UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.21.08

McCain denies improper relationship with lobbyist.

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is denying he gave special treatment to a lobbyist. Last night, the New York Times published an online piece that accuses the Arizona Senator of having a close relationship with a woman, Vicki Iseman, whose clients had business before his Senate Committee. McCain responded saying he had never done anything that would betray the public trust or make a decision that would favor a particular group. According to the paper, Iseman said she never received special treatment.

The Pentagon says it's confident that the Navy destroyed a toxic fuel tank of a dead spy satellite, eliminating a threat to people on Earth. That satellite hasn't worked properly since its launch two years ago, but has been orbiting with a full tank of toxic propellant. Without intervention, the satellite would have fallen to Earth by early March. Officials say the missile hit destroyed the satellite into small pieces of debris, which they say will burn up in the atmosphere over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will face off in a Democratic presidential debate this evening in Austin, Texas. It's the first time in three weeks that the two remaining Democratic White House hopefuls have debated. Since then, Obama has been on a winning streak, capturing 10 straight contests. That momentum has forced Clinton into a position where she must win contests in Texas and Ohio next month in order to stay in the race.

A famous piece of art that's a fixture in Washington, DC is moving to a new home. J. Seward Johnson's sculpture called "The Awakening" was disassembled yesterday at Haines Point where it sat for nearly 30 years. The five-piece, cast aluminum piece will take up residency at the National Harbor in Prince George's Country, Maryland. The statue, which had been on loan to the National Park Service, gives the impression of a bearded man rising from the ground.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.29.08

Bush talks about economy, Iraq war in speech.

President Bush used his last State of the Union speech to call for a boost in the uncertain economy. He also spoke about recent progress in the Iraq war. In his address to the nation last night, he called on lawmakers to pass an economic stimulus plan quickly. Bush also said he would cut or eliminate more than 150 wasteful government programs in his budget for 2009, saving $18 billion. And he demanded Congress to rein in pork barrel spending, which is money for special projects often slipped into bills at the last minute.

Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney are neck in neck in the Republican primary as Florida voters head to the polls today. If McCain wins the state, his status as front-runner will be sealed. If Romney wins, the race for the GOP presidential nomination is anyone's game. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who's concentrated his campaign in the Sunshine state, is reportedly trailing behind both McCain and Romney.

Senator Edward Kennedy says he and the Clintons will remain friends despite his endorsement yesterday of Senator Barack Obama for president. Kennedy says he doesn't harbor any ill feelings toward his old friends, Hillary and Bill. Senator Hillary Clinton is Obama's chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination. At a rally yesterday, Kennedy said Illinois senator's ready to be president on day one.

And Bill Gates signed an agreement with the city of Paris today to form a digital partnership. That means the founder of Microsoft's foundation will train the unemployed in computers and give advice about starting-up the partnership. They'll also support corporations that develop software solutions to help protect the environment.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.28.08

Bush to announce earmark changes tonight.

President Bush is expected to announce big changes tonight in the way lawmakers earmark money for their own special projects. Bush will deliver his last State of the Union address as president this evening to the nation. He'll reportedly sign an executive order tomorrow that says Congress should debate spending items in the open and hold a public vote. Besides the issue of earmarks, the President is expected to talk about Iraq, the economy, permanent extensions of his tax cuts and free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

Lebanon is declaring a day of mourning today after eight people were killed overnight in anti-government rioting. Dozens of others were wounded. The violence happened in Beirut's mostly Shi'ite southern suburbs. Demonstrators reportedly took to the streets, setting fire to vehicles, to protest cuts in electricity. However, Lebanon's pro-Western government accuses protestors of deliberately trying to create violence.

Five U.S. soldiers are dead following a roadside bomb attack in Iraq. Today's incident in the northern city of Mosul was one of the deadliest attacks against U.S. troops in months. The U.S. military says Al Qaeda has regrouped in northern provinces after being driven away from western areas like Anbar and from around Baghdad during security crackdowns.

Senator Edward Kennedy will endorse Senator Barack Obama for president. Kennedy reportedly intends to announce his support for the Illinois senator later today. His niece, Caroline Kennedy, who's daughter of the late president, has already endorsed Obama. She wrote in the New York Times saying the first-time senator seems to be able to inspire people the way her father did a half century ago.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.28.08

"No Country for Old Men" wins big at SAG Awards.

