PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Morton Downey Still Talking

Morton Downey Jr. was released from the hospital a week after losing the
rest of his right lung to cancer.

``He's doing great. He'll be back at work Monday,'' publicist Les Schecter
said after Downey left a hospital in L.A.

The 64-year-old talk show host underwent surgery a week ago, and Dr. Robert
McKenna said Downey has an excellent prognosis for a full recovery.

Doctors removed a cancerous tumor from Downey's lung in July 1996.

Downey has blamed the cancer on 50 years of heavy smoking and has made a
series of public-service announcements advising young people to stay away
from cigarettes. His new syndicated program, ``The Morton Downey Jr. Show:
Where Enemies Meet,'' is to begin in June.

A Beauty Queen For The Poor

Green-eyed, 5-foot-8 brunette Shawnae Jebbia, 26, a fitness nut who
promises to use her reign to douse drug use and violence plus champion
housing for the poor, was named the 47th Miss USA on Tuesday night.

The Mansfield, Mass., beauty gets a $40,000 personal-appearance contract, a
red Pontiac convertible, jewelry and other goodies. Says she wants to get a
master's in health promotion and wellness.