Former 'West Wing' worker runs for Congress

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Democratic congressional hopeful Beth Troutman, 27, has landed solid support from her old colleagues on the "The West Wing." Martin Sheen, who plays the fictional President Josiah Bartlet on the NBC show, is among several cast members who have contributed to Troutman's campaign to oust incumbent U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, a Republican. Troutman worked on "The West Wing" for four years, most recently as manager of the director-executive producer's office. Other "West Wing" members contributing to Troutman's campaign include series creator Aaron Sorkin, executive producer John Wells and his wife, Marilyn, actor Bradley Whitford and actress Allison Janney.

Part of Georgia interstate named for Alan Jackson

NEWNAN, Ga. -- When country music star Alan Jackson was a boy, his father used to drive to work along Interstate 85. Eugene Jackson died four years ago, but the award-winning country singer says his father would be proud to see that same highway now. More than a five-mile stretch of I-85 has been named for Alan Jackson, and runs through his native Coweta County south of Atlanta. "I'm sure he never imagined his son's name would be on a highway," Jackson told a crowd gathered for the sign's unveiling Friday. "Over the years, I've had horses and dogs and even children named after me, but this is definitely the most honorable thing."

Puzzle board tells viewers Vanna White's engaged

NEW YORK -- "Wheel of Fortune" co-host Vanna White used her best-known prop -- the game show's puzzle board -- to announce her engagement to California businessman Michael Kaye. A publicity shot shows White in front of the board with "Vanna's Engaged" spelled out. It was her way of letting fans know about her big news. The couple have not set a date, according to the "Wheel of Fortune" Web site. White, 47, has two children from her marriage to restaurateur George Santo Pietro. She's been turning the letters on "Wheel of Fortune" since 1982.

The Donald interviews for third 'Apprentice'

NEW YORK -- Donald Trump hasn't even chosen his second apprentice, and he's already looking for his third. Trump spent Friday interviewing prospective candidates for the third season of his hit NBC reality show, "The Apprentice," at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles on Friday. Auditions will be held in Miami, Boston, Honolulu, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Jacksonville, Fla., Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco, Memphis, Tenn., Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Seattle. NBC says prospective applicants should be able to "take risks, bounce back after failing, succeed in a cutthroat environment, go against the tide, remain focused, think creatively and be a leader." The second season of "The Apprentice" will premiere in September.

-- From wire reports