Former Sen. Brooke mum on reported affair

New York – Former U.S. Sen. Edward Brooke declined to comment Friday about whether he had an affair with Barbara Walters in the 1970s.

“I have had a lifetime policy and practice of not discussing my personal and private life, or the personal and private lives of others, with the notable exception of what I wrote in my recently published autobiography, ‘Bridging the Divide: My Life,”‘ he told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Miami.

A relationship with Walters wasn’t mentioned in his book, the 88-year-old former senator from Massachusetts told the AP.

His memoir was published in 2006.

In an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” scheduled to air Tuesday, Walters shares details of her relationship with the married Brooke that lasted several years in the 1970s, according to excerpts of the show provided to the AP.

Lindsay Lohan mugshot used in ad

Los Angeles – Lindsay Lohan is not exactly toasting her latest public appearance.

A mugshot of the 21-year-old actress, who has been in and out of rehab after two arrests last year on drunken driving and cocaine charges, was prominently featured Friday in an advertisement attacking legislation for devices that measure a driver’s blood alcohol level before their vehicle can start.

The full-page black-and-white ad appeared in USA Today on Friday and was paid for by the American Beverage Institute, a trade group that supports the interests of the alcohol industry. The ad reads “Ignition interlocks are a good idea for” above Lohan’s mug shot from her July 24, 2007 arrest and “But a bad idea for us” above smaller photos of people drinking.

“The reason that we used Lindsay Lohan is because she’s had multiple DUIs that have been high profile,” American Beverage Institute managing director Sarah Longwell told The Associated Press. “We needed to create the distinction for the public what someone with multiple DUIs looked like versus a low blood-alcohol-level first-time offender.”

Dwyane Wade denies Star Jones rumors

Atlanta – Dwyane Wade has finally spoken up about his alleged romance with Star Jones: “Star is an unbelievable woman. We have a great, great relationship. As friends.”

“We’re friends, just like a lot of celebrities. We are friends,” the pro basketball star said Thursday during a guest appearance on “Inside the NBA,” the jocular TNT show featuring Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson.

Emilio intoxicated at time of crash

Houston – Toxicology tests show that Grammy-winning Tejano singer Emilio Navaira was intoxicated when the tour bus he was driving crashed into freeway barrels in suburban Houston in March, authorities said.

The toxicology tests were released this week, and the Houston Chronicle reported on the results Thursday night on its Web site. The newspaper also reported that Navaira was arrested for driving while intoxicated in September 2000.

Navaira was driving his tour bus March 23 when it slammed into the freeway barrels, throwing him through the windshield. Doctors performed two brain surgeries and repaired an aneurysm on his right lung.

Reports: Mariah Carey marries actor Cannon

New York – Nick Cannon is cast as Mariah Carey’s lover in her new video – but has the superstar diva given the young actor a considerably bigger role in real life?

According to several published reports, Carey, 38, married Cannon, 27, on Wednesday. Neither Carey’s publicist nor Cannon’s manager returned requests from The Associated Press for comment.

If the pair did indeed wed, it would be a whirlwind romance. Word that the two were seeing each other first surfaced in the last few weeks. Last Saturday, Carey was seen sporting a huge diamond ring on her finger at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of her movie, “Tennessee,” in which she plays a waitress. Cannon was at her side at the party. Speculation swirled that the couple were engaged.

Washington tells kids science is important

Mount Vernon, N.Y. – Denzel Washington says inner-city schoolkids have to be reminded that scientists are more important than entertainers.

The Academy Award-winning actor and wife Pauletta award annual scholarships for neuroscience research to college students and make the presentations at city schools. On Friday, they went to Mount Vernon High School in suburban Westchester County. Mount Vernon is Washington’s hometown.

Washington says actors, rappers and basketball stars get more recognition, but someone in a hospital bed is more impressed by a good doctor.