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

French make Willis commander of arts

Actor Bruce Willis has been awarded the Commander of the Arts in France for his contribution to cinema.

The 57-year-old, whose latest film is “A Good Day to Die Hard,” told the Paris ceremony Monday night that he feels honored that his work has been recognized. He attended the event with his wife, Emma Heming.

Willis was born in Europe and said he feels at home in France. But the star said he opposes President Francois Hollande’s plan to tax the richest at 75 percent and hopes he would be able to complain about it if he lived in France.

Willis also said in an interview that he thinks there’ll be more “Die Hard” movies to come. The one out now is the fifth.

Travis performs at Kyle’s memorial

Country music star Randy Travis has performed at the memorial service for slain ex-Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.

Travis told the thousands gathered at Cowboys Stadium on Monday that he was glad to be there, adding that he never met Kyle, but wished he had.

Travis then began playing his guitar and singing “Whisper My Name,” which he said Kyle’s wife had told him was a meaningful song for the couple. Travis also sang “Amazing Grace.”

Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were shot and killed Feb. 2 at a North Texas gun range.

‘Buckwild’ cast member arrested

A cast member of the MTV reality show “Buckwild” is facing a drug charge in West Virginia.

Twenty-four-year-old Salwa Amin was arraigned Monday in Nicholas County Magistrate Court on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. She’s being held at the Central Regional Jail on $200,000 bond.

State police say a multi-agency task force arrested Amin and two others late Sunday at a home in Summersville after receiving a tip from an informant. Officers say they found oxycodone pills and heroin.

“Buckwild” shows wild young West Virginians. It has drawn criticism for what some see as a negative portrayal of the state’s youth.

The birthday bunch

Movie director Franco Zeffirelli is 90. Baseball Hall-of-Fame sportscaster Joe Garagiola is 87. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell is 79. Actor Joe Don Baker is 77. Author Judy Blume is 75. Rock musician Ray Manzarek (The Doors) is 74. Actor Michael Ironside is 63. Rock singer Michael McDonald is 61. Actress Joanna Kerns is 60. Actor Josh Brolin is 45. Singer Chynna Phillips is 45. Actress Christina Ricci is 33.