Britain's Prince Harry opened a U.S. visit devoted to the wounded victims of war at the side of one of America's most storied wounded warriors, Sen. John McCain, at an exhibition about land mines Thursday in Washington, D.C. For the prince, the tour in the halls of Congress was a world away from the Afghanistan war zone where he recently served for 20 weeks assigned to an attack helicopter.
With a shrieking gaggle of young women straining behind rope lines set back from the exhibition, the prince quizzed officials of HALO Trust, a charity that focuses on mine clearance and which had staged the display of photos, maps and mine-detection equipment. The devastation caused by land mines was a cause taken up by the prince's mother, Princess Diana, and Harry has carried on that interest as well as his own work for wounded veterans. He is to visit Arlington National Cemetery and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday before flying to Colorado Springs for the 2013 Warrior Games.
Chinese film director under scrutiny
China's most celebrated film director, Zhang Yimou, is being investigated for a potential violation of family-planning laws, according to state news media reports that were confirmed by an official Thursday. Family-planning officials are examining discussions on the Internet that say Zhang has fathered up to seven children with four women. If he is found to have violated the laws, he could be fined nearly $27 million because the fines are based on the offender's income. Zhang could not be reached for comment Thursday. His most recent feature film was "The Flowers of War" starring Christian Bale.
macy's has something to crow about: Sheryl Crow, a singer for all functions, will headline Macy's Glamorama on Aug. 2 at the State Theatre. Other entertainment will be provided by performers from Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas production. The nine-time Grammy winner, who is headlining her own concert June 28 at Mystic Lake Casino, will be releasing her first country album in September. Tickets for Glamorama's "Fashion in a New Light" will go on sale June 6 at the State Theatre box office and Ticketmaster outlets. There is a pre-sale for American Express cardholders from May 30 to June 5. For information, call 952-893-9355.
'idol' judge leaving: Randy Jackson is out. The original "American Idol" judge says he won't be returning to the Fox talent competition. "To put all of the speculation to the rest … I have decided to leave after this season," Jackson, 56, said in a statement. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry." The producer and bassist said he wants to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.
jon bream, news services
