NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Walters, Letterman discuss heart surgery

NEW YORK

Barbara Walters is feeling wonderful after heart surgery in May — and has practically no scar, she added proudly Tuesday as she returned to active duty on0 “The View” after taking the summer off for recovery.

“I would like to say, once and for all, to all the people who say, ‘How are you?’: I’m FINE!” she told viewers as the audience gave her a rousing welcome.

Joining the welcome party was David Letterman in his first visit.

The “Late Show” host had open-heart surgery a decade ago, and he and Walters spent much of his appearance gratefully comparing notes.

Winfrey, McCartney among honorees

WASHINGTON

TV host and actress Oprah Winfrey has been chosen as a Kennedy Center honoree right before the start of the 25th and final season of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Winfrey is one of five honorees revealed to the public Tuesday morning. The others are former Beatles member Paul McCartney, dancer-choreographer Bill T. Jones, country music singer- songwriter Merle Haggard and composer and lyricist Jerry Herman.

Lennon’s killer denied parole

BUFFALO, N.Y.

John Lennon’s killer was again denied parole in New York, nearly 30 years after gunning down the ex-Beatle outside the musician’s New York City apartment building.

A parole board decided not to release Mark David Chapman, 55, after interviewing him Tuesday at Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

It was Chapman’s sixth appearance before the board since becoming eligible for parole in 2000. He will be eligible again in 2012.

The former maintenance man from Hawaii was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after firing five shots outside Lennon’s Manhattan building Dec. 8, 1980.

Ferrera to host series

NEW YORK

The PBS series “Independent Lens” says actress America Ferrera will host its ninth season of documentary films. PBS says Ferrera will make her debut when the award-winning anthology series begins its new season of 27 documentaries Oct. 19.

Associated Press

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