Very sad news tonight.

Sen. Ted Kennedy died shortly before midnight Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass., at age 77.

The man known as the “liberal lion of the Senate” had fought a more than year-long battle with brain cancer, and according to his son had lived longer with the disease than his doctors expected him to.

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” the Kennedy family said in a statement. “He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it.”

Kennedy championed health care reform, working wages and equal rights in his storied career. In August, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — by President Obama. His daughter, Kara Kennedy, accepted the award on his behalf.

Damn, I’m so sorry to hear this. RIP Senator Kennedy. You will be missed.

Okay, so I know that they’re not technically identical twins, and everyone says they’ve always been able to tell them apart, but I swear up until today they always looked basically the same to me. You usually knew which one MK was because she looked just a tad more smirky than Ashley (but, really, don’t they both always look smirky?), but in this new set of pictures Mary-Kate (on the left) suddenly looks like a totally different person. Almost to the point where I’m wondering if there was some work done … thoughts?

Pics are from a press event they did to promote a line they’re designing for Elizabeth & James.

From the Chicago Sun-Times gossip column:

I’ve learned the real reason Lindsay Lohan is so upset about the theft of the safe from her L.A. house is the contents included some very incriminating videos and photos, plus legal documents, that LiLo believes could cause embarrassment if made public.

OMG incriminating videos and photos? Will she be having sex? Doing drugs? Calling Paris Hilton a cunt?

Hopefully all of the above! But it would be nothing new to us! I’m not sure what Lindsay Lohan thinks can still be released that will be freshly embarrassing.

Oh, and also from that same column …

Hollywood insiders believe Katherine Heigl may be expecting her first child with hubby Josh Kelley.

Uhhh, is that Hollywood insider supposed to be me? Because I called that shit two days ago, thank you very much.

Kate Gosselin was on Larry King tonight looking gorgeous (not exactly well-rested, but calm and beautiful) and basically doing exactly what she’s been doing for months now — looking like the way better parent. However, she doesn’t straight-up come out and diss Jon — she says he’s a good father, but they differ on the actions he’s taking right now. Very nice, Miz Gosselin.

Also — say what you will about Larry King, the man’s a brilliant interviewer.

Chris Brown was finally sentenced today for beating up his ex-girlfriend Rihanna earlier this year, and boy was it a doozy. Well, as far as watered-down celebrity justice goes.

Not only will Brown have to complete 1,400 hours of comunity service, including washing cars and cleaning up graffiti, but he will also have to stay away from Rihanna (despite her request to have the restraining order lifted) for the next five years. No phone calls, no email, and he must stay away from her at all times. However, he did get that typical star treatment, as he only has to stay 10 yards away from her if they are at the same events (who is still inviting Chris Brown to events?) and his community service, which is supposed to be completed in a six-month period, is flexible so that he can maintain his singing career.

Although a five year ban from her harmful ex could be the best thing that’s happened to Rihanna since the night that left her battered and bruised, she does have the option to ask for the restraining order to be modified, making it possible for the two to speak and maintain contact. The courts have advised against it, but it’s not uncommon for victims to sympathize with their attackers, especially when the parties involved are only 20 and 21 years old.

Lady GaGa flew in to Los Angeles International Airport yesterday wearing some crazy John Lennon/Madonna/Audrey Hepburn/Elvira Mistress of the Dark tribute and a set of adorable little leg scabs yesterday. While the cuts may be a result of her wild stage show, they could also be attributed to her raunchy and far more wild sex life. Or maybe the bitch just fell down. I don’t know. Point is: Who the hell gets on an airplane dressed like this? Sweating in pleather next to a business man and someone’s grandma while watching a complimentary in-flight movie sounds like my idea of hell, but then again so does being besties with that hamface Perez Hilton, so I guess we’re coming from different places.