Bring That Week Back: Week of Aug. 2, 2009

Check out this week's hottest stories here.

Bomb Scare - Bomb and arson detectives had to be called to Harpo Studios in Chicago where Oprah Winfrey tapes her talk show. They were called to check out a suspicious package, a dark backpack with wires hanging out of it, found in a flower bed near the studios. Police blocked off nearby streets while bomb and arson detectives took a look. It didn't turn out to be a bomb, but police wouldn't say what it was.

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Bomb Scare - Bomb and arson detectives had to be called to Harpo Studios in Chicago where Oprah Winfrey tapes her talk show. They were called to check out a suspicious package, a dark backpack with wires hanging out of it, found in a flower bed near the studios. Police blocked off nearby streets while bomb and arson detectives took a look. It didn't turn out to be a bomb, but police wouldn't say what it was.

Threatened - Authorities have charged a Detroit man with sending letters threatening to kill Beyoncé, her husband Jay-Z, and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis. The complaint filed Tuesday against Leon Desmond Barrett claims he sent more than a dozen letters between December 2006 and April of this year to various people. No word what beef he might have had with the entertainers.

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Threatened - Authorities have charged a Detroit man with sending letters threatening to kill Beyoncé, her husband Jay-Z, and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis. The complaint filed Tuesday against Leon Desmond Barrett claims he sent more than a dozen letters between December 2006 and April of this year to various people. No word what beef he might have had with the entertainers.

Brown's Sentence - Meanwhile, Brown will fulfill his sentence of six months of community labor by scrubbing off graffiti, picking up trash, washing cars and cleaning and maintaining grounds in Richmond, Va., near where he lives. Brown will be supervised, but if any additional security is needed to keep fans away, he'll have to pay for it. Brown was also sentenced to five years' probation and a year of domestic violence counseling.

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Sentencing Delayed - Chris Brown will have to wait to receive his sentence. A Los Angeles judge has put it off until Aug. 27, awaiting word on whether authorities in Virginia will let Brown do community labor in his home state. The judge has said she wants Brown to do something like graffiti removal or cleaning roadsides, rather than stuff like making appearances or doing public service announcements. His plea deal calls for him to serve five years of probation and six months of community labor.

Arrested for Rape - A cousin of MC Hammer, who appears on his A&E reality show, has been arrested for investigation of rape. Police are investigating whether Marvin Grant raped a woman he met on Twitter. Police say Grant and the woman developed a romantic relationship through e-mails and phone calls. They say Grant attacked her when she declined his advances.

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Arrested for Rape - A cousin of MC Hammer, who appears on his A&E reality show, has been arrested for investigation of rape. Police are investigating whether Marvin Grant raped a woman he met on Twitter. Police say Grant and the woman developed a romantic relationship through e-mails and phone calls. They say Grant attacked her when she declined his advances.

Flight Slurs - Brazilian singer Dudu Nobre is suing American Airlines, seeking $4 million in damages. He says a flight attendant kept calling him a "monkey" in Portuguese and made "monkey-like" sounds and gestures during a flight last year from New York to his hometown Sao Paulo, Brazil. The suit also claims the fight attendant threatened a fight and stabbed Nobre's producer with a pen. American Airlines officials declined comment on the suit.

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Flight Slurs - Brazilian singer Dudu Nobre is suing American Airlines, seeking $4 million in damages. He says a flight attendant kept calling him a "monkey" in Portuguese and made "monkey-like" sounds and gestures during a flight last year from New York to his hometown Sao Paulo, Brazil. The suit also claims the fight attendant threatened a fight and stabbed Nobre's producer with a pen. American Airlines officials declined comment on the suit.

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Jobless Grad Sues - A New York City woman, who says she can't find a job, is suing the college where she earned a bachelor's degree. Trina Thompson filed a lawsuit last week against Monroe College in Bronx Supreme Court. The 27 year old is seeking the $70,000 she spent on tuition. She says the school hasn't provided her with the leads and career advice it promised.

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Jobless Grad Sues - A New York City woman, who says she can't find a job, is suing the college where she earned a bachelor's degree. Trina Thompson filed a lawsuit last week against Monroe College in Bronx Supreme Court. The 27 year old is seeking the $70,000 she spent on tuition. She says the school hasn't provided her with the leads and career advice it promised.

