Strike threat hangs over La Scala gala opening (AP)

AP - In dramatic costumes dripping with fake blood, La Scala workers took to the stage to vent their frustration after the last three performances of "The Merry Widow" were canceled by a strike.

Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep tunes (AP)
AP - Microsoft Corp. is giving an early holiday gift to people who pay for all-you-can-listen access to the Zune digital music store: 10 songs to keep each month, included in the $14.99 monthly subscription fee.

Pink and Her Pal Rock Out Together (E! Online)

E! Online - Despite what it looks like, Pink is not dating musician Todd Morse.

Lawyer: Michael Jackson to testify in London (AP)

AP - Michael Jackson's lawyer says the pop star has agreed to come to London to respond to a Bahraini sheik's $7 million lawsuit.

Gary Glitter brick on wall of fame removed (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Convicted pedophile Gary Glitter has had his brick removed from the Cavern Club's wall in Liverpool.

Slash releases video supporting gay marriage (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash has released a video in support of gay marriage.

Blink-182 members finally "reconnecting" (Reuters)

Reuters - After a messy split in 2005, the members of Blink-182 are back in communication, raising speculation that a reunion may be in the offing for the pop-punk trio.

Publicist: Paris Hilton and Benji Madden split (AP)

AP - Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up.

50 Cent's new album pushed back to next year (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - The release date of 50 Cent's forthcoming new album, Before I Self Destruct, has been pushed back to 2009--although a final release date is yet to be confirmed.

Lyricist Tim Rice reflects on his career (Reuters)
Reuters - If you've ever found yourself singing "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," "A Whole New World," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" -- or countless other show and pop tunes -- you've sung the words of Tim Rice.