Bring That Week Back: Week of June 28, 2009

Michael's accuser admits he lied; A couple is charged with killing a toddler; Plus more.

Public Viewing - Michael Jackson's fans will get a chance to pay their final respects to the fallen pop icon at a public viewing at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7.  Private memorial services for the singer will be held on Sunday.

1 / 24

Public Viewing - Michael Jackson's fans will get a chance to pay their final respects to the fallen pop icon at a public viewing at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7. Private memorial services for the singer will be held on Sunday.

No Funeral Plans - No funeral plans have been announced for Jackson, although his father, Joe Jackson, said Monday the famed singer would not be buried at the Neverland estate. He also indicated the family would wait until they get the results of a second autopsy before holding a funeral.

2 / 24

No Funeral Plans - No funeral plans have been announced for Jackson, although his father, Joe Jackson, said Monday the famed singer would not be buried at the Neverland estate. He also indicated the family would wait until they get the results of a second autopsy before holding a funeral.

A Sister’s Love - A grief-stricken Janet Jackson appeared at the 2009 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.  Janet told fans, "My entire family wanted to be here tonight but it was too painful...To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for your love and support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.”

3 / 24

A Sister’s Love - A grief-stricken Janet Jackson appeared at the 2009 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Janet told fans, "My entire family wanted to be here tonight but it was too painful...To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for your love and support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.”

Custody Case - Meanwhile, M.J.’s 79-year-old mother, Katherine, was given temporary control of her son's estate Monday and also granted temporary custody of her son's three children. Michael named long-time friend Diana Ross as alternate guardian of his kids should his mother be unable to raise them.

4 / 24

Custody Case - Meanwhile, M.J.’s 79-year-old mother, Katherine, was given temporary control of her son's estate Monday and also granted temporary custody of her son's three children. Michael named long-time friend Diana Ross as alternate guardian of his kids should his mother be unable to raise them.

Official Cause of Death - More than two months after the death of Michael Jackson, the coroner has finally come out with the cause of death. The coroner says the main culprit is the strong anesthetic propofol. But other sedatives, especially lorazepam, also played a part in his death. Jackson's personal doctor says he gave Jackson propofol the morning of his death after a series of sedatives couldn't help him sleep.

5 / 24

Concert Refund Plan - The concert promoter handling Michael Jackson's "This Is It" tour, says ticket holders for the canceled shows in London can obtain refunds by going to www.MichaelJacksonLive.com. The company also announced that ticket holders also have the option of being "sent the actual tickets they would have received to attend the shows in lieu of the full refunds which are being offered." This offer stands through Aug. 14, the company said.

ADVERTISEMENT
Suicidal Fans - Amid reports that distraught M.J. fans have become suicidal in the aftermath of his sudden demise, the Rev. Jesse Jackson urged fans to "keep hope alive."  Jackson told fans not to "self destruct." According to the U.K.'s Sky News and Gary Taylor, president and owner of the fansite MJJ Community, at least 12 fans have committed or attempted suicide in the wake of the King of Pop's passing.

6 / 24

Suicidal Fans - Amid reports that distraught M.J. fans have become suicidal in the aftermath of his sudden demise, the Rev. Jesse Jackson urged fans to "keep hope alive." Jackson told fans not to "self destruct." According to the U.K.'s Sky News and Gary Taylor, president and owner of the fansite MJJ Community, at least 12 fans have committed or attempted suicide in the wake of the King of Pop's passing.

Murder and Cover Up? - A babysitter and her boyfriend were charged Friday with killing 2-year-old Jada Justice and trying desperately to cover it up. Jada’s body was found encased in concrete, and dumped in a swampy area in LaPorte County in northwest Indiana.  Engelica Castillo, Jada's 18-year-old cousin, and 24-year-old Tim Tkachik, were charged with murder, neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing. Each faces a sentence of 45 to 65 years if convicted of the killing.

