Imus suspended for comments

CBS Radio and MSNBC both said Monday they were suspending Don Imus’ morning talk show for two weeks as a protest grew about his reference last week to members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.”

The suspension begins next Monday.

MSNBC, which telecasts the radio show, said Imus’ expressions of regret and embarrassment, coupled with his stated dedication to changing the show’s discourse, made it believe suspension was the appropriate response.

“Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word,” the network said.

Imus, who has made a career of cranky insults, was fighting for his job after the joke that by his own admission went “way too far.”

Imus could be in real danger if the outcry causes advertisers to shy away, said Tom Taylor, editor of the trade publication Inside Radio. The National Organization for Women is also seeking Imus’ ouster.

On his show Monday, Imus called himself “a good person” who made a bad mistake.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.

Betty Ford home after surgery

Former first lady Betty Ford was released from a hospital where she underwent surgery last week, her office said in a statement Monday.

“Mrs. Ford is resting comfortably at her home. She is recovering well,” the statement said.

The statement did not say when Mrs. Ford, who turned 89 on Sunday, was released from Eisenhower Medical Center.

The Ford office has not disclosed the nature of the surgery. A call to the Ford office was not immediately returned.

“Mrs. Ford and the Ford family extend thanks to everyone for their prayers, well wishes, cards and flowers,” the statement said.

Former President Gerald Ford died Dec. 26 at age 93.

ALBANY, N.Y.

New York moves primary to Feb. 5

Gov. Eliot Spitzer signed legislation Monday moving New York’s presidential primary to Feb. 5, further setting the stage for a midwinter political showdown that could leave Americans with the longest general election campaign ever.

Parochially, the change could also benefit the Democratic and Republican front-runners, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rudy Giuliani, both New Yorkers.

Nearly a dozen other states, including California and New Jersey, have already moved their primaries or caucuses to Feb. 5. A dozen more are considering such moves, setting the stage for what is quickly becoming known as “Super-Duper Tuesday” just 22 days after the leadoff Iowa caucuses.

“Moving the primary date to February, we will help secure New York’s large and diverse population an influential voice in selecting the 2008 presidential nominees,” said Spitzer.