Detectives search Jackson’s Neverland ranch again

Los Olivos, Calif. — Sheriff’s investigators with a new search warrant raided Michael Jackson’s Neverland estate again Friday, just weeks before the pop star is scheduled to go on trial on charges of child molestation.

Authorities would not say why they returned more than a year after dozens of investigators first raided the storybook estate while they were still drawing up charges against Jackson.

Jackson was leaving Neverland when the officers arrived, and did not stay, said a source close to the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Jackson, 46, was charged in December 2003 with molesting a boy and plying him with alcohol. His trial is set to begin Jan. 31.

Hanks to attend ceremony marking WWII battle

Brussels, Belgium — News that actor Tom Hanks plans to attend remembrance ceremonies for the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge sent tourism officials scurrying to find him a place to stay because all hotel rooms have been taken.

Tourism officials said Friday that Hanks, star of the Steven Spielberg film “Saving Private Ryan,” apparently planned to stay Dec. 15-19 in the southeast town of Bastogne, the site of commemoration services for one of the bloodiest World War II battles.

However, officials said they hadn’t received final confirmation from Hanks that he would join a 25-member veterans group that made the lodging request on his behalf.

Hotels have been sold out across the Ardennes region for more than a year ahead of the anniversary, officials said.

Some 80,000 American soldiers were killed, wounded or went missing during Hitler’s last desperate stand to reverse the Allied advance. German casualties numbered between 80,000 and 120,000.

‘Wonderful Life’ still rings true for Zuzu actress

Lancaster, N.Y. — Who hasn’t spent part of a holiday season watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”?

Even the most devoted fans of Frank Capra’s 1946 classic film might find something new in its black-and-white images after listening to Karolyn Grimes. She played Zuzu Bailey, the little girl with the memorable movie-ending line: “Look, Daddy: Teacher says that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.”

Grimes, 64, said she had seen the movie, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, so many times she’s beyond paying attention to the story and acting and instead focuses on the subtleties others may overlook.

“For instance, there’s a point where Mary and George are asked to go to Florida with Sam Wainwright and his wife. Very subtly, (Mary) rubs her tummy — and that night she tells him she’s on the nest,” Grimes said.

Grimes has a whole presentation about such moments, which she attributes to “the magic of Frank Capra.”

“So many people love this film,” she said during a stop in this Buffalo suburb, where she introduced the Lancaster Opera House’s stage production of the story. “It’s become part of our culture.”

Birthday: Marisa Tomei

Actress Marisa Tomei is 40. Game show host Wink Martindale is 70. Actor Jeff Bridges is 55. Rapper Jay-Z is 35. Actress-model Tyra Banks is 31. Actor Orlando Brown is 17.