Maria Shriver returns to NBC News

After nearly a decade away, Maria Shriver is returning to NBC News. The former California first lady was named a “special anchor” reporting on the roles of women. She quit in 2004 amid concerns about conflicts while Arnold Schwarzenegger, then her husband, was governor. —AP …

‘Downton Abbey’ star cast as Cinderella

Director Kenneth Branagh has found his Cinderella — at Downton Abbey. The glass slipper fit on Lily James, who will star in a live-action Disney version of the beloved fairy tale. On the PBS series, James is filming her second season as young heiress Lady …

Country star Jason Aldean files for divorce

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jason Aldean has filed for divorce. The country music star filed the complaint for divorce against his wife Jessica on Friday afternoon in Williamson County, Tenn., citing irreconcilable differences. The two met in high school and have been married since August 2001. …

Michael Jordan, Yvette Prieto married in lavish Fla. ceremony

All-times Bulls great Michael Jordan has finally married Yvette Prieto after applying for a marriage license in March, People.com reported Saturday.

Drugs found on Justin Bieber’s tour bus, police say

The raid in Sweden is just the latest display of “identity development” for the 19-year-old superstar, says one specialist on adolescent behavior.

Gwyneth Paltrow named People’s Most Beautiful Woman

NEW YORK — People magazine has named Gwyneth Paltrow as the World’s Most Beautiful Woman for 2013. The 40-year-old actress tops the magazine’s annual list of the “World’s Most Beautiful,” announced Wednesday. Commenting on her selection, Paltrow says: “Around the house, I’m in jeans and …

Witherspoon ‘embarrassed’ by arrest; hearing reset

ATLANTA (AP) — A court hearing on a disorderly conduct charge has been rescheduled for actress Reese Witherspoon, who said she is “deeply embarrassed” by what she said to a state trooper during a traffic stop in Atlanta.

Witherspoon’s case was scheduled for a Monday …

Chicago man hopes to break record with 48-hour Ferris wheel ride

In May, Clinton Shepherd intends to stay on the Navy Pier wheel at least long enough to shatter the Guinness Book’s current theme-park record of 30 hours, 35 seconds.

Reese Witherspoon arrested on disorderly conduct charge

Who would have thunk it? Reese Witherspoon — the Oscar-winning actress known for her squeaky-clean, girl-next-door image — got tossed in the slammer late Thursday night, charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly clashing with a police officer in Atlanta. It all happened after Witherspoon’s husband, …

Mayor Rahm Emanuel draws Hollywood backing thanks to agent-brother Ari Emanuel

Now halfway into his four-year term, Mayor Rahm Emanuel again has been able to attract major campaign contributions from Hollywood stars, thanks to his super-agent brother Ari Emanuel. More than 55 percent of contributions reported by the mayor’s political fund since the start of the year have come from out of state, according to documents filed this week with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Magic Johnson’s son on being gay: ‘reveling’ in the experience

LOS ANGELES — The 20-year-old son of basketball great Magic Johnson is surprised by the public interest in his being gay, something that he revealed to his supportive family several years ago.

Earvin Johnson III, known as E.J., says he feels like he’s coming out …

Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy ‘Fast Fingers’ Dawkins dead at 76

Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy “Fast Fingers” Dawkins has died at age 76, his family said.

Groundbreaking improv comic Jonathan Winters dies

LOS ANGELES — Comedian Jonathan Winters, whose breakneck improvisations inspired Robin Williams, Jim Carrey and many others, has died at age 87.

Jenna James, former porn star, arrested on battery charge

Police say former adult film star Jenna Jameson was arrested Saturday after a report that she attacked someone at an Orange County, Calif., home. Jameson, 38, was given a court date to face a misdemeanor battery charge and released on her own recognizance. —AP

Musician Linda Perry, ‘Roseanne’ alum Sara Gilbert engaged

Remember the day in 1993 when you heard the 4 Non Blondes singer wail “What’s Up” and you thought, “Someday she’ll marry Darlene from ‘Roseanne?’ ” You were right. Sara Gilbert, 38, announced Monday on her TV show “The Talk” that she and musician Linda …