Jackson resolution isn’t needed, Pelosi says

Washington — Amid the great debates of the day over health care, global warming and economic recovery, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday there will be no pause in the action to honor Michael Jackson.

For the record, the California Democrat said that Jackson was “a great, great performer” and that his death has brought “lots of sadness … for many reasons.”

However, she also made clear that she won’t allow the House to debate a resolution honoring the fallen pop star.

“A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views to — that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different,” Pelosi said.

Shortly after Jackson’s death last month, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, introduced a resolution saluting the singer’s life and work. She held a framed copy of it on the stage at Jackson’s memorial service Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

However, Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who called Jackson a “pervert” and a “pedophile,” had vowed to block the resolution.

Apparently not wanting anything to do with the fight, Pelosi addressed the issue at her weekly press conference, beginning with this: “We’re into the popular culture now.”

Not wanting to entirely quash free debate, however, Pelosi said members could give short speeches honoring Jackson but that no roll call vote would be allowed.

LAPD: Pop star’s drug history to be probed

Los Angeles — The Los Angeles police chief says detectives investigating the death of Michael Jackson are looking at his prescription drug history and trying to talk with his numerous former doctors.

Police Chief William Bratton told CNN on Thursday that police are waiting for the coroner’s report before ruling out any possibilities in their “comprehensive and far-reaching” investigation into the sudden death of the 50-year-old pop star two weeks ago.

The coroner’s report will determine the cause of death and hinges on time-consuming toxicology tests, but detectives are already gathering evidence.

Bratton says the Drug Enforcement Agency and the state attorney general’s office, which keeps a database of prescription drugs, are assisting investigators.

David Arquette to sleep in NYC box for hungry

New York — David Arquette is going to sleep in a box in New York City to raise money for the hungry.

The 37-year-old actor is staying in a Plexiglas box above the Madison Square Garden marquee Tuesday and Wednesday to raise $250,000 for Feeding America — the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity.

Donations can come through text messages, on site and a Facebook page set up by Mars Inc., the company that makes Snickers candy bars.

A Mars spokesman says Arquette will eat during his two-day stay in the plastic enclosure.

Arquette starred in the “Scream” movie franchise. He is the brother of actor Richmond and actresses Patricia, Rosanna and Alexis Arquette.

Patricia Arquette dismisses divorce case

Los Angeles — Patricia Arquette and Thomas Jane will remain married.

Court records show the “Medium” star requested and was granted a dismissal of the couple’s divorce case, which she filed in January.

The one-page dismissal didn’t indicate a reason for the 41-year-old actress seeking a dismissal. Records show her request was filed Tuesday and approved Thursday.

The couple was married in May 2006 and have a daughter, Harlow Olivia Calliope Jane.

Arquette won an Emmy Award in 2005 for her portrayal of a paranormal expert on “Medium.” The 40-year-old Jane appeared in the 2007 film “The Mist” and 2004’s “The Punisher,” and he stars in the new HBO series “Hung.”

Clooney: I’ll film in Italy quake area

L’Aquila, Italy — George Clooney has toured the ruins of Italy’s recent earthquake and told the survivors he’ll shoot a film in their mountain region.

The actor inspected crumbled buildings during a visit on the sidelines of the G-8 summit in L’Aquila. The April 6 quake left thousands homeless and killed nearly 300 people.

Italy is holding the summit there to show solidarity with the victims.

On Thursday Clooney visited a tent camp for the homeless and kissed four women and shook hands with residents.

The actor said in September he’ll shoot part of a film in the area, which could help the local economy. The movie will be a thriller about a killer who tries to hide out in an Italian town.

Actor Bill Murray accompanied Clooney to help draw attention to the quake victims.

‘Office’ star Jenna Fischer is engaged

New York — She’s engaged on NBC’s “The Office,” and now, Jenna Fischer can say the same in real life.

Her spokesman, Lewis Kay, says the 35-year-old actress and her boyfriend, screenwriter Lee Kirk, became engaged in Paris on June 30.

Kay says the couple have been dating since January 2008.

Fischer was previously married to filmmaker James Gunn. They announced their split in September 2007 after six years of marriage.