Lauer travelogue staying in US

New York — Where in the world is Matt Lauer? Staying in the USA this year.

In a nod to the economy, the “Today” show is putting off its annual mystery trip where Lauer is sent to exotic spots from Monte Carlo to Mount Everest. Instead, NBC’s morning team will be spending a week in May exploring affordable vacation spots in the United States.

“Today” Executive Producer Jim Bell said he had solicited suggestions from viewers for this year’s “Where in the World Is Matt Lauer” trip. Instead, many told him that in bad economic times, the extravagant trip sent the wrong message.

“Going from Paris to the Pyramids began to feel potentially out of touch,” Bell said Friday.

The segments have become Lauer’s signature, and one of the most popular features on television’s most popular morning show. For a week, Lauer is in a different location every day, giving clues to see whether his colleagues and viewers can guess in advance where he is going. Each day’s show then focuses on stories happening at the spot being visited.

Hogan, divorce lawyer spar outside Fla. court

Clearwater, Fla. — An attorney for Hulk Hogan’s wife got into a verbal sparring match with the former professional wrestler outside a courtroom and asked whether Hogan was going to wrestle him.

The spat started when lawyer Ray Rafool was answering questions about the divorce case for television cameras. He spoke after a hearing Thursday in which a judge granted the release of $225,000 in frozen assets for Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea.

While Rafool spoke to the media, the towering Hogan tried to interject a comment from behind a row of cameras and reporters.

“Are you gonna to wrestle with me here?” Rafool said loudly. “Are you gonna come across the cameras? Then be quiet.”

“It’s a free world,” Hogan replied.

“No, it’s not a free world,” Rafool said. “It’s called professionalism.”

The attorney, who had recently accepted an autograph from Hogan for his son, then delivered a stinging blow to any World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler: “You’re an actor. You’re acting now.”

“I hope your son enjoys the autograph,” Hogan said. “Thank you Hulkamaniac brother.”

‘Iron Chef’ Cat Cora, partner both pregnant

Los Angeles — Things are about to get crowded in Cat Cora’s kitchen.

The “Iron Chef America” star says on her MySpace page that she and her partner, Jennifer, are each expecting sons.

“(Jennifer) carried my embryo and I carried hers,” Cora told OK Magazine. “It’s like surrogating, but obviously all of our kids are equal.”

The same anonymous sperm donor fathered all four children.

The 41-year-old Food Network chef says she and her 37-year-old partner will deliver their babies about three months apart.