In the news

By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 24, 2002

Miss Universe fired

For the first time in its 52-year history, the Miss Universe Organization has fired the woman wearing its crown.

Oxana Fedorova, a 24-year-old Russian law student, was ousted four months after she won the pageant, the organization said.

Spokeswoman Mary Hilliard McMillan said the organization would not comment on the reason until Tuesday, when the first runner-up, Miss Panama Justine Pasek, 22, is expected to be crowned.

Fedorova, the first Miss Universe from Russia, denied she had been fired and said she gave up the title herself.

"The duties of a world beauty are wonderful. However, my prime goal is my studies and career in Russia," Fedorova, who is pursuing a graduate degree in civil law, told RTR state television.

Addressing what the network said were rumors that she had secretly married and was pregnant, Fedorova said: "I want a family, I love family, but it is a dream for me. I was never married. I have not had children. I hope that this dream will come true in the future."

Nolte checks into center

Nick Nolte, arrested this month on suspicion of driving under the influence, has voluntarily checked into Silver Hill Hospital, a substance-abuse and psychiatric center in Connecticut. Billy Joel and Diana Ross are among those recently treated at Silver Hill.

Nolte, 61, entered the center Sept. 14, three days after he was arrested after a roadside sobriety test in Malibu, Calif.

Rose Parade grand marshals announced

PASADENA, Calif. -- The Tournament of Roses on Monday named three beloved senior citizens -- Bill Cosby, Art Linkletter and Fred Rogers -- as grand marshals for its child-themed 2003 parade and game.

Tournament president Gary Thomas introduced Cosby and Linkletter during a ceremony at tournament headquarters in Pasadena. Rogers, the children's TV host known as Mister Rogers, was out of the country on vacation.

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