newsmakers

newsmakers

Funeral plans set for James Gandolfini

NEW YORK

The funeral for James Gandolfini will take place Thursday at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City.

An HBO spokeswoman speaking on behalf of Gandolfini’s family says the funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m.

The 51-year-old star of “The Sopranos” died Wednesday in Rome. Family spokesman Michael Kobold says Gandolfini died of a heart attack.

HBO confirmed Monday that Gandolfini’s body had been returned to the United States from Rome.

The actor had been headed to Sicily to appear at the Taormina Film Festival, which paid tribute to him Saturday.

Police: Man shouted slurs during concert

CAMDEN, N.J.

Authorities say a man attending a Toby Keith concert in New Jersey climbed a fence into a nearby housing complex, waved a Confederate flag and shouted racial slurs at residents.

Darren Walp, 33, of Ridley Park, Pa., was arrested Saturday in the crowd at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden. The concert venue is near the Royal Court apartments in a city where most residents are minorities.

Walp is charged with bias intimidation, harassment and criminal trespassing and is in the Camden County Jail with bail of $5,000. It was not clear if he had a lawyer.

Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson says he’s asking federal prosecutors to review the case and possibly take it over.

Smithfield Foods parts ways with Deen

new york

Paula Deen lost another part of her empire Monday: Smithfield Foods said it is dropping her as a spokeswoman.

The announcement came days after the Food Network said it would not renew the celebrity cook’s contract in the wake of revelations that she used racial slurs in the past.

Smithfield sold Paula Deen-branded hams in addition to using her as a spokeswoman. In a statement, the company said it “condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen.”

QVC also said it was reviewing its deal with Paula Deen Enterprises to sell the star’s cookbooks and cookware.

Several retailers that sell Paula Deen cookware were taking a wait-and-see approach.

Sears Holdings Corp. said it “is currently exploring next steps as they pertain to Ms. Deen’s products.” Target Corp. said it is “evaluating the situation.” Meyer Corp., which produces the cookware under the Paula Deen brand, declined to comment.

Dr. Oz to launch lifestyle magazine

NEW YORK

Dr. Mehmet Oz is trying something new: his own lifestyle magazine.

Hearst Magazines said Monday a pilot issue will be published early next year, followed by a second issue, “which could lead to a regular frequency in the second half of 2014.”

In a statement, Oz said the magazine “will provide women with everything they need to feel inspired and live a long, healthy, joyful life.”

Mumford & Sons announce tour dates

NEW YORK

Mumford & Sons are heading back on tour.

The Grammy-winning band announced Monday that it has rescheduled dates in Dallas; Woodlands, Texas; and New Orleans. The upcoming shows will include bassist Ted Dwane, who received treatment for a blood clot on his brain two weeks ago. The band postponed shows as a result, including a headlining gig at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.

The foursome’s “The Full English Tour” will begin Aug. 26 in Toronto and includes an Aug. 29 show at First Niagara Pavilion near Pittsburgh. It wraps Sept. 20 in Bonner Springs, Kan. Other stops include Milwaukee, Atlanta and Simpsonville, S.C.

The folk-rock band’s sophomore album, “Babel,” won album of the year at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Vindicator wire services