newsmakers

newsmakers

‘Mad Men’ to wrap run with 2-part season

NEW YORK

AMC is keeping “Mad Men” around an extra year, expanding the final season of this acclaimed drama series to 14 episodes and portioning them equally in 2014 and 2015.

The network said Tuesday that seven episodes will air next spring and another seven in 2015. Previous “Mad Men” seasons have spanned 13 episodes.

Series creator Matthew Weiner said the two-part season will enable “a more elaborate story” to be told.

The arrangement mirrors that of another AMC series, “Breaking Bad,” whose final season, now nearing its end, was similarly split in two.

“Mad Men,” which premiered in 2007, has won four Emmy awards for outstanding drama series. It heads into Sunday’s awards night with four major Emmy nominations, including best actor for Jon Hamm, who has never won.

Spears announces Las Vegas residency

NEW YORK

Britney Spears is heading to Las Vegas.

The pop star announced a 16-date residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday. “Britney: Piece of Me” will debut Dec. 27.

Spears was in the Nevada desert for the announcement with more than 1,000 fans.

The Grammy-winning singer’s confirmation about the residency comes months after rumors swirled online. She said in an interview that the show will feature her greatest hits as well as new material.

Prince Harry spends night in cold chamber

LONDON

Prince Harry has spent the night in a giant freezer to simulate the conditions he will face when he treks to the South Pole in November.

The 29-year-old royal, who will race with a team of injured British servicemen and women against groups from the United States and the Commonwealth, spent around 20 hours in a cold chamber where he was subjected to temperatures of -31 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind speeds of 45 miles per hour.

Alongside four teammates — all amputees who lost limbs after suffering injuries in Afghanistan — Harry tested the clothing he will wear on the 200-mile expedition and learned how to avoid frostbite.

Wire reports