How about some of today's TV news in 300 words?

USA USA USA
The USA network continues its cable dominance with the renewal of 3 hit shows: White Collar, Psych, and Royal Pains. Add the 3 returning shows to the already renewed: In Plain Sight, Covert Affairs, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Burn Notice, and you've got yourself a real rival network on your hands. At this point, USA crushes in the summertime ratings. Bringing these 7 shows back means USA is looking forward to a hot summer 2011.  But if they are able to work their mojo in the fall, basic network channels need to look out. The network could soon be a major contender. USA has their tone, style, and whatever they're putting in the water over there on lock. They have successfully mastered their brand to the point that almost every effort is a hit. [THR]

Chuck Lands Rob Riggle
Chuck's 4th season has brought with it a ton of casting news. The show cast Linda Hamilton as Chuck's mom, and a whole slew of actresses (Olivia Munn, Summer Glau, Stacy Keibler) to play Greta, the revolving undercover agent. Now we have news that funnyman Rob Riggle (The Daily Show) is set to guest star. Riggle will play Jim Rye, a slightly off CIA agent who is brought in to help Chuck with his spy skills. Too bad Riggle is not one of the Gretas; that would be epic! [Ausiello]

David Simon = Genius
Finally, credit where credit is due. The man behind some of the best TV of the past two decades (Homicide, The Wire, and Treme) has received the 2010 MacArther "genius" award. As a winner, Simon was awarded a $500,000 grant, and the freedom to spend it as he chooses. Simon's TV shows don't get the Emmy awards or the viewers needed to carry long lasting programs. This award, however, proves that there is merit to the work Simon and his crews are doing. Hopefully this award will allow them even more freedom to tell the stories they want to tell. Now I can't wait for some more Treme. [Reuters]

(Image courtesy of USA)