Jury: OD was accident

A Bahamas jury ruled yesterday that Anna Nicole Smith's son died from an accidental drug overdose, just like his mother. The seven-member jury, which deliberated for less than two hours, recommended no criminal charges in the September 2006 death of 20-year-old Daniel Smith. The son of the former Playboy playmate died after coming to the Bahamas to meet his new baby sister on Sept. 10, 2006. His mother died early the next year in Florida from an accidental drug overdose at age 39. Police had said there was no evidence of homicide, and autopsies found that Daniel died from a combination of drugs, including methadone and antidepressants. But Bahamian authorities ordered the inquest amid widespread speculation over the circumstances surrounding his death. Neil McCabe, an attorney for Anna Nicole's mother, Virgie Arthur, said she was disappointed in the ruling because she suspected foul play was involved. (AP)

Woody Allen has asked a federal court to strip a clothing company of at least $10 million for featuring him on billboards in Hollywood and New York. A lawsuit filed in US District Court in Manhattan yesterday says the actor and director does not endorse commercial products or services in the United States. The lawsuit says his noncommercial rule makes the May 2007 American Apparel billboards "especially egregious and damaging." American Apparel Inc. did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment. (AP)

Kathie Lee Gifford will make her return to TV on "Today." The announcement, which had been expected, was made yesterday during the early hours of NBC News' top-rated morning show. Gifford will co-host the fourth hour with NBC News correspondent Hoda Kotb. (AP)

US tennis star Andy Roddick plans to marry model Brooklyn Decker. "The couple wanted to tell their family and close friends first, but good news travels fast," said a note on Roddick's website. (REUTERS)

Jessica Simpson was released from the hospital yesterday after being treated over the weekend for a kidney infection. Simpson was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Friday for a minor infection, her representative said. (AP)

Heather Mills is among the judges of the upcoming Miss USA Pageant. Other judges for the April 11 competition include comedian Rob Schneider, actor-musician Joey Fatone, actress Kristian Alfonso, Olympic champion swimmer Amanda Beard, actress Kelly Carlson, and San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman. (AP)

"He's just so easy to be around. He lightens up the room and lightens my load." - Actress Katherine Heigl, gushing about her new husband, musician Josh Kelley