendition of “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.”

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime says he wants E3 attendees to focus on playing games.

The company has struggled with the launch of the Wii U, which features an innovative tabletlike controller yet graphics on par with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3.

Vindicator wire services