Pardon Granted - Former President Bill Clinton and two American journalists flew back to the United States on Wednesday for an emotional reunion with family and friends after the reporters spent the last four months detained in North Korea. Euna Lee and Laura Ling were granted a pardon following rare talks between Clinton and the reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il. The journalists had been sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for entering the country illegally.

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Pardon Granted - Former President Bill Clinton and two American journalists flew back to the United States on Wednesday for an emotional reunion with family and friends after the reporters spent the last four months detained in North Korea. Euna Lee and Laura Ling were granted a pardon following rare talks between Clinton and the reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il. The journalists had been sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for entering the country illegally.

Death Threats - Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. said Sunday he has been able to joke about his arrest by a White police officer that led to a national debate on race, but he also received death threats and bomb threats. The threats forced Gates to change his e-mail address and cell phone number. Gates said Harvard University has suggested that he move.

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Death Threats - Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. said Sunday he has been able to joke about his arrest by a White police officer that led to a national debate on race, but he also received death threats and bomb threats. The threats forced Gates to change his e-mail address and cell phone number. Gates said Harvard University has suggested that he move.

Delayed Indefinitely - It's been more than five weeks since Michael Jackson's death and we still don't know what happened. And it could be a lot longer before we get any answers. Officials now say the results of Jackson's autopsy have been delayed indefinitely. They say more investigating needs to be done.

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Delayed Indefinitely - It's been more than five weeks since Michael Jackson's death and we still don't know what happened. And it could be a lot longer before we get any answers. Officials now say the results of Jackson's autopsy have been delayed indefinitely. They say more investigating needs to be done.

Just 'Beat It' - Merchants who are cashing in on Jackson's death by selling T-shirts with his picture on them could see the end of that cash cow. The administrators of Jackson's estate plan to crack down on unauthorized sales of merchandise bearing Jackson's image or name.

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Just 'Beat It' - Merchants who are cashing in on Jackson's death by selling T-shirts with his picture on them could see the end of that cash cow. The administrators of Jackson's estate plan to crack down on unauthorized sales of merchandise bearing Jackson's image or name.

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Permanent Guardian - Meanwhile, a Los Angeles judge has appointed Jackson's mother the permanent guardian of the singer's three children. In a series of rulings Monday, the judge also granted monthly stipends to 79-year-old Katherine Jackson and to the three young grandchildren she is now charged with raising.

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Permanent Guardian - Meanwhile, a Los Angeles judge has appointed Jackson's mother the permanent guardian of the singer's three children. In a series of rulings Monday, the judge also granted monthly stipends to 79-year-old Katherine Jackson and to the three young grandchildren she is now charged with raising.

Bankrupt - Former Louisiana representative William Jefferson, convicted of corruption after federal agents found cash in his freezer, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation. The petition filed last week says Jefferson and his wife, Andrea, owe between $1 million and $10 million to fewer than 50 creditors. The filing also lists their estimated assets as ranging between $1 million and $10 million. In Chapter 7 liquidation, a debtor’s property is sold and proceeds are distributed to creditors.

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Convicted - Remember the former Louisiana congressman who the Feds accused of stashing $90,000 in bribe money in a freezer? William Jefferson will likely be doing some chilling himself — behind bars. He has been convicted in federal court on 11 of 16 counts against him, including racketeering and money laundering. Jefferson could face more than 20 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.

Indicted - Ex-New York Giants star Plaxico Burress was indicted Monday by a grand jury on weapons charges for shooting himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub and faces a minimum prison sentence of 3½ years if convicted. The indictment charged the 31-year-old Burress with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment.

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Indicted - Ex-New York Giants star Plaxico Burress was indicted Monday by a grand jury on weapons charges for shooting himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub and faces a minimum prison sentence of 3½ years if convicted. The indictment charged the 31-year-old Burress with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment.

Vick's Bankruptcy - A judge has approved Michael Vick's bankruptcy plan and now his creditors will vote on it. Even if his creditors give the plan their OK, it's not clear how Vick will pay his bills without a job. Though Vick has been conditionally reinstated by the NFL, no team has signed him. Vick says he's "getting close" to a deal, but hasn’t announced any details.

