Today's News: Our Take

Mega Buzz on Grey's, Daisies, 24, Housewives & More!

• Jan 7, 2009 03:30 AM ET
• by Matt Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor & Tim Molloy

Senior editors Matt Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor and Tim Molloy answer your questions. Drop us a line at mega_scoop@tvguide.com. Also: Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/TVGuide for live backstage updates from the Golden Globes this Sunday.

Got any scoop on Grey's Anatomy's MerDer? Do you have any idea when we'll see the McMansion being built? — Emilee
MATT: In lieu of talking drywall (there's no foreseeable movement on Der's dream home), may I interest you in some drama? It turns out that the death row inmate who is admitted to Seattle Grace this week could do some damage to your MerDer. Guest star Eric Stoltz teases that during his three-episode arc, "I certainly insinuate myself into their relationship and am the source of not a little strife."

Any word on dates for the final three episodes of Pushing Daisies? — Kathy
MICKEY: ABC is contractually obligated to air the remaining episodes, but I've also heard that they might burn them all off ... read more

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Welcome a Baby Girl

• Jan 6, 2009 10:55 PM ET
• by Anna Dimond

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have welcomed a baby girl into the world, People reports.

The actors are already parents to Violet, age 3. Reps for Garner and Affleck could not immediately be reached for comment.

The couple married in June of 2005, and had Violet in December the same year. In August, Garner told press that the two of them were "so excited" for their second child.

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Patrick Swayze on Cancer Battle: "I'm Going Through Hell"

• Jan 6, 2009 10:46 PM ET
• by Anna Dimond

A year after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Patrick Swayze admits he has been "going through hell."

The actor opened up about his battle with Barbara Walters in his first interview since the diagnosis, set to air Wednesday (10 pm/ET, ABC). "I've never been one to run from a challenge," he told her.

When Walters asked him if he was scared, he said... read more

Alyssa Milano Plans to Tie the Knot

• Jan 6, 2009 10:30 PM ET
• by Anna Dimond

Alyssa Milano plans to tie the knot, her reps confirm to TVGuide.com.

The actress, 36, got engaged in December to David Bugliari, an agent at Creative Artists Agency, who she has been dating for over a year. He proposed to her with a ring he designed, and made by Jim Lavi at Daniel Jewelry in La Jolla.

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The Mentalist: Owain Yeoman Teases New Episodes

• Jan 6, 2009 05:35 PM ET
• by Mickey O'Connor

Welsh actor Owain Yeoman is, surprisingly, not sick of answering "the accent" question. In fact, he loves it when people think he's American. As "jock cop" Wayne Rigsby on CBS' The Mentalist (Tuesdays, 9 pm/ET), Yeoman is responsible for a lot of the drama's lighter moments, as he gorges himself on whatever food is available and stumbles sweetly in his attempts to woo a fellow agent. Yeoman spoke to TVGuide.com about Rigsby's future romantic prospects, precisely which accent he's aiming for and why his answers to our questions will be way better than Tim Kang's.

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30 Rock's Rip Torn Pleads Not Guilty to Drunken Driving

• Jan 6, 2009 05:05 PM ET
• by Adam Bryant

Recurring 30 Rock guest star Rip Torn pleaded not guilty on Monday to drunken driving charges, stemming from a Dec. 14 arrest.

Torn appeared in a Bantam, Conn. superior court and pleaded not guilty to illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane, according to The Associated Press.

State police say a trooper pulled Torn over after he noticed the actor driving in the breakdown lane of Route 44 in Salisbury, Conn. ... read more

Digital TV Transition: Converter Coupon Program Maxes Out Budget

• Jan 6, 2009 04:06 PM ET
• by Adam Bryant

Those who have put off buying the converter boxes that will enable them to watch TV when the federally-mandated switch to digital broadcasting takes place may next month have to shell out some extra cash.

The government's $1.34 billion coupon program that would help viewers offset the cost of analog-to-digital converter boxes ran out of money Sunday, according to USA Today. Now, anyone who requests on of the $40 coupons .... read more

A&E Greenlights Paranormal Cops

• Jan 6, 2009 03:09 PM ET
• by Erin Fox

Watch out spirits and ghouls of Chicago, Paranormal Cops ain't afraid of no ghosts!

A&E has given the greenlight to a new series, Paranormal Cops, which follows a team of real-life Chicago-area police officers who also work as paranormal investigators.

"Paranormal Cops is the perfect marriage of A&E's successful crime and justice genre with our blossoming paranormal programming that documents real-life accounts of bona fide paranormal investigators," said Senior Vice President at A&E, Robert Sharenow.

Paranormal Cops features the "larger-than-life" cops' work as Chicago-area police officers by day, as well as their forensic and investigative expertise with... read more

Al Franken Senate Recount Win Held up By Lawsuit

• Jan 6, 2009 03:09 PM ET
• by Adam Bryant

Comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Al Franken is a U.S. senator. Sort of.

Although Minnesota's Canvassing Board certified Franken as the winner of the lengthy recount on Monday, a legal challenge by Republican incumbent Norm Coleman may keep the results from becoming official a while longer, according to The Associated Press. Coleman, who initially was believed to have a 215-vote lead, is arguing that ... read more