Latest news with #NewsFirst
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Australian woman on trial for mushroom murder of in-laws claims she was trying to fix a ‘bland' lunch
Before Erin Patterson's in-laws and their relatives arrived at her home for lunch, she bought pricey ingredients, consulted friends about recipes and sent her children out to a movie. Then, the Australian woman served them a dish containing poisonous death cap mushrooms — a meal that was fatal for three of her four guests. Whether that was Patterson's plan is at the heart of a triple murder trial that has gripped Australia for nearly six weeks. Advertisement 7 Erin Patterson woman served her in-laws and their relatives a dish containing poisonous death cap mushrooms. AP Prosecutors in the Supreme Court case in the state of Victoria say the accused lured her guests to lunch with a lie about having cancer, before deliberately feeding them toxic fungi. But her lawyers say the tainted beef Wellington she served was a tragic accident caused by a mushroom storage mishap. She denies murdering her estranged husband's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and their relative, Heather Wilkinson. Advertisement The mother of two also denies attempting to murder Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson, who survived the meal. In a rare step for a defendant charged with murder, Patterson chose to speak in her own defense at her trial this week. 7 Erin Pattterson's lawyers say the tainted beef Wellington she served was a tragic accident caused by a mushroom storage mishap. 10 News First On Wednesday, she spoke publicly for the first time about the fateful lunch in July 2023 and offered her explanations on how she planned the meal and didn't become sick herself. Adding more mushrooms to a 'bland' meal 7 In a rare step for a defendant charged with murder, Patterson chose to speak in her own defense at her trial this week. via REUTERS Advertisement No one disputes that Patterson, 50, served death cap mushrooms to her guests for lunch in the rural town of Leongatha, but she says she did it unknowingly. Patterson said Wednesday she splurged on expensive ingredients and researched ideas to find 'something special' to serve. She deviated from her chosen recipe to improve the 'bland' flavor, she said. She believed she was adding dried fungi bought from an Asian supermarket from a container in her pantry, she told the court. 'Now I think that there was a possibility that there were foraged ones in there as well,' she told her lawyer, Colin Mandy. Patterson had foraged wild mushrooms for years, she told the court Tuesday, and had put some in her pantry weeks before the deaths. The accused says she 'shouldn't have lied' about cancer Advertisement 7 She believed she was adding dried fungi bought from an Asian supermarket from a container in her pantry, she told the court. AP Patterson, who formally separated from her husband Simon Patterson in 2015, said she felt 'hurt' when Simon told her the night before the lunch that he 'wasn't comfortable' attending. She earlier told his relatives that she'd arranged the meal to discuss her health. Patterson admitted this week that she never had cancer — but after a health scare, she told her in-laws she did. In reality, Patterson said she intended to have weight loss surgery. But she was too embarrassed to tell anybody and planned to pretend to her in-laws that she was undergoing cancer treatment instead, she said. 7 She earlier told his relatives that she'd arranged the meal to discuss her health. Provided 'I was ashamed of the fact that I didn't have control over my body or what I ate,' a tearful Patterson said Wednesday. 'I didn't want to tell anybody, but I shouldn't have lied to them.' Patterson says she threw up her mushroom meal The accused said she believes she was spared the worst effects of the poisoned meal because she self-induced vomiting shortly after her lunch guests left. She had binged on most of a cake and then made herself throw up — a problem she said she had struggled with for decades. Patterson also said she believes she had eaten enough of the meal to cause her subsequent diarrhea. She then sought hospital treatment but unlike her lunch guests, she quickly recovered. Advertisement At the hospital where her guests' health was deteriorating, her estranged husband asked her about the dehydrator she used to dry her foraged mushrooms, she said. 7 Erin Patterson said she believes she was spared the worst effects of the poisoned meal because she self-induced vomiting shortly after her lunch guests left. Newspix via Getty Images 'Is that how you poisoned my parents?' she said Simon Patterson asked her. Growing afraid she would be blamed for the poisoning and that her children would be taken from her, Patterson said she later disposed of her dehydrator. She told investigators she'd never owned one and hadn't foraged for mushrooms before. Advertisement While still at the hospital, she insisted she'd bought all the mushrooms at stores even though she said she knew it was possible that foraged mushrooms had accidentally found their way into the meal. She was too frightened to tell anyone, Patterson said. 7 If convicted, Erin Pattterson faces life in prison for murder and 25 years for attempted murder. JAMES ROSS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Also later, Patterson said she remotely wiped her cell phone while it sat in an evidence locker to remove pictures of mushrooms she'd foraged. Advertisement Prosecutors argued in opening their case in April that she poisoned her husband's family on purpose, although they didn't suggest a motive. She carefully avoided poisoning herself and faked being ill, they said. The trial continues on Thursday with Patterson's cross-examination by the prosecutors. If convicted, she faces life in prison for murder and 25 years for attempted murder.
