One-Way by Coach: First Lady Barbara Bush...

One-Way by Coach: First Lady Barbara Bush flew from Washington to Indianapolis Thursday on a commercial flight--in the coach section--to prove that the skies are safe despite the threat of war-related terrorism. “I’m not afraid to fly. I’m not going to be held hostage,” Bush said before boarding a USAir flight with her Secret Service escort. However, Bush planned to return to Washington on a military flight.

McWeddings to Go: While bewildered breakfast customers looked on, 23 couples gathered at a McDonald’s restaurant in West Carrollton, Ohio, Thursday to exchange wedding vows. The mass Valentine’s Day ceremony began with an invitation for one couple. But Brian Brengman and Tammy Purslay both of Union City, Ohio, opted for the takeout approach. Miamisburg Mayor Don Lucas read their vows over the drive-through loudspeaker, finishing up with: “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Brengman. Please drive through.”

Money Troubles: George McGovern, the former Democratic presidential candidate, is closing his financially troubled inn in Stratford, Conn. The hotel’s 35 guests will have to get out by today while McGovern seeks new investors. McGovern bought the inn’s lease for $1 million in 1988 and sank another $1 million into improvements.

Free Speech: Former President Ronald Reagan’s speech at Brigham Young University today won’t cost the school a cent, but the second stop on his itinerary is not free. The Salt Lake Tribune quoted sources as saying the ex-President will be paid at least $25,000 to address the international conference of Nu-Skin, a Provo, Utah-based nutrition, hair and skin care company. Officials in Utah and California declined to reveal the tab for Reagan’s Nu-Skin appearance.