Chicago Sun-Times

Barbara Walters announces her retirement on ‘The View’

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:26:34 -0500

Barbara Walters is telling viewers she is retiring in another year following a television career that began in 1961.

Amanda Bynes arrested in NYC on marijuana charge

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:24:23 -0500

NEW YORK — Police say actress Amanda Bynes has been arrested in midtown Manhattan after she heaved a marijuana bong out of a window. It happened at an apartment building on West 47th Street at about 7:40 p.m. Thursday. Police say a building official called police to complain that Bynes was smoking marijuana and rolling a joint in the building’s lobby. The officers went to Bynes’ apartment where they saw heavy smoke and a bong, which Bynes then threw out the window in front of the officers. Bynes was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence, and criminal …

Tim McGraw aids military families with HomeFront program

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:20:03 -0500

Thanks to country music star Tim McGraw’s work with the Operation HomeFront program, Sgt, Carlos Cruz and his family have been chosen as the Chicago recipient of a mortgage-free home. Since joining the program last year, McGraw and his team have awarded nearly 30 houses to deserving military families.

Toots and the Maytals leader hit with bottle

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:16:11 -0500

The leader of the reggae band Toots and the Maytals was injured when a man threw a glass bottle and hit the singer during a concert in Richmond, Va. Frederick “Toots” Hibbert was treated at a hospital for a cut to his head and was said to be in good spirits. —AP …

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson break up, reports say

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:15:58 -0500

A month after they were spotted hand-in-hand at Coachella, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson reportedly have broken up again. Gossip sites say the “Twilight” duo’s three-year relationship is over, and a source tells People, “For the past few days, they have not spent any time together.” …

Zeta-Jones checks into mental-health facility

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:52:00 -0500

LOS ANGELES — A spokeswoman for Catherine Zeta-Jones said the actress has “proactively” checked into a mental-health facility for treatment of her bipolar condition. Zeta-Jones, 43, “is committed to periodic care in order to manage her health in an optimum manner,” publicist Sarah Fuller said in an email to the Associated Press late Monday.

‘Community’ star to speak at Notre Dame College Prep graduation

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:38:56 -0500

“Community” star Danny Pudi will return to his alma mater on May 25 to deliver the Commencement Address for Notre Dame College Prep’s Class of 2013. Pudi, a 1997 alumnus of Notre Dame, currently plays the role of Abed Nadir in the popular NBC comedy series about a group of students at a community college. Though his peers may now include Joel McHale, Ken Jeong and Chevy Chase, Pudi has said that he still talks regularly with his best friends from his days as a Don. “[Danny] was a much-beloved student here, and he’s had great success in his acting …

Michael Jackson’s doctor unqualified to give propofol, expert testifies

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:36:09 -0500

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s doctor was not qualified to treat the singer for insomnia or drug addiction and botched resuscitation efforts, an expert cardiologist testifying for the singer’s mother told a jury on Tuesday. Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter said he reached his conclusion after reviewing the credentials of Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s 2009 death. Wohlgelernter testified during a lawsuit filed by Katherine Jackson claiming Murray was negligently hired by concert promoter AEG Live LLC to care for the pop star. Wohlgelernter said Murray had no formal training on how to treat Jackson’s prescription drug …

‘Girls Gone Wild’ founder Joe Francis convicted of assault, false imprisonment

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:19:46 -0500

LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors say “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis has been convicted of misdemeanor assault and false imprisonment stemming from a dispute after a 2009 night out in Hollywood. The Los Angeles city attorney’s office says a jury convicted Francis on Monday of three counts of false imprisonment, one count of assault and other misdemeanors. He faces up to five years in prison. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled. Prosecutors say Francis took three women home from a club and a fight broke out when he tried to separate one from the others. They say Francis grabbed a …

Blackbird’s Paul Kahan shares James Beard Award for outstanding chef

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:59:04 -0500

Chicago chef Paul Kahan shares the prize of outstanding chef with David Chang of New York. The Aviary wins top national honors for its bar program, and Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard takes the top regional award.

Maria Shriver returns to NBC News

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:45:35 -0500

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

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:45:35 -0500

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 Rose McClare. —Gannett …

Country star Jason Aldean files for divorce

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:14:01 -0500

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. “This is a really tough time for my entire family,” Aldean said in a statement Monday afternoon. “Jessica and I have been together since we were teenagers. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs over the years as we grew up together as a couple. She will always be important to me because …

Michael Jordan, Yvette Prieto married in lavish Fla. ceremony

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:07:42 -0500

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

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:26:41 -0500

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

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:12:54 -0500

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 a T-shirt. I don’t really wear makeup.” She credits her workout routine for keeping her looking young and feeling strong. Paltrow is married to Coldplay rocker Chris Martin. They have two children, Apple, 8, and Moses, 7. ——— Online: http://www.people.com/mostbeautiful …