Rather to return to news on NBA owner's network

Rather to return to newson NBA owner's network
Dan Rather is about to announce his comeback. Three weeks after being let go by CBS, the former anchor has agreed to launch a program called "Dan Rather Presents" on HDNet, the high-definition channel owned by billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban. "We are excited about it," Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, said. He described the show as "an opportunity to do news in what I like to call 'fearless mode,' what Dan calls 'with guts.' Go out there and find the stories we think will have impact." Rather, 74, plans to announce the new venture this week at the television critics' tour in Los Angeles. He moved to "60 Minutes" after relinquishing the anchor chair last year, but complained last month that CBS had not offered him a meaningful role during contract talks.
Jolie, Black reunite fordigital-animation comedy
NEW YORK -- Angelina Jolie voiced a femme fatale fish in 2004's "Shark Tale." Now, she'll portray a martial-arts master in the computer-animated comedy "Kung Fu Panda." The movie, which will reunite Jolie and Jack Black, her "Shark Tale" co-star, is slated for release in May 2008. Jolie's high-kicking character, Tigress, helps train Po, a slacker panda voiced by Black, in the art of kung fu, DreamWorks Animation SKG said in a statement Monday. Po, a waiter in a noodle restaurant, must get into shape when he is revealed to be the "Chosen One" to save ancient China from powerful foes. "Kung Fu Panda" will also feature the voices of Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman and Ian McShane. Jolie, 31, stars opposite Matt Damon in "The Good Shepherd," which opens Dec. 22. She gave birth to boyfriend Brad Pitt's baby daughter, Shiloh, in May.
Today's birthdays
Actress Brett Somers is 82. Actor Tab Hunter is 75. Actress Susan Seaforth Hayes is 63. Singer Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 59. Actor Bruce McGill is 56. Singer Bonnie Pointer is 56. Actor Stephen Lang is 54. Actress Mindy Sterling is 53. Actress Sela Ward is 50. Reggae singer Michael Rose (Black Uhuru) is 49. Singer Peter Murphy is 49. Actor Mark Lester is 48. Jazz musician Kirk Whalum is 48. Singer Suzanne Vega is 47. Rock guitarist Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) is 47. Actress Lisa Rinna is 43. Rock musician Scott Shriner (Weezer) is 41. Actress Debbe Dunning is 40. Actor Justin Chambers is 36. Actor Michael Rosenbaum is 34. Country singer Scotty Emerick is 33. Rapper Lil' Kim is 31. Rapper Lil' Zane is 24. Pop-jazz singer-musician Peter Cincotti is 23. Actor David Henri is 17.
Notable death
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Jack Smith, a singer and recording artist who hosted the popular "You Asked for It" television show, has died. He was 92. Smith died of leukemia July 3 at his home in Westlake Village, said Dorris Halsey, a longtime friend.
Combined dispatches