'Monk' actor Stanley Kamel dead at 65
LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- Actor Stanley Kamel, who had prominent roles on TV's "Monk" and "Beverly Hills, 90210," was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home Tuesday.
The New Jersey native was 65 when he died of a heart attack, E! Online reported Wednesday.
Kamel played Tony Marchette, the gangster father of character Dylan McKay's wife on "90210." He was more recently seen playing Dr. Charles Kroger, the title character's psychiatrist, on "Monk."
The USA cable television network, which was home to "Monk," said in a statement: "USA is deeply saddened by the news of Stanley Kamel's passing. Stanley was an amazingly talented and extremely kind man, and an important member of the USA family. He will be sorely missed."
Report: CBS, Couric heading for a split
NEW YORK, April 10 (UPI) -- Lackluster ratings may cause news U.S. anchor Katie Couric to leave "CBS Evening News" before her contract expires in 2011, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Couric may leave the network shortly after the new president is inaugurated early next year, the newspaper reported Wednesday.
Couric gave up her post at the "Today" morning program less than two years ago and took over the "CBS Evening News" anchor position long-held by veteran newsman Dan Rather.
Couric reportedly makes $15 million a year and her five-year contract isn't up until 2011.
However, the Journal said CBS executives are trying to cut costs and boost ratings for the show, which trails its rival ABC and NBC network newscasts.
CBS issued a statement denying the Journal's report and insisting, "We are very proud of the 'CBS Evening News,' particularly our political coverage, and we have no plans for any changes regarding Katie or the broadcast."
Ashlee Simpson, Pete Wentz engaged
LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Ashlee Simpson has announced her engagement to Pete Wentz in a statement posted on the Web site friendsorenemies.com.
Simpson is the younger singer of actress and recording artist Jessica Simpson. Wentz is the bassist for the pop group Fall Out Boy.
The couple reportedly started dating in 2006.
"We know there has been a lot of speculation recently about Pete and I, and we wanted our fans to be the first to know, because you guys are the best," Simpson said in the online posting. "Yes, we are thrilled to share that we are happily engaged. Thank you for all of your support and well wishes -- it means the world to us. We consider this to be a very private matter, and we wanted to be the first to tell you and to hear it straight from us."
Simpson's father, Joe, told People.com he is "totally happy" and "so excited to have Pete as part of (our) family."
"We are blessed," he said.
Carey's 'Body' still No. 1 on record chart
LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart for a second consecutive week, Billboard.com said Thursday.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 is "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis, followed by Madonna's "4 Minutes" at No. 3, Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" at No. 4 and Usher's "Love in This Club" featuring Young Jeezy at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are Ray J and Yung Berg's "Sexy Can I" at No. 6, Jordin Sparks' "No Air" featuring Chris Brown at No. 7, Brown's "With You" at No. 8, Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" at No. 9 and Flo Rida's "Low" featuring T-Pain at No. 10.
