Tabloid Wars

Reporter Kerry Burke investigates a possible hate crime in New York City's Howard Beach area. Then he is joined by colleague Tony Sclafani as they look into alleged criminal activity by Robert De Niro's nanny. Meanwhile, married gossip columnists George Rush and Joanna Molloy cover a party thrown by the Gotti family.

Young reporter Jonathan Lemire joins Kerry Burke in the investigation of a wild crime in which two cops were shot and one suspect leaped from the window of a tall building. Columnist Lenore Skenazy works to counter such gloomy stories with a profile of a man and his pet turtle. And, while cruising celebrity parties for hot gossip, reporter Hud Morgan encounters Carson Kressley.

Reporter Adam Lisberg investigates the murder of a 21-year-old baby-sitter in Brooklyn, while Kerry Burke pursues a feature story about a book-release party for the latest Harry Potter novel. Meanwhile, the entire staff tries to uncover any juicy tidbits concerning an alleged affair between a monsignor and his secretary.

Editor Greg Gittrich covers a story about the decapitation of a child, and reporter Tracy Connor must confront people about the cold-blooded murders of other members of their family. These gloomy activities are somewhat leavened by sports intern Ian Begley's amusing report on a basketball game.

New intern Rich Shapiro gets to cover the crash of a helicopter into the East River, complete with some of the stranded passengers being saved by a local hero. Also, photographer Todd Maisel looks back on the events of September 11, 2001, and married gossip columnists George Rush and Joanna Molloy get a scoop on the upcoming film version of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”