WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama urged the nation's food companies to speed up efforts to make healthier foods and cut marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

The first lady, at a meeting of the Grocery Manufacturers Association yesterday, asked the companies, to "step it up" and put less fat, salt and sugar in foods.

"We need you not to just tweak around the edges, but entirely rethink the products you are offering, the information that you provide about these products and how you market those products to our children," she said.

The first lady has talked to schools and nutrition groups in her effort to help reduce childhood obesity. This is the first time she has addressed the food companies that make the snacks and junk food that stuff grocery aisles and school vending machines.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association invited her to speak at the forum, and attendees gave her a standing ovation.

SIMPSON EXAMINES THE 'PRICE OF BEAUTY'

NEW YORK — Singer-actress Jessica Simpson is examining people's obsession with looking good.

Photos last year suggested Simpson might have gained a few pounds. That sparked a media debate about her weight.

Simpson, 29, has decided to turn the tables. The result is a show called, "Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty." The show premiered Monday and will air weekly on VH1. Simpson travels the globe with two friends to examine people's efforts to measure up to their society's standard of beauty.

SONY PAYS FOR MICHAEL JACKSON'S SINGING

LOS ANGELES — Sony Music Entertainment has guaranteed Michael Jackson's estate $200 million for 10 projects over the next seven years.

One of them, a movie and album called "This Is It," was already completed.

Before he died last June at age 50, Jackson left dozens of unreleased recordings. Those include studio sessions from some of his best albums and recently recorded songs made with the likes of Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am.

BRISTOL PALIN WINS SUPPORT FOR SON

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The teen father of Sarah Palin's grandson has been ordered to make interim child support payments of $1,750 per month to Palin's daughter. That's 20 percent of 19-year-old Levi Johnston's adjusted annual income, as set out in Alaska statute.

Bristol Palin, 19, is the oldest daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2008. Tripp, the son of Bristol Palin and Johnston, was born in December 2008.

Johnston's payments are based on estimated income of $105,000 and are retroactive to May 2009.

— Advertiser News Services