Glitz and glamor were back in Hollywood at last night's Screen actor's guild awards. Despite the ongoing writer's guild strike, the ceremony went on and stars were out in full force. "No Country For Old Men," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen won big, grabbing the top honor for best ensemble cast. Javier Bardem took best supporting actor for that film as well. Other winners included Daniel Day-Lewis who took best actor for "There Will be Blood" and Julie Christie won acting honors for her role in "Away From Her."

In the TV category "Sopranos" dominated the honors. Best actor and actress in a drama went to the show's stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco. The HBO drama, which finished it's run in June, also took best cast in a TV drama. Comedic acting honors were awarded to Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock." But it was "The Office" that took the trophy for best cast in a TV comedy. The SAG Awards are the only honors chosen by the actors themselves.

The comedic spoof "Meet the Spartans" was a big hit at U.S. theaters over the weekend. The film, starring Carmen Electra debuted at number one at the box offices, bringing in more than 18 million dollars in ticket sales. Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo" followed closely behind, landing in the second spot in its opening weekend. In third is the romantic comedy "27 Dresses" starring Katherine Heigl. That's all according to Box Office Mojo.

"Heroes" actress Hayden Panettiere is using her star power for a good cause. The actress was in Washington DC yesterday for a conservation rally...calling for an end to whale hunting. Panettiere is a self-proclaimed animal lover and the spokesperson for the "Save the Whales Again!" campaign. She's reportedly planning to visit several different embassies in DC today, to address fight for the whales once more.

New Kids on the Block are reportedly reuniting. One source tells People magazine says tall five members; Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood, and brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight will take the stage together once again. The group was a huge hit in the late 80's and early 90's, selling more than 50 million albums. The band broke up in 1994 and several members went on to pursue solo careers. There' no word yet on when we'll see the Kids back together.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.24.08

Police still investigating Heath Ledger's death.

Officials are still looking for answers to the cause of Heath Ledger's death. Police say a rolled up twenty-dollar bill was found near his body and will be tested for narcotics. But authorities added that there were no illegal drugs found in the actor's apartment. This comes after autopsy results came back inconclusive yesterday. Apparently more extensive tests need to be done now. Meanwhile, friends and fans are continuing to pay tribute to Ledger outside his New York apartment. The young actor was found dead in his Manhattan apartment earlier this week. He was only 28.

Britney Spears is still being barred from seeing her children following yesterday's custody hearing. The pop star showed up at the courtroom but then left before it even began. Spears was apparently the one to request the emergency hearing, asking for time with her kids. A court representative says custody orders will remain as is and Spears will continue to have no visitation rights.

A New York judge is sentencing Busta Rhymes to three years probation for several charges. The rapper pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license. In addition, he's been ordered to pay a fine of more than 1200 dollars, perform community service and attend a Driving While Intoxicated treatment program.

Alicia Keys is topping the charts. Her album "As I am" grabbed the number one spot of the Billboard 200 list. It's her third non-consecutive time at the top. In second is the soundtrack for the film "Juno," starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera. Coming in at third is Mary J. Blige's CD "Growing Pains."

Former "Dancing with the Stars" contestants are putting their dancing shoes on again...this time for a nationwide tour. Several of the show's contestants made a stop in Sunrise, Florida for the 2008 "Dancing With the Stars Tour." Joey Lawrence took the stage alongside Edyta Silwinski. Former champ Drew Lachey also impressed fans dancing with partner Cheryl Burke. Last season's winners, racecar driver Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough are on the tour as well. The tour started a few days ago and will go on through next month.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.21.07

SAG nominations announced.

The Screen Actor's Guild Award nominations are in. Actors Terrence Howard and Jeanne Tripplehorn announced the nominees yesterday. Cate Blanchett scored 4 nods from the SAG including best actress for "Elizabeth: the Golden Age." The adventure drama "Into the Wild" also grabbed four nominations...including a best actor nod for the star Emile Hirsch. The award ceremony will air on January 27 on TNT and TBS.

