Actor Johnny Palermo dead at 27
LOS ANGELES, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. television actor Johnny Palermo was killed this week along with his girlfriend in a Los Angeles car crash. He was 27.
A regular on the Nickelodeon series "Just for Kicks," Palermo had guest spots on dozens of TV shows, including "Everybody Hates Chris," "Cold Case," "General Hospital," "CSI: Miami," "Rules of Engagement," "How I Met Your Mother" and "CSI: NY." He will also be seen in the soon-to-be-released independent film "Pizza with Bullets."
The Hollywood Reporter said Palermo, a Webster, N.Y., native, and Alessandra Giangrande, who was driving, were pronounced dead at the accident scene early Monday.
Giangrande's brother sustained serious injuries in the wreck, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.
The cause of the crash, as well as the brother's name and the nature of his injuries were not reported.
The Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle said a viewing for Palermo is planned for Friday at the Falvo Funeral Home in Penfield, N.Y., and a funeral mass is to take place Saturday at St. Cecilia's Church.
The actor is survived by his parents John M. Palermo and Patricia Palermo Crawford; sister Jennifer Alma; and brother Richard Palermo, the Democrat and Chronicle said.
Ill. Holocaust Museum: Safety a priority
SKOKIE, Ill., June 11 (UPI) -- The executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center said he was shocked and saddened by Wednesday's museum shooting in Washington.
An elderly suspected white supremacist opened fire in the foyer of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, blocks from the Washington Monument, killing a security guard. The 88-year-old alleged gunman was critically injured after an exchange of gunfire with guards.
"The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic shooting earlier today at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.," Richard Hirschhaut said in a statement Wednesday.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the security guard killed in this senseless attack.
The constant safety of Museum patrons is always the top priority of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center," Hirschhaut added. "To ensure the safety of all our visitors, the Museum was built with a state-of-the-art security system, which was developed in consultation with experts in the security field and with the support of the United States Department of Homeland Security. In response to this tragedy, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is working closely with the Skokie Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a heightened level of security in and around the facility."
Miss California defends her actions
LOS ANGELES, June 11 (UPI) -- Miss California USA Carrie Prejean says she lost her crown after she refused to pose for Playboy or appear on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!"
Donald Trump and the Miss California Pageant organizers announced Wednesday that Prejean had been fired because she allegedly violated her contract and endorsed outside groups without authorization from her handlers.
However, pageant chief Keith Lewis denied Prejean's claims that the firing was related to the proposed Playboy and "Celebrity" gigs, telling TMZ he was only passing the offers on to Prejean, not trying to persuade her to take them.
"What's behind this I think is a political debate. They don't agree with the stance that I took (on the legalization of same-sex marriage.) Shanna (Moakler) is trying to bash me. They don't like me. From day one they wanted me out and they got what they wanted," Prejean told TMZ. "I've shown respect for every party involved, even when they haven't shown it back. ... I was very respectful of people even when they slandered me and humiliated me. I have not once stooped down to their level."
Madonna to hold two gigs in Israel
JERUSALEM, June 11 (UPI) -- International pop icon Madonna announced plans to perform two gigs in Israel, after tickets for her first show sold out, Israeli media reports said.
The performances will take place on Sept. 1 and 2, and ticket prices for the singer's Sticky and Sweet Tour start at 490 Israeli shekels, (approximately $125), Haaretz reported Thursday.
The European leg of her tour includes performances in London, Paris, Milan, Prague and Munich, the newspaper said.
Madonna first appeared in Israel 16 years ago on her Girlie Tour, and last visited Israel three years ago during the High Holidays when she participated in a Kabbalah conference along with thousands of attendees from all over the world.
