newsmakers

newsmakers

‘Simpsons’ creator reveals big secret

PORTLAND, Ore.

One of the best-kept secrets in television history has been unmasked, with “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening revealing the Springfield in Oregon is the basis for the hometown of his characters.

The admission came in an interview with Smithsonian Magazine published online Tuesday.

Groening says he was inspired by the television show “Father Knows Best,” which took place in a place called Springfield. Springfield, Ore., is 100 miles south of Groening’s hometown of Portland.

Groening says he has long given fake answers when asked about the Simpsons’ hometown.

The show has made a running joke of hiding the true Springfield’s location. In one episode, daughter Lisa points to Springfield on a map, but the animated “camera view” is blocked by son Bart’s head.

Jury is chosen in Hudson murder trial

CHICAGO

A full jury and six alternates have been selected at the trial of a man accused of killing three members of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s family.

The last four panelists were chosen Tuesday, the second day of one-by-one questioning of would-be jurors. Fourteen were picked Monday.

Those who will sit in the jury box when testimony begins April 23 include a junior-high-school teacher and an unemployed bank teller who lives three blocks from court.

Some of the jurors have had friends and relatives who were victims of violent crimes. At least two had close relatives who were murdered.

Several people who said they were fans of Hudson and couldn’t set aside their sympathy were dismissed.

William Balfour is charged with killing Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew in 2008.

Robin Gibb too ill for Titanic concert

LONDON

The son of Bee Gees star Robin Gibb says his father is too ill to attend the London premiere of “The Titanic Requiem,” his first classical work.

Robin Gibb composed the symphonic piece with his son, Robin-John Gibb, and was scheduled to perform a new song, “Don’t Cry Alone,” during Tuesday’s concert at The Royal Albert Hall.

But in a message read out to the audience, Robin-John said his 62-year-old father is still in hospital recovering from the intestinal surgery he had last month.

Robin-John Gibb told the audience: “He sends all his love. ... We are all praying for him and hoping he has a speedy recovery.”

The requiem, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, commemorates the April 1912 sinking of the ocean liner and the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

Associated Press