Mom Fears for Rihanna's Life

Merle Haggard, Jerry Herman, Bill T. Jones also feted

(NEWSER) - Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney were among the latest group of celebs to receive Kennedy Center Honors in a star-filled night that included tributes from Julia Roberts and John Travolta, among others. Merle Haggard, Broadway composer Jerry Herman, and dancer Bill T. Jones were also honored, as they sat with the president, first lady, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. CBS will broadcast the ceremony Dec. 28, the AP reports. More»

Plus, director dishes on 'handsome' JFK, and more

(NEWSER) - Rihanna doesn’t want any protection from Chris Brown—the pair think the court’s no-contact clause is “unnecessary and ridiculous,” a source tells the New York Daily News, adding that even though “they aren't looking to hook back up,” they’re “solid” now as friends. Elsewhere:

• Director Nora Ephron was once a White House intern, reports the New York Post. Her one regret from that stint? “I totally regret not having had an affair with” then-President Kennedy, she tells More magazine.

Plus, Jon and Kate actually in the same place at the same time, more

(NEWSER) - Tinseltown is abuzz with speculation about what caused Sean Penn’s acting hiatus, the New York Post reports. Some say Natalie Portman, who was seen with Penn in the middle of his separation drama, broke his heart. Elsewhere:

• Jon and Kate Gosselin were actually spotted together—imagine that! The drama-ridden reality couple played with their kids outside their Pennsylvania home, Us reports, but didn’t show any affection toward each other.

Plus, Susan Boyle rejoins tour, and more

(NEWSER) - Prince Harry split with his latest galpal, British TV host Caroline Flack, when he realized ex Chelsy Davy was “the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he told friends. “The fling with Caroline has focused Harry’s mind back on Chelsy,” one tells the Daily Mail. Elsewhere:

• After a brief break, Susan Boyle will rejoin the Britain’s Got Talent tour tonight, Us reports. And her album is still on: “She's not quitting—those rumors are rubbish,” a source says.

Plus, Rihanna subpoenaed, and more

(NEWSER) - Today is the day Susan Boyle returns to singing, the Mirror reports. The troubled star is set to join rehearsals for the Britain’s Got Talent tour. “There is no pressure on her but everyone hopes it means she will perform on Friday,” says a source. “It’s her decision.” Elsewhere:

• Rihanna was subpoenaed by prosecutors in the case against Chris Brown, and “if the preliminary hearing indeed goes forward, she will be there” June 22, her lawyer tells People.