7 / 24

Murder and Cover Up? - A babysitter and her boyfriend were charged Friday with killing 2-year-old Jada Justice and trying desperately to cover it up. Jada’s body was found encased in concrete, and dumped in a swampy area in LaPorte County in northwest Indiana. Engelica Castillo, Jada's 18-year-old cousin, and 24-year-old Tim Tkachik, were charged with murder, neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing. Each faces a sentence of 45 to 65 years if convicted of the killing.

New Trial - The Supreme Court says condemned inmate Troy Davis should get another chance to prove his innocence before the state of Georgia executes him.  The high court on Monday ordered a federal judge in Georgia to determine whether there is evidence that proves Davis did not kill a police officer in 1991.  Supporters have argued for a new trial after several witnesses took back their testimonies.

8 / 24

Decision Delayed - Troy Anthony Davis, the Georgia death row inmate, who has escaped execution on three previous occasions, must wait until September to learn whether the U.S. Supreme Court will make a decision that could spare his life for good. The high court was scheduled to announce Monday whether it would hear Davis’ case, which has gained international support.

30 Days in Jail - Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith, whose auto accident two years ago led to the death of his very close friend, will spend one month in jail. The 23-year-old athlete began his sentence Tuesday night after reporting to the Monmouth County (N.J.) Jail, immediately after pleading guilty to reckless driving. The sentence reflects a plea deal he struck with a municipal prosecutor in Millstone Township, where the fatal crash occurred on June 9, 2007.

9 / 24

30 Days in Jail - Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith, whose auto accident two years ago led to the death of his very close friend, will spend one month in jail. The 23-year-old athlete began his sentence Tuesday night after reporting to the Monmouth County (N.J.) Jail, immediately after pleading guilty to reckless driving. The sentence reflects a plea deal he struck with a municipal prosecutor in Millstone Township, where the fatal crash occurred on June 9, 2007.

Pot Found in His Blood - Cleveland Browns wideout Donte Stallworth, now serving 30 days in jail for striking a man with his car and killing him in March, had marijuana in his system at the time of the accident, the athlete’s attorney acknowledged Tuesday.  Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and is serving a 30-day sentence, with two years of house arrest to be served after that. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Stallworth indefinitely.

10 / 24

Pot Found in His Blood - Cleveland Browns wideout Donte Stallworth, now serving 30 days in jail for striking a man with his car and killing him in March, had marijuana in his system at the time of the accident, the athlete’s attorney acknowledged Tuesday. Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and is serving a 30-day sentence, with two years of house arrest to be served after that. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Stallworth indefinitely.

ADVERTISEMENT
Found Alive - A massive rescue effort was under way Tuesday after a 14-year-old girl was found alive among the wreckage of a downed Yemeni jet off the coast of Comoros in the Indian Ocean. Bahia Bakari, who can't swim and did not have a lifejacket, survived shark-infested waters for 13 hours, has been reunited with her dad.  She sustained just a fractured collarbone and cuts and bruises to her face.  Bad weather is blamed for the crash.

11 / 24

Found Alive - A massive rescue effort was under way Tuesday after a 14-year-old girl was found alive among the wreckage of a downed Yemeni jet off the coast of Comoros in the Indian Ocean. Bahia Bakari, who can't swim and did not have a lifejacket, survived shark-infested waters for 13 hours, has been reunited with her dad. She sustained just a fractured collarbone and cuts and bruises to her face. Bad weather is blamed for the crash.

Texting Trouble - University of Texas sack leader, Sergio Kindle, was treated for a concussion last week after slamming his vehicle into an apartment building while sending or receiving a text message, according to his attorney. The Longhorn linebacker apparently lost control of his car on June 24 while fidgeting with his texting device. The careless act caused nearly $9,000 in damage, but no one inside the building was hurt.

12 / 24

Texting Trouble - University of Texas sack leader, Sergio Kindle, was treated for a concussion last week after slamming his vehicle into an apartment building while sending or receiving a text message, according to his attorney. The Longhorn linebacker apparently lost control of his car on June 24 while fidgeting with his texting device. The careless act caused nearly $9,000 in damage, but no one inside the building was hurt.

