Jimmy Fallon debuts as ‘Late Night’ host

New York — Almost a year after Jimmy Fallon was named new host of NBC’s “Late Night,” and 10 days after predecessor Conan O’Brien departed, Fallon made his debut Monday.

Fallon’s opening-night guests included Robert De Niro and Justin Timberlake, with Van Morrison as his musical guest.

In his debut monologue, Fallon joked about opening-night jitters with a reference to the weather.

“New York City was hit with a huge snow storm,” he noted, “and I woke up this morning and said, ‘Please, let it be a snow day!”‘

Fallon’s on-air arrival sets in motion a carefully arranged shift by NBC. O’Brien, who took over “Late Night” from its original host, Letterman, in 1993, is now devoting full time to readying his version of the Los Angeles-based “Tonight” show, where he will land in June.

“Tonight” veteran Jay Leno will return to the air come fall with a weeknight prime-time talk-variety show airing at 10 p.m.

Publicist: Ousted Ill. governor to write book

Chicago — Rod Blagojevich, the first U.S. governor in more than 20 years to be removed from office by impeachment, signed a deal Monday to write a book “exposing the dark side of politics,” his publicist said.

Blagojevich signed a “six-figure” deal to write a book for Phoenix Books, to be released in October, publicist Glenn Selig said in a news release.

Selig said the former governor “plans on exposing the dark side of politics that he witnessed in both the state and national level.”

Blagojevich “does not intend to pull any punches and will reveal information and provide insights that will at times be embarrassing to himself as well as to others,” according to Selig’s release.

Blagojevich was ousted in January after his Dec. 9 arrest by federal authorities on corruption charges that include allegations he tried to sell President Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. He denies any wrongdoing.

NYC street briefly to become ‘U2 Way’

New York — Rock band U2 is getting official recognition for their stint this week on David Letterman’s show.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is temporarily renaming part of West 53rd Street “U2 Way” today, the day the group’s latest CD is being released.

The band is performing an unprecedented five consecutive times this week on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman.”

It’s the first time a musical guest has performed a full week on the show, which is taped at The Ed Sullivan Theater near the intersection of West 53rd Street and Broadway — near the spot being renamed.

Gary Collins pleads no contest to DUI

Santa Barbara, Calif. — Actor and former TV host Gary Collins faces 120 days in jail or home detention after pleading no contest to misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Santa Barbara Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter said Collins’ plea was entered Monday by his lawyer.

Because it was Collins’ third offense, a 120-day jail sentence is mandatory, but Carter said the actor may apply for electronically monitored home detention instead.

Collins also was given three years of probation and a violation of the terms could bring a total of 365 days in jail.

His sentence also included a three-year suspension of his driver’s license, mandatory attendance at a multiple-offenders school and a 90-day vehicle impoundment.

A call by The Associated Press to Collins’ attorney Gilbert Gaynor was not immediately returned.

Prince to release new CD set through Target

New York — Prince is coming to a Target near you.

The superstar is releasing a three-disc CD set through the retailer at the end of this month. The set will include two new albums — “LOtUSFLOW3R” and “MPLSoUND” — as well as a third by his new artist, Bria Valente, for the price of $11.98.

Prince is just the latest music legend to release new music exclusively through a major retailer. AC/DC and the Eagles were among the acts who sold millions of CDs through their partnership with Wal-Mart.

Prince has released his recent CDs through major labels, but they were one-album deals that gave him the flexibility to go elsewhere when the project was done. Last fall, he released a coffee table book of photos titled “21 Nights” documenting his record-breaking 21-night run at London’s 02 Arena in 2007. The book also included a CD of live performances.

The CD set will be on sale at Target and its Web site on March 29.

Willis attorney calls lawsuit ‘without merit’

Los Angeles — An attorney for Bruce Willis says a lawsuit against his client alleging breach of contract and seeking $4 million is without merit.

Attorney Marty Singer said Monday that three production companies suing Willis alleging he failed to fulfill contractual duties on the proposed film “Three Stories About Joan” didn’t fulfill their own responsibilities.

Singer says the companies failed to put money into an escrow account for Willis before film production started.

He says Willis will file his own action against the producers soon.