Business Upturn
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
WANF Expands its Commitment to Atlanta News First As an Independent Local Television Station in Gray Media's Home Market of Atlanta
ATLANTA, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On August 15, 2025, Gray Media's local television station WANF will end its 31-year affiliation with the CBS Network to begin a new chapter as an independent television station. Going forward, WANF will leverage its successful local news operation, complete control of its daily program schedule, and the resources of the locally based Gray Media to better serve the local community with on-air and online content throughout the day that is more responsive to the growing Atlanta metropolis. 'As residents of Atlanta along with our families, this company's leadership and our corporate colleagues have been keenly focused on improving what we watch every day on WANF and its sister station, WPCH PeachtreeTV,' said Gray's Executive Chairman Hilton Howell. 'We are excited to now take WANF in a new direction that puts full control of the station's offerings in local hands and that allows us to expand our investment in local news, weather and sports by, for and about the people who, like us, live in Greater Atlanta.' Gray anticipates making additional financial and other resource investments in WANF to enable it to transition successfully to a strong independent local television station. Gray's leadership expects that WANF will join the ranks of other local independent news stations that rank among the most viewed stations in their local markets. Former network affiliates like Gray-owned KTVK in Phoenix, WJXT in Jacksonville, and WHDH in Boston are all highly-rated independent stations that have flourished with a strong local news presence. Gray's Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney explained, 'Since acquiring WANF and WPCH in December 2021, Gray has invested tens of millions of dollars to reinvigorate the stations and expand their capabilities. Three years ago, WANF adopted its current call sign to emphasize its new commitment to delivering Atlanta News First. This is not just a slogan, it's the philosophy for the entire organization. The next chapter as an independent station allows WANF to deliver on that commitment more fully, and our experience and our research make us optimistic that viewers and advertisers will increasingly turn to WANF as a result.' Since Gray acquired the stations just three and one-half years ago, Gray and the local team running WANF and WPCH have transformed the stations' offerings, greatly increased their visibility and preferences among local audiences, and delivered important and valued contributions to the community. A few examples include the following: Increasing by 50 percent the number of hours of regularly scheduled local newscasts each week on the stations, from 40 to 60 hours each week; Adding 5 hours of Local News Live newscasts that features stories from across Gray's footprint of local stations and adding 5 hours weekly of Gray's thirty-minute investigative program InvestigateTV+; Creating the largest weather team in the Southeast; Adding original non-news programming including 'ATL Live' and 'Monica Pearson One-on-One;' Adding over 50 new jobs; Acquiring, integrating, and expanding Telemundo Atlanta; Launching Peachtree Sports Network that includes new partnerships with local fan-favorites including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, various Atlanta area high school sports and many other pro-sports teams across the Atlanta area; and Featuring original award-winning journalism that has captured duPont-Columbia Awards, Regional and National Edward R. Murrow Awards, Regional Emmys, nominations for a National Emmy and a Peabody, as well as awards from the Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc., the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, observed, 'WANF Atlanta News First is an established, local brand that epitomizes Gray's mission of delivering the trusted local news and information that matters most to our local viewers. Journalism is the heart of what we do across 113 markets. Today's announcement allows us to expand on what we already do best, namely deliver high quality local news, sports, weather and other programming that our viewers deserve.' Gray anticipates that, net of anticipated investments in the Atlanta operation, transitioning WANF as an independent station will further the company's efforts to reduce leverage, improve its balance sheet, and expand its financial flexibility. Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on Gray's current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by Gray. These statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such as 'estimates,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'anticipate,' 'will,' 'implied,' 'assume' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond Gray's control include Gray's ability to continue to successfully invest in local news, weather and sports reporting, and other future events. Gray is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Gray's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the 'Risk Factors,' and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available via its website, Any forward-looking statements in this communication should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management's views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this communication beyond the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Gray Media: Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station during 2024, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. For more information, please visit Gray Contacts: Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, 404-327-3100 Sandy Breland, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 404-266-8333 Jeffrey R. Gignac, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828 Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333 # # # Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WANF Expands its Commitment to Atlanta News First As an Independent Local Television Station in Gray Media's Home Market of Atlanta
ATLANTA, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 15, 2025, Gray Media's local television station WANF will end its 31-year affiliation with the CBS Network to begin a new chapter as an independent television station. Going forward, WANF will leverage its successful local news operation, complete control of its daily program schedule, and the resources of the locally based Gray Media to better serve the local community with on-air and online content throughout the day that is more responsive to the growing Atlanta metropolis. 'As residents of Atlanta along with our families, this company's leadership and our corporate colleagues have been keenly focused on improving what we watch every day on WANF and its sister station, WPCH PeachtreeTV,' said Gray's Executive Chairman Hilton Howell. 