News Brief

Jamaica Gleaner: "As the World Turns" Van Hansis breaks new ground on daytime television. The writers and producers of ATWT took a very big and brave step when they decided to bring on a male love interest for young Luke. While in the real world this is an everyday occurrence, in the soap-opera world, this definitely was a first.

Jamaica Gleaner: Like most soaps, "As the World Turns" has been in need of some diversity lately. Viewers have complained about Jessica Griffin's (Tamara Tunie) absence for a while now, along with Jessica's on-again, off-again husband, Ben (Peter Parros). Tunie had been with the soap for almost 20 years, refusing to give up her role even though she had landed many prime-time roles. Then her airtime on ATWT got smaller and smaller, and she jumped ship. She continues to play Dr. Melinda Warner on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Unfortunately, Jessica isn't returning anytime soon, but her daughter, Bonnie McKechnie, is. ATWT has cast Chauntee Schuler, and she first airs November 5.

New York Oberser: Soap opera actress-cum-nightclub singer Eileen Fulton, 74, just sold an apartment on Central Park West for $4.15 Million, and bought another at 418 West 59th Street for $2.39 million. Last Thursday, The Observer's Max Abelson visited Ms. Fulton and her three dogs, her interior designer, and her horde of construction workers at the new far East Side condo. (On Sunday, The Times reported on the sale: Read that here.) The video was produced by Alex Kalman. Watch as Ms. Fulton shows off her new apartment, especially the magic tub!

Newsday: Off the Wall: Wacky TV offerings in Halloween week. The Devil made her do it on "Days of Our Lives," and now we can relive "Marlena's Possession" (tomorrow 9 p.m.-midnight ET, SOAPnet) with three key hours from the daytimer's famed 1995 supernatural arc.

People: B&B's Hunter Tylo's Son Remembered by Friends and Family.

Inside Pulse: Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane seems to be made up entirely of other movies. "One Life to Live's" David Chisum seems to have added a degree of separation between himself and his character by playing his role by means of a Nathan Fillion impersonation.

LA Canyon News: Tommy Garrett writes, "My hopes and dreams are with Cameron Mathison. The once disabled child is now in great shape and lets nothing get in his way of success. The father and husband, who also stars on ABC's "All My Children," has continued to bring such range and discipline to his acting ability, and has become one of the show's best performers."

SON: Last week's daytime Nielsen ratings are in and DAYS and B&B gained in total views. "General Hospital" reached a new all-time low in viewers.