If you’ve tuned out “American Idol” so far this season because there’s no contestant from Hampton Roads, this could be the week to consider checking back in. America’s favorite singing contest – with more than 20 million people watching each week, despite a recent ratings dip – is down to the dramatic final episodes.

LOS ANGELES Determining the winner of "American Idol" is about the only part of the show that's left to chance. That was made clear during recent visits to Stage 36 in Television City, near Hollywood, where each Tuesday and Wednesday on Fox "Idol" creates hopes and dashes dreams.

Les Smith, a familiar face on the local television scene for 22 years on WAVY, returned to the airwaves Friday as anchorman for rival station WTKR’s daily 5:30 p.m. newscast.

A simple twist of fate spun Chris Altice's life in ways he could never imagine. The Manassas man should have boarded the Washington state-based Carl Vinson after naval training school, but a delay sent him to Southern California and a tour of duty aboard another aircraft carrier, the Nimitz.

Raven-Symone, the star of the Disney Channel TV series “That’s So Raven” and the Cheetah Girls films, has postponed her tour. She was to have appeared May 7 at Hampton Coliseum and dozens of other venues.

NORFOLK NAVAL STATION Carrying his acoustic guitar, Marine Cpl. Chad Van Rys looked out over more than 200 people seated Saturday on the flight deck of the Iwo Jima.

By Frazier Moore The Associated Press MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. was assassinated when he was 39. Now, four decades later, the anniversary of his death is marked by a documentary that explores his life and legacy.

The news desks at WVEC are going to be more crowded soon, as the station adds more anchors to two newscasts. Janet Roach, who has been anchoring the daybreak and noon newscasts, will join David Alan as an anchor in the 5:30 p.m. news slot. Vanessa Coria, a weekend anchor, will move to the weekday morning show. She will anchor with LaSalle Blanks and Craig Moeller.