– Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium is one of six U.S. institutions (and the only one in Illinois) to win this year’s prestigious National Awards for Museum and Library Service. The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services said the $10,000 awards are given for “extraordinary public service.”
– Michael Jackson on Wednesday gave his first public performance since his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005–a fleeting rendition of “We are the World” surrounded by youthful singers. Jackson, 48, sang at the World Music Awards in London, where he was honored with an award marking the 25th anniversary of “Thriller.”
– George Clooney has been named the “sexiest man alive”–for the second time–by People magazine. The 45-year-old actor is pictured on the cover of People, on newsstands Friday. Clooney, who first took the title in 1997, is now tied with his good friend Brad Pitt.
– Naomi Campbell returned to court again as her lawyer and a Manhattan prosecutor tried unsuccessfully to cut a deal on charges that she threw a cell phone at her maid over a pair of missing jeans. Her lawyer, David Breitbart, told reporters that Campbell hoped to reach an agreement that would require only community service.
– Triumph the Insult Comic Dog is now an honorary member of the Las Vegas police department’s K-9 unit. The foul-mouthed hand puppet given life by comic Robert Smigel is the first toy Rottweiler in the elite group. “I will do my part to get all the drugs and hookers off the street, and into my hotel room,” Triumph said in accepting the honor, which was bestowed at the Comedy Festival that kicked off Tuesday.