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Vick's Bankruptcy - A judge has approved Michael Vick's bankruptcy plan and now his creditors will vote on it. Even if his creditors give the plan their OK, it's not clear how Vick will pay his bills without a job. Though Vick has been conditionally reinstated by the NFL, no team has signed him. Vick says he's "getting close" to a deal, but hasn’t announced any details.

Laid to Rest; Arrest Made - Former boxing champ Vernon Forrest's funeral was held Monday in Lithonia, Georgia. Forrest was shot and killed during a robbery at a gas station about a week ago. According to police, on Tuesday, Demario Ware, 20, turned himself in and is being held in the Fulton County jail on charges of murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault.

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Laid to Rest; Arrest Made - Former boxing champ Vernon Forrest's funeral was held Monday in Lithonia, Georgia. Forrest was shot and killed during a robbery at a gas station about a week ago. According to police, on Tuesday, Demario Ware, 20, turned himself in and is being held in the Fulton County jail on charges of murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault.

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Slum Village Co-Founder Dies - Authorities in Detroit say they don't know why rapper Baatin died. The rap star was found dead Saturday at age 35 — but medical officials haven't determined a cause of death. So far, they are ruling out trauma or foul play as causes.

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Slum Village Co-Founder Dies - Authorities in Detroit say they don't know why rapper Baatin died. The rap star was found dead Saturday at age 35 — but medical officials haven't determined a cause of death. So far, they are ruling out trauma or foul play as causes.

Sims Dead at 61 - Naomi Sims, the famed model and designer whose 1968 appearance on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal marked a breakthrough for African-American women in the fashion industry, died Saturday. Sims, who most recently resided in Newark, was 61, and died of cancer, according to the NY Times.

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Sims Dead at 61 - Naomi Sims, the famed model and designer whose 1968 appearance on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal marked a breakthrough for African-American women in the fashion industry, died Saturday. Sims, who most recently resided in Newark, was 61, and died of cancer, according to the NY Times.

Struck by Car - Actor Shemar Moore is recovering after getting hit by a car during a bike ride in L.A. on Saturday, Access Hollywood reports. Following the accident, the 39-year-old Moore was taken to an area hospital where he was treated for a broken leg.

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Struck by Car - Actor Shemar Moore is recovering after getting hit by a car during a bike ride in L.A. on Saturday, Access Hollywood reports. Following the accident, the 39-year-old Moore was taken to an area hospital where he was treated for a broken leg.

Leaving 'Idol' - Looks like Paula Abdul's "journey" on "American Idol" may be over. She writes on Twitter that she won't be back for the show's ninth season. In her tweet she says: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to IDOL." When Kara DioGuardi joined the show as an ‘Idol’ judge last year, it sparked talk that Abdul's days might be numbered.

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Leaving 'Idol' - Looks like Paula Abdul's "journey" on "American Idol" may be over. She writes on Twitter that she won't be back for the show's ninth season. In her tweet she says: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to IDOL." When Kara DioGuardi joined the show as an ‘Idol’ judge last year, it sparked talk that Abdul's days might be numbered.

Guest Judges - Tyra Banks will be relying on a pair of reality stars to help thin the herd on the next cycle of "America's Next Top Model." Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian will appear as guest judges. This season, the show is staging a search for a "petite" model. All 14 contenders stand 5-foot-7 or under.

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Guest Judges - Tyra Banks will be relying on a pair of reality stars to help thin the herd on the next cycle of "America's Next Top Model." Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian will appear as guest judges. This season, the show is staging a search for a "petite" model. All 14 contenders stand 5-foot-7 or under.

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‘Clunkers’ Survives - The Senate could vote late Wednesday or Thursday to add another $2 billion to the "Cash for Clunkers" auto incentive program and keep it running. The money would end a threat that the program would have to be suspended at week's end. Democrats say they have the votes and the Republican leader predicts his party won't block the vote, despite reservations by many GOP senators.

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‘Clunkers’ Survives - The Senate could vote late Wednesday or Thursday to add another $2 billion to the "Cash for Clunkers" auto incentive program and keep it running. The money would end a threat that the program would have to be suspended at week's end. Democrats say they have the votes and the Republican leader predicts his party won't block the vote, despite reservations by many GOP senators.

