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Tony Snow to be CNN commentator

Former White House press secretary Tony Snow has joined CNN as a conservative commentator. Snow's new duties return him to the world of punditry he occupied for 10 years at CNN rival Fox News Channel. Before joining Fox, Snow was a substitute co-host for CNN's Crossfire. Snow, 52, was named White House press secretary in April 2006. Snow was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. In March 2007 he had a growth removed from his abdominal area. He announced his resignation as press secretary last August.

PATRICIA NEAL TO BE HONORED

Actress and Kentucky native Patricia Neal was scheduled to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nashville Film Festival Tuesday night. Neal, who was born in Packard, Ky., and grew up in Knoxville, has appeared on Broadway and is known for her roles in such movies as Hud (for which she won an Oscar) and A Face in the Crowd. She is also known for her recovery from severe strokes in the 1960s. She will appear with fellow Kentucky native Billy Ray Cyrus in the upcoming movie Flying By.

MILEY CYRUS PLANS TO TELL HER STORY

Disney Channel Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus has signed a book deal to tell the story of her young life, with a spring release date, it was announced Tuesday. "I am so excited to let fans in on how important my relationship with my family is to me," the singer-actress said in a statement. Cyrus, 15, is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus.

SINGER, DESIGNER APPARENTLY BREAK UP

Singer Kanye West and his fiancee have reportedly broken off their engagement. West and fashion designer Alexis Phifer have called it quits, according to a report posted Monday on People.com. West, 30, and Phifer have been dating on and off since 2002. According to the report, Phifer was spotted Thursday night in New York on the red carpet without her engagement ring at an event where her clothing line was featured. Phone calls and e-mails seeking comment from both camps were not immediately returned Tuesday.