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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bates recovering from breast cancer

From Wire Reports

Kathy Bates says she is recovering from a double mastectomy.

The Oscar-winning actress tweeted on Wednesday that she was diagnosed with breast cancer two months ago. But in a separate post, she said she doesn’t miss her breasts as much as “Harry’s Law,” her NBC law drama that was canceled last May.

An ovarian cancer survivor for “nine years and counting,” Bates, 64, released a statement through her publicist saying that she decided to have the operation “after much consideration” and won’t have to undergo radiation or chemotherapy. Her doctors have assured her she’ll be around “for a long time.”

Bates won a Best Actress Oscar in 1991 for “Misery,” and this year is nominated for two Emmys: For “Harry’s Law” and for her guest shot on “Two and a Half Men.”

Palmer receives congressional medal

Arnie’s Army, at least the congressional battalion, turned out at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday for presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to golfing legend Arnold Palmer. “I’m particularly proud of anything that the House and Senate agree on,” Palmer, 83, joked to a crowd that included a number of golfing lawmakers, including House Speaker John Boehner.

In 2009, Congress approved – and President Barack Obama signed – legislation awarding Congress’ highest civilian honor to Palmer.

Palmer is among more than 100 recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr . , Walt Disney and another golfer, Byron Nelson.

Madsen booked on DUI charges

Actor Michael Madsen was arrested in Malibu on Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of driving under the influence, authorities said.

Madsen – best known for his work in the movies “Reservoir Dogs,” “Donnie Brasco,” “Mulholland Falls” and several TV series – was pulled over about 2:45 p.m. on Pacific Coast Highway. The actor was given a field sobriety test, and preliminary results showed that he had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit.

Madsen was booked and held in lieu of $15,000 bail before being taken to a hospital for an undisclosed ailment.

The birthday bunch

Actress Barbara Bain is 81. Actor Richard Kiel is 73. Rock singer David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat & Tears) is 71. Actress Jacqueline Bisset is 68. Singer Peter Cetera is 68. Actress Jean Smart is 61. Record producer Don Was is 60. Rock singer-musician Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) is 51. Radio-TV personality Tavis Smiley is 48. Singer Fiona Apple is 35. Actor Ben Savage is 32.