No Tax Hike - The White House says President Barack Obama remains committed to not raising taxes for the middle class. Spokesman Robert Gibbs restated that assurance in knocking down weekend remarks made by two top administration officials who said they couldn't rule out tax hikes to lower the deficit and fund health care.

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No Tax Hike - The White House says President Barack Obama remains committed to not raising taxes for the middle class. Spokesman Robert Gibbs restated that assurance in knocking down weekend remarks made by two top administration officials who said they couldn't rule out tax hikes to lower the deficit and fund health care.

Reeves Loses - As a singer, Martha Reeves had a bunch of hits as a member of the Motown-era group the Vandellas. But when it comes to politics, she's more like a one-hit wonder. Reeves lost her bid for re-election to the Detroit City Council. She was the only one out of six incumbents who failed to win in a non-partisan primary on Tuesday. Reeves, 68, tells a Detroit TV station she will now concentrate on her music career.

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Reeves Loses - As a singer, Martha Reeves had a bunch of hits as a member of the Motown-era group the Vandellas. But when it comes to politics, she's more like a one-hit wonder. Reeves lost her bid for re-election to the Detroit City Council. She was the only one out of six incumbents who failed to win in a non-partisan primary on Tuesday. Reeves, 68, tells a Detroit TV station she will now concentrate on her music career.

Clyburn Makes History - Congressman James Clyburn's daughter made history this week by becoming the first African-American female commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. Mignon Clyburn will be in charge of executing various communications policies, which include television, radio and Internet media.

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Clyburn Makes History - Congressman James Clyburn's daughter made history this week by becoming the first African-American female commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. Mignon Clyburn will be in charge of executing various communications policies, which include television, radio and Internet media.

NABJ Convention - The nation’s Black journalists are gathering in Tampa, Fla. this week for the National Association of Black Journalist’s (NABJ) annual convention. This year’s annual convention and career fair includes more than 50 workshops; an exhibit hall with journalism recruiters; and demonstrations and training sessions by top digital and multimedia journalism organizations including Google, the Poynter Institute and the Gannett Foundation.

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NABJ Convention - The nation’s Black journalists are gathering in Tampa, Fla. this week for the National Association of Black Journalist’s (NABJ) annual convention. This year’s annual convention and career fair includes more than 50 workshops; an exhibit hall with journalism recruiters; and demonstrations and training sessions by top digital and multimedia journalism organizations including Google, the Poynter Institute and the Gannett Foundation.

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48th Birthday - President Barack Obama turned 48 on Tuesday. The nation's 44th president spent part of his day in a lunch meeting with Senate Democrats to discuss his priorities for overhauling health care. Neither the spokesman for the president nor the spokeswoman for the first lady would disclose Monday how he planned to celebrate the rest of his day.

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48th Birthday - President Barack Obama turned 48 on Tuesday. The nation's 44th president spent part of his day in a lunch meeting with Senate Democrats to discuss his priorities for overhauling health care. Neither the spokesman for the president nor the spokeswoman for the first lady would disclose Monday how he planned to celebrate the rest of his day.

First Lady Serenaded - Meanwhile, Paul McCartney serenaded First Lady Michelle Obama at his Washington-area concert on Saturday night. He dedicated the love song "Michelle" to the First Lady during his concert at FedEx Field. McCartney is a big fan of the Obamas and reportedly said before the election that he hoped he could one day sing a certain song to Mrs. Obama.

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First Lady Serenaded - Meanwhile, Paul McCartney serenaded First Lady Michelle Obama at his Washington-area concert on Saturday night. He dedicated the love song "Michelle" to the First Lady during his concert at FedEx Field. McCartney is a big fan of the Obamas and reportedly said before the election that he hoped he could one day sing a certain song to Mrs. Obama.

Brady Makes a 'Deal' - The old-school game show "Let's Make a Deal" is making a comeback on daytime TV. The new show hits the CBS lineup on Oct. 5, with Wayne Brady as host. The show features audience members given the chance to win cash and prizes by making deals offered by the host.

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Brady Makes a 'Deal' - The old-school game show "Let's Make a Deal" is making a comeback on daytime TV. The new show hits the CBS lineup on Oct. 5, with Wayne Brady as host. The show features audience members given the chance to win cash and prizes by making deals offered by the host.