Miss USA crown goes to Connecticut contestant

LAS VEGAS — The country’s newest Miss USA is leaving a white collar job behind for the glamour and excitement that goes with her new role — and she can’t wait. Moments after she was crowned at the Planet Hollywood hotel-casino on the Las Vegas …

Brad Pitt makes surprise visit to Chicago for ‘World War Z’

It was B-Day across America as Brad Pitt and Paramount Pictures launched a whirlwind campaign Thursday to promote the star’s upcoming film, “World War Z.” For this mission, Pitt made surprise visits to three cities, including Chicago, where the star appeared at a promotional screening at the AMC River East theaters.

Esther Williams, swimming champion turned movie star, dead in California at 91

Esther Williams, the swimming champion turned actress who starred in glittering and aquatic Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, has died in Beverly Hills, Calif. She was 91.

Gary Sinise, Lt. Dan Band set for Ravinia debut

Lt. Dan is coming to the Ravinia Festival.

Gary Sinise, known for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in the 1994 hit movie “Forrest Gump,” is finally bringing his band to the town where he grew up, to the venue where he once worked. When …

Kirk Cameron brings ‘Love Worth Fighting For’ tour to Naperville

The former “Growing Pains” star, now an actor and producer working on films promoting his evangelical Christian beliefs, promises “principles you’ll want to build your marriage on.”

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West reveal they’re expecting girl

NEW YORK — Kanye West can pass down that leather skirt to his future child: He and Kim Kardashian are expecting a daughter. The big reveal of the baby’s sex came Sunday night on Kardashian’s E! reality show, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

Seth Meyers hopes his ‘Late Night’ packs some Chicago flavor

The “Saturday Night Live” star, who performs next week at the Chicago Theatre, wants his talk show to have “that sense of ensemble” he learned here.

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt at ‘World War Z’ premiere in London

It was Angelina Jolie’s first public appearance since announcing last month that she had undergone a double mastectomy. Jolie told reporters she felt great and had “been very happy to see the discussion about women’s health expanded” by her announcement. “And after losing my mom to these issues, I’m very grateful for it, and I’ve been very moved by the kind of support from people,” she said.

Vet, athlete, salesman was an extra in ‘Ferris Bueller’ thanks to son-in-law, director John Hughes

When Henry “Hank” Ludwig’s daughter married the future movie director John Hughes, it ended up giving the North Side native the chance to meet a lot of stars — and to get on-screen himself. He was an extra in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” in which he sat with his real-life grandsons behind star Matthew Broderick in the scene at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Mr. Ludwig, 90, died May 25 at Westmoreland Nursing Center in Lake Forest.

Justin Bieber investigated for reckless driving in gated community: cops

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating Justin Bieber for reckless driving after witnesses — including former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson — complained that the the pop-star drove at freeway speeds in their gated community in north Los Angeles County. About 8 p.m. Monday, Bieber allegedly drove his white Ferrari at freeway speeds in a 25 mph zone, Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said.

Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth reportedly split

Miley Cyrus may be back on the market. Us Weekly says multiple sources confirmed the “Hannah Montana” star’s fiance, “Hunger Games” actor Liam Hemsworth, has broken off the romance. Hemworth, 23, and Cyrus, 20, had been engaged since June.

Smith having hell of a good time with latest film

His trademark line in any summer movie is “Aw, hell no!” But when Will Smith worked with his son Jaden in the new film “After Earth” (opening today at local theaters) it was definitely an “aw, hell yes” moment. “He doesn’t ask me for much …

The Mix — Cool Things to Do 05.31.13

‘self’ indulgent

Head to Butler Field in Grant Park for the ‘Self Workout in the Park,’ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m May 31. The daylong event features fitness workouts, delectable treats and fabulous health and fitness product booths. $20. Visit selfworkoutinthepark.com.

FAbuLOUS!

103.5 KISS-FM presents …

Beyonce threatens fan who smacks her butt

The handsy audience member, captured on video, catches a warning from the superstar that “I’m gonna have you escorted out of here.”

Former queen Oprah Winfrey crowns Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan

NEW YORK — Oprah Winfrey doesn’t have a daily talk show anymore. But two years after abdicating her throne, the former talk-show queen is clear who she thinks now wear the crowns: Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan. Winfrey declared the co-hosts “the reigning king and …