Money Mismanagement? - Eddy Curry filed a lawsuit against his former agent and business manager Wednesday—two days after the NBA player's multi-million-dollar Burr Ridge home was placed in foreclosure.  The suit alleges that Lamont Carter, who handled all of Curry's financial and business affairs from May 2005 to December 2008, failed to disclose information about Curry's finances when asked by his client.

13 / 24

Money Mismanagement? - Eddy Curry filed a lawsuit against his former agent and business manager Wednesday—two days after the NBA player's multi-million-dollar Burr Ridge home was placed in foreclosure. The suit alleges that Lamont Carter, who handled all of Curry's financial and business affairs from May 2005 to December 2008, failed to disclose information about Curry's finances when asked by his client.

White Firefighters Win - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that White firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge.  The ruling could alter employment practices nationwide and make it harder to prove discrimination when there is no evidence it was intentional.

14 / 24

White Firefighters Win - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that White firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge. The ruling could alter employment practices nationwide and make it harder to prove discrimination when there is no evidence it was intentional.

Going to Trial? - Lawyers for U.S. mortgage lender Wells Fargo & Co urged a federal judge on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit by the City of Baltimore claiming the bank preyed on the city's Black community with subprime loans that led to a flood of foreclosures.  The suit, filed in January 2008, also claims that the mortgage lender damaged the city's economy by reducing tax revenue and adding to police, fire and housing costs.  The judge in the case is expected to rule in coming days on whether to hold a trial.

15 / 24

Going to Trial? - Lawyers for U.S. mortgage lender Wells Fargo & Co urged a federal judge on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit by the City of Baltimore claiming the bank preyed on the city's Black community with subprime loans that led to a flood of foreclosures. The suit, filed in January 2008, also claims that the mortgage lender damaged the city's economy by reducing tax revenue and adding to police, fire and housing costs. The judge in the case is expected to rule in coming days on whether to hold a trial.

ADVERTISEMENT
Just for Black Males - Kentucky State University is trying to find funding to open a boarding school just for Black males.  Mary Sias, the school's president, says the proposal is part of an initiative to increase the number of Black men who earn college diplomas. She says high school students would live in campus dorms, have their own teachers and an on-site principal at the historically Black college in Frankfort.

16 / 24

Just for Black Males - Kentucky State University is trying to find funding to open a boarding school just for Black males. Mary Sias, the school's president, says the proposal is part of an initiative to increase the number of Black men who earn college diplomas. She says high school students would live in campus dorms, have their own teachers and an on-site principal at the historically Black college in Frankfort.

Prestigious Award - Stephen Allsop, a biology junior at North Carolina Central University, has been awarded the 2009-2010 Barry Goldwater Scholarship for mathematical and scientific excellence.  The scholarship, which was instituted in 1986 by the U.S. Congress in honor of former Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board up to $7,500 per year. Allsop was chosen out of 1,100 other students in the field of mathematics, science and engineering.

17 / 24

Prestigious Award - Stephen Allsop, a biology junior at North Carolina Central University, has been awarded the 2009-2010 Barry Goldwater Scholarship for mathematical and scientific excellence. The scholarship, which was instituted in 1986 by the U.S. Congress in honor of former Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board up to $7,500 per year. Allsop was chosen out of 1,100 other students in the field of mathematics, science and engineering.

Church Choice - The White House is denying reports that the Obama family has decided to make the Camp David presidential retreat his church home.  A White House spokesman said, "They will choose a church at the time that is best for their family."  However, Time magazine reports that the Obama family opted for Camp David's Evergreen Chapel, a nondenominational church, so that he could worship more privately.

18 / 24

Church Choice - The White House is denying reports that the Obama family has decided to make the Camp David presidential retreat his church home. A White House spokesman said, "They will choose a church at the time that is best for their family." However, Time magazine reports that the Obama family opted for Camp David's Evergreen Chapel, a nondenominational church, so that he could worship more privately.

