BRANGELINA'S KIDS GO FRENCH  —  GET ready to see a lot more of Maddox Jolie Pitt - and his famous parents - around Manhattan.  The charming little urchin who kick-started the Angelina Jolie adoption addiction started classes this week at the Lycee Francais de New York on the Upper East Side.

Brad Pitt's Decision to Leave Jen  —  In a new interview with V magazine, Brad Pitt claims he maintains a "deep friendship" with his ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, 38, and defends how he ended their four-and-a-half year marriage in January 2005.  Among his bombshells: that he stifled his attraction …

Tenor Luciano Pavarotti dead at 71  —  (CNN) — Famed opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who appeared on stage with singers as varied as opera star Dame Joan Sutherland, U2's Bono and Liza Minnelli, died Thursday after suffering from pancreatic cancer, his manager Terri Robson said in a statement.

Jessica Simpson Takes Over Balcony During Party  —  Jessica Simpson infuriated fashionistas at a W magazine bash in NYC on Wednesday night when she took over an entire balcony and barred guests from the area.  —  The party — which was honoring Simpson's new stylist Britt Bardo …

Cheeky Britney hits the junk food and flashes her bottom one more time  —  Singer Britney Spears may have won one battle - having been cleared of complaints of child neglect - but it appears she is in danger of losing another, the battle of the bulge as the singer flashed her ample bottom …

Jenna Fischer and Her Husband Split  —  Jenna Fischer and her writer/director husband, James Gunn, have separated after more than six years of marriage, the couple tell PEOPLE in an exclusive statement.  —  "We have chosen to separate.  We are sorry for any pain this causes family and friends," says the statement.

Sherri Shepherd Will Join The View Crew  —  ABC is adding the actress as a fifth co-host to the morning show on Sept. 10  —  Ending weeks of speculation, Sherri Shepherd will become a permanent member of ABC's The View on Sept. 10, PEOPLE has confirmed.  —  "It's her!" a source tells PEOPLE …

George Clooney's New Gal Turns Heads in Venice  —  George Clooney's bella nuova has made her public debut as his date at the Venice and Deauville film festivals.  And a source close to the actor says 28-year-old Sarah Larson is getting the thumbs-up from his pals.

Britney Stinks Up the Joint  —  While her new song is getting radio play and she's performing at the VMAs, the true sign that Britney Spears may be making a career turnaround is that she emerged from a public toilet — wearing shoes!  Ding dang!  —  For the first time in what seems like an eternity …

Hudson 'banned' from Wilson  —  Kate Hudson has been left 'distraught' and 'frustrated' after the family of Owen Wilson banned her from visiting her ex-boyfriend following his 'suicide attempt'.  —  Wilson's family, which includes his actor brothers Luke, 35 and Andrew, 43, are also blocking the 28-year-old's get-well wishes.

Shia LaPuff  —  In an effort to expedite the process of becoming more like the characters on his California Raisins t-shirt, former child star Shia LaBeouf puffed away on a cancer stick outside a Toluca Lake, Calif. restaurant yesterday.  What a role model!

Lauren Conrad: I'm Not Walking For Marc Jacobs  —  Lauren Conrad (in French Connection) arrives at LAX airport and sips on her Venti Starbucks drink while waiting for her luggage on Tuesday.  —  The Hills star just denied earlier reports that she would be walking the runway for Marc Jacobs.

Britney Visits El Bano  —  After a busy day of shopping, Britney and cousin Alli headed to Malibu - but not before making a pit stop at a gas station bathroom first!  (Notice the shoes firmly on the feet).  An X17 photog graciously tried to hold the bathroom door open for her (what a gentleman) …

Nicole Richie Attempts to Smile  —  Preggers and almost cracking a smile, Nicole Richie was snapped while holding a different kind of ticket at LAX.  —  The tiny whatever she is looked content, without a stitch of makeup — highlighting her natural ... face.  —  RELATED  —  LINKS

HEATH WHO?  —  TWO days after announcing her split with Heath Ledger, a chic Michelle Williams strutted her stuff at Park Slope watering hole Union Hall.  The stunning mother of 23-month- old daughter Matilda sported super high heels for a night out with the girls...

Charlotte Church tells Gavin Henson to get "he's taken" tattoo  —  Charlotte Church has reportedly told boyfriend Gavin Henson that he should have a tattoo inked on his wrist to ward off other women.  —  According to the People newspaper, Charlotte has asked him to have her name and the phrase …

Nude Photo Of Vanessa Anne Hudgens Surfaces  —  The naked picture scandal Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron started takes a big leap today folks, and this time we have a nude shot for you!  Vanessa is shown in her room wearing absolutely nothing, with fully exposed breasts and a freshly trimmed bush — she looks smokin' hot!

Get Yourself Together Kingston!  —  Gwen Stefani showed off L.A.M.B.'s Spring '08 collection during New York Fashion Week yesterday.  She brought little Kingston out after the show.  He's a hot mess!  At first I was like "headphones on an infant, is that a new thing?" but I realized she was doing it, because of the noise.

Halle Berry: Mom Crossing  —  The gorgeous Halle Berry is out shopping for baby clothes and furniture — and eating for two at The Cheesecake Factory in Brentwood with her mom!  —  Halle, 41, is said to be 3 months along.  The father is her Versace model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, 31 — they met at a photo shoot in 2005.