Director eyes dismissal

Lawyers for Roman Polanski, a fugitive in France for 30 years because of a notorious sex case involving a 13-year-old girl, filed a request yesterday to dismiss the charge against him because of prosecutorial and judicial misconduct. The motion alleges that a documentary about Polanski revealed "a pattern of misconduct and improper communications" between the district attorney's office and the judge. (AP)

NBC executives have picked David Gregory to succeed Tim Russert on "Meet the Press," according to a source familiar with internal discussions. The network considered internal and external candidates, and contemplated bringing in multiple anchors to moderate the Sunday morning program. NBC officials would not confirm the selection, first reported Monday by the Huffington Post. (Los Angeles Times)

Gary Coleman pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge stemming from a September skirmish at a Utah bowling alley. The actor was ordered to pay a $100 fine. (AP)

Actor Patrick Swayze, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, yesterday denied tabloid stories that he is near death. (AP)