Gay Pride - President Obama honored Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month with a White House reception Monday where he likened the struggle for gay rights with the struggle of African Americans for civil rights.  Obama told a cheering crowd in the East Room that his administration would work to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military.

19 / 24

Gay Pride - President Obama honored Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month with a White House reception Monday where he likened the struggle for gay rights with the struggle of African Americans for civil rights. Obama told a cheering crowd in the East Room that his administration would work to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military.

Set to Re-Launch - In June, it closed its doors, marking the end of an era. Now, less than two months later, Vibe is set to re-launch in November or December and continue its nearly 16-year run as a source for not only hip hop, but R&B lifestyle and culture.  InterMedia Partners announced this week the purchase of the assets of Vibe and its online property, Vibe.com—which will re-launch immediately.

20 / 24

'Vibe' Folds - Vibe magazine, the urban glossy founded in 1992 by legendary producer Quincy Jones, announced on Tuesday (June 30) that the publication is folding and will no longer produce print issues or publish its Web site, Vibe.com. Like most magazines, Vibe has struggled in recent years to transition into the digital realm, as readers flock to the Internet for information.

ADVERTISEMENT
Google Service for Africa - Google on Monday unveiled a new service designed to provide information via SMS text message to mobile phone users in Africa, where cell phones are prevalent but Internet penetration is low.  Google said the service would provide a number of topics including health and agriculture tips, news, local weather and sports.  The SMS-based application would also help bring together buyers and sellers of products or services, from used cars to livestock to jobs.

21 / 24

Google Service for Africa - Google on Monday unveiled a new service designed to provide information via SMS text message to mobile phone users in Africa, where cell phones are prevalent but Internet penetration is low. Google said the service would provide a number of topics including health and agriculture tips, news, local weather and sports. The SMS-based application would also help bring together buyers and sellers of products or services, from used cars to livestock to jobs.

Tiny & Toya - BET’s newest reality docu-drama premiered Tuesday, June 30 and follows the lives of Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonio “Toya” Carter. The two friends met through the famous men in their lives, Tiny’s husband T.I. and Toya’s ex-husband Lil’ Wayne. The two lean on one another through their difficult times and struggles with celebrity life.

22 / 24

Tiny & Toya - BET’s newest reality docu-drama premiered Tuesday, June 30 and follows the lives of Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonio “Toya” Carter. The two friends met through the famous men in their lives, Tiny’s husband T.I. and Toya’s ex-husband Lil’ Wayne. The two lean on one another through their difficult times and struggles with celebrity life.

Looking for Love - VH1 is giving two female hip-hop artists their own reality series – Sandra "Pepa" Denton of Salt-N-Pepa and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas from TLC.  The as-yet-untitled series is scheduled to premiere in 2010. The "Pepa" series follows Denton as she begins her search for love after living a celibate life for years.  "Chilli" is also searching for romance and has enlisted the help of Brooklyn relationships expert Tionna Smalls.

23 / 24

Looking for Love - VH1 is giving two female hip-hop artists their own reality series – Sandra "Pepa" Denton of Salt-N-Pepa and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas from TLC. The as-yet-untitled series is scheduled to premiere in 2010. The "Pepa" series follows Denton as she begins her search for love after living a celibate life for years. "Chilli" is also searching for romance and has enlisted the help of Brooklyn relationships expert Tionna Smalls.

Tameka Was Surprised - Usher's soon-to-be ex-wife says she was surprised when the singer filed for divorce earlier this month and claims the two were intimate less than a week before he moved to end the marriage, according to court documents filed Monday. Tameka Raymond said she thought her marriage was "intact."

24 / 24

Tameka Was Surprised - Usher's soon-to-be ex-wife says she was surprised when the singer filed for divorce earlier this month and claims the two were intimate less than a week before he moved to end the marriage, according to court documents filed Monday. Tameka Raymond said she thought her marriage was "intact."