'We are excited to now take WANF in a new direction that puts full control of the station's offerings in local hands and that allows us to expand our investment in local news, weather and sports by, for and about the people who, like us, live in Greater Atlanta.' Gray anticipates making additional financial and other resource investments in WANF to enable it to transition successfully to a strong independent local television station. Gray's leadership expects that WANF will join the ranks of other local independent news stations that rank among the most viewed stations in their local markets. Former network affiliates like Gray-owned KTVK in Phoenix, WJXT in Jacksonville, and WHDH in Boston are all highly-rated independent stations that have flourished with a strong local news presence. Gray's Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney explained, 'Since acquiring WANF and WPCH in December 2021, Gray has invested tens of millions of dollars to reinvigorate the stations and expand their capabilities. Three years ago, WANF adopted its current call sign to emphasize its new commitment to delivering Atlanta News First. This is not just a slogan, it's the philosophy for the entire organization. The next chapter as an independent station allows WANF to deliver on that commitment more fully, and our experience and our research make us optimistic that viewers and advertisers will increasingly turn to WANF as a result.' Since Gray acquired the stations just three and one-half years ago, Gray and the local team running WANF and WPCH have transformed the stations' offerings, greatly increased their visibility and preferences among local audiences, and delivered important and valued contributions to the community. A few examples include the following: Increasing by 50 percent the number of hours of regularly scheduled local newscasts each week on the stations, from 40 to 60 hours each week; Adding 5 hours of Local News Live newscasts that features stories from across Gray's footprint of local stations and adding 5 hours weekly of Gray's thirty-minute investigative program InvestigateTV+; Creating the largest weather team in the Southeast; Adding original non-news programming including 'ATL Live' and 'Monica Pearson One-on-One;' Adding over 50 new jobs; Acquiring, integrating, and expanding Telemundo Atlanta; Launching Peachtree Sports Network that includes new partnerships with local fan-favorites including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, various Atlanta area high school sports and many other pro-sports teams across the Atlanta area; and Featuring original award-winning journalism that has captured duPont-Columbia Awards, Regional and National Edward R. Murrow Awards, Regional Emmys, nominations for a National Emmy and a Peabody, as well as awards from the Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc., the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, observed, 'WANF Atlanta News First is an established, local brand that epitomizes Gray's mission of delivering the trusted local news and information that matters most to our local viewers. Journalism is the heart of what we do across 113 markets. Today's announcement allows us to expand on what we already do best, namely deliver high quality local news, sports, weather and other programming that our viewers deserve.' Gray anticipates that, net of anticipated investments in the Atlanta operation, transitioning WANF as an independent station will further the company's efforts to reduce leverage, improve its balance sheet, and expand its financial flexibility. Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on Gray's current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by Gray. These statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such as 'estimates,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'anticipate,' 'will,' 'implied,' 'assume' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond Gray's control include Gray's ability to continue to successfully invest in local news, weather and sports reporting, and other future events. Gray is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Gray's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the 'Risk Factors,' and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available via its website, Any forward-looking statements in this communication should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management's views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this communication beyond the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Gray Media: Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station during 2024, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. For more information, please visit Gray Contacts: Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, 404-327-3100Sandy Breland, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 404-266-8333Jeffrey R. Gignac, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828 Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333 # # #Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
02-06-2025
- New York Post
Accused mushroom murderer Erin Patterson takes the stand in highly-publicized trial
NEWCASTLE, Australia — The woman accused of murdering three members of her ex-husband's family by serving them poisonous mushrooms has taken the stand at an Australian court on Monday as the highly publicized triple murder trial nears its conclusion. Erin Patterson, 50, is accused of killing her former parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail Patterson's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and also of attempting to murder Wilkinson's husband, Ian, 68 after the four consumed a meal at Patterson's home in Victoria state in July 2023. She could face up to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder charge, while murder in the state of Victoria carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Advertisement 3 Erin Patterson, the woman accused of serving her ex-husband's family poisonous mushrooms, is photographed in Melbourne, Australia, on April 15, 2025. AP Her lawyer, Colin Mandy, previously told the Victorian state Supreme Court during the six-week trial the poisoning was accidental. Patterson's appearance as a defense witness Monday marked the first time the 50-year-old has spoken since pleading not guilty to all charges in May last year. She served meals of beef Wellington, mashed potato and green beans at her home in the rural town of Leongartha on July 29, 2023. All four guests were hospitalized the next day with poisoning from death cap mushrooms, also known as amanita phalloides, that were added to the beef and pastry dish. Ian Wilkinson survived after a liver transplant. Advertisement Under questioning from Mandy, Patterson revealed personal battles with low self-esteem, shifting spirituality, the complicated birth of her son and growing distance from her estranged husband's family in recent years. 3 Erin Patterson, 50, is accused of killing her former parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70. 10 News First 3 She's also accused of killing Gail Patterson's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and attempting to murder Wilkinson's husband, Ian, 68. Provided Advertisement 'I had felt for some months that my relationship with the wider Patterson family, and particularly Don and Gail, perhaps had a bit more distance or space put between us,' Patterson said. 'We saw each other less.' Patterson is due back on the witness stand Tuesday as the trial continues. The prosecution completed the presentation of its evidence to a jury of 14 people earlier on Monday afternoon.
