NAMES & FACES

Although Richie wasn't spotted at the show, she was seen with Madden in Georgetown earlier that day.

Method Man, Still Paying Toll

Students at 15 New York high schools will soon be warned about the dangers of drugs by Wu-Tang Clan rapper Method Man, as part of a plea deal reached following a marijuana arrest earlier this year.

According to defense attorney Peter Frankel, Method Man -- real name Clifford Smith-- "is thrilled to do it." Frankel added that his client has "never been in trouble before. He's not a stereotypical rapper."

Smith, 36, was arrested in May after tollbooth workers on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel reported smelling marijuana smoke coming from his car. He was charged with drug possession and driving under the influence of drugs after police said they found marijuana inside the vehicle. The drug charges were knocked down to disorderly conduct as part of the plea agreement.

The Gavel Meets the Cape

The next Batman movie, "The Dark Knight," will have another cameo by -- Holy Judiciary Committee! -- Sen. Patrick Leahy.

The Vermont Democrat, a longtime Batman fan, would reveal little about his role except that he plays a "distinguished gentleman" in a scene filmed this summer with Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Michael Caine.

"I don't wear tights," Leahy added.

The senator, who also had small parts in the last two Batman features, will donate his earnings from the film to the Kellogg-Hubbard children's library in Montpelier, where he got his first library card, the Associated Press reports.

"The Dark Knight" is scheduled for release next summer.

-- Compiled by Michael Cotterman from Web and wire reports