newsmakers

newsmakers

Buyers target hats worn by Franklin

LIVONIA, Mich.

Several hundred people have taken a peek at many of Aretha Franklin’s former belongings that are up for sale.

Sales distributer Jill Pendergast says buyers initially targeted the Queen of Soul’s hat collection at Saturday’s event in Livonia, west of Detroit.

Franklin has said she has no connection to the sale, which offers clothing, shoes and household items. The Grammy Award-winning artist said they were left many years ago in a storage locker because she didn’t want the items anymore.

Pendergast says “everybody has picked something different” through late Saturday morning. She says the sale will continue “as long as people keep coming.”

‘Idol’ winner McCreery added to school mural

RALEIGH, N.C.

“American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery is being honored in a mural at his high school in North Carolina.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that McCreery was on hand Friday as the new mural was unveiled at Garner High School.

The mural honors the school’s sports accomplishments. McCreery is pictured because he swung his microphone like a baseball bat at the end of a song on “Idol.”

McCreery is pictured next to former Garner basketball star Donald Williams, who was named most valuable player during the University of North Carolina’s run to the 1993 national championship. Hal Stewart, who coached the Trojans to the 1987 state football title, also is on the mural.

McCreery is attending his senior year at Garner High School.

Jeremy London sought in girlfriend’s assault

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.

Palm Springs police say they’re seeking actor Jeremy London for questioning after receiving a call from his girlfriend alleging he assaulted her.

Sgt. Kyle Stjerne says the department received a call about 10:30 a.m. Friday from London’s girlfriend, alleging the actor assaulted her outside her Palm Springs home.

Stjerne says a verbal altercation over custody of the couple’s child became violent, and she suffered minor injuries. The woman’s name wasn’t released.

London’s lawyer, Catherine Lombardo, denied allegations that the abuse occurred.

London’s volatile relationship and addiction issues were broadcast to VH1 viewers during season four of the reality show “Celebrity Rehab” with Dr. Drew Pinsky.

London’s most memorable performances include the slacker anti-hero lead role of TS Quint in “Mallrats” and roles on television’s “7th Heaven” and “Party of Five.”

Associated Press