Former "American Idol" contestant Jessica Sierra may be pregnant while in jail. According to TMZ.com , sources say the 22 year old is expecting with her rapper boyfriend. She's reportedly now on a pregnancy diet at the Florida jail infirmary. Sierra was arrested earlier this month for resisting arrest, disorderly intoxication and felony cocaine possession. The charges violate her probation from a previous battery charge.

Comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are heading back to work. Comedy Central says new episodes of "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" will return to TV January 7...without their writers. This comes in the middle of the ongoing writers Guild strike. In a joint statement the hosts say they feel ambivalent to return and wish they were doing so with their writers.

R&B singer R. Kelly showed up at a Chicago courtroom yesterday for child pornography charges. He apparently arrived 20 minutes early...attempting to make up for missing an appearance scheduled for Wednesday. The singer's lawyer says he was unable to make it to court because of bad weather. Kelly has been charged with 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly taping himself having sex with a girl 13 or 14 years old in 2002.

Eva Mendes is baring it all for a new animal rights ad campaign. She's featured naked in a new series of posters for the group PETA. The organization launched the campaign last night in L.A. It's called "Fur? I'd Rather Go Naked." Stars like Christina Applegate and Alicia Silverstone have also appeared in similar ads for the charity.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.20.07

Josh Groban's new holiday album is the top selling release of the year. "Noel" beat out "High School Musical" for top sales in 2007. The Christmas CD has led Billboard's top 200 album chart for 4 weeks in a row. That's the first holiday CD to take the top spot for so long. This week, Alicia Key's "As I am" followed behind in second. And in third is the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden."

British singer Lily Allen is going to be a mom for the first time. She and boyfriend Chemical Brothers' band member Ed Simons are reportedly expecting. There's no word on when the baby is due. Allen and Simons first started dating in September. The singer's rep says they're thrilled wiith the news.

One magazine is reportedly paying big bucks for pictures of Jamie Lynn Spears' baby. TMZ.com says OK! Magazine is forking over a million dollars for the photos of her newborn. The 16-year-old actress and her mom confirmed her pregnancy to OK!. She's apparently 12 weeks along with her longtime boyfriend Casey Aldridge.

Queen Latifah is signing on to be a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig. The singer and actress is reportedly the most recent addition to the celebrity endorsements for the weight loss company. Valerie Bertinelli and Kirstie Allie are also part of the ad campaign. A spokesman for Jenny Craig says Queen Latifah will begin the program in January.

Denzel Washington's new film "The Great Debaters" is making its way to the big screen. The movie, starring and directed by Washington premiered in New York last night. The film's other stars like Forest Whitaker and Jurnee Smolett were there as well. Young star Denzel Whitaker was at the event as well. The drama, about a college debate team, hits most theaters December 25.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.12.07

Alex Trebek suffers minor heart attack.

"Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek is recovering from a minor heart attack. A rep for his show tells People magazine he realized he was having heart problems on Monday night and was then hospitalized. Doctors say he's resting comfortably now and should recover fully. Trebek's rep says he should be able to return to the show when they film new episodes next month.

Sean Penn's film "Into the Wild" is getting a lot of attention from the Broadcast Film Critics Association. The film, starring Emile Hirsch grabbed seven nominations for Critic's choice Awards...including best pictures. Other nods went to Cate Blanchett who scored nominations for best actress for "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and best supporting actress for "I'm not There." Michael Cera is also up for two awards in the best young actor category for "Juno" and "Superbad." Awards will be presented on January 7.

"24" star Kiefer Sutherland is reportedly receiving plenty of reading material while in jail. A spokesman for the Southern California jail says he's received more than 100 fan letters a day. Sutherland began his 48 day sentence last week for a second DUI charge and violating his probation.

Gwen Stefani is reaching out to victims of the recent California wildfires. The singer is reportedly starting a college scholarship fund for those who lost their homes in the fires last October. The details for the Gwen Stefani After-the-Fire scholarship are still being figured out. Stefani is also donating proceeds from a recent concert to the San Diego Foundation fire-relief fund.

Will Smith has made his mark in front of a famous Hollywood landmark. The actor left an imprint of his hands and feet outside of the Grauman's Chinese Theater on Monday. It was part of a ceremony honoring him for his work in the entertainment industry. A very special friend attended the event...Smith's buddy Tom Cruise who sat with Smith's two children. His wife Jada was away directing a film and could not make it to the ceremony.