Battle For Internet Regulation Nears End, With President As Likely Victor

Earlier this week senior Republicans bowed out of the fight with President Obama over the regulation of Internet service. On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission will likely approve regulating Internet service like a public utility, prohibiting the practice of paying for faster lanes on the Internet.  “We’re not going to get a signed bill that doesn’t have Democrats’ support,” said Senator John Thune, (R, South Dakota), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. “This is an issue that needs to have bipartisan support.” Read more.

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Dori J. Maynard, President of the Robert C. Maynard Institute, Dies

Dori J. Maynard, president of the Robert C. Maynard institute for Journalism Education, has died. Maynard, who devoted her career to diversifying the journalism industry, succumb to her battle with lung cancer. In 2001 she took the helm of the institute, which was co-founded by her father Robert C. Maynard. Maynard used her platform to bring racial issues to the forefront of different conversations. “Dori was an amazing force for good in journalism,” said Dawn Garcia, managing director of the Knight Fellowships at Stanford University. “When others were shying away from speaking about race, Dori was fearless. She made an amazing difference for so many people and was just a fabulous person, quirky in the best sense of the word. She will be remembered in every newsroom where journalists are trying to make a difference for diversity and for equity in coverage.” Maynard passed away at her home in Oakland, California. She was 56 years old. Read more.

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Paula Patton Nabs Lead Role in ABC Pilot

Actress Paula Patton has nabbed the lead role in a drama pilot called Runner that will appear on ABC. The show will delve into the world of arms dealing. Patton will play Lauren Marks, a mother and wife who thought her husband was killed in a plane crash but then discovers that he’s still alive and involved with a woman who has stolen her identity. In efforts to uncover the truth, Marks finds herself navigating through a world of crime. The show will be directed by Michael Offer and written by Michael Cooney. Read more.