BRING THAT WEEK BACK: WEEK OF AUG. 9

Fantasia is rushed to the hospital and a missing grad student is found dead. Get the rest of the top news from this week.

50 Cent Becomes A Bone Marrow Donor - 50 Cent and his G-unit bandmate Tony Yayo have registered to become bone marrow donors in the name of the Shannon Tavarez cause. Eleven-year-old Tavarez, who once starred as Nala in Broadway’s “Lion King,” has suffered from leukemia and waits desperately for a bone marrow transplant. 50 and Yayo follow singers Alicia Keys and Rihanna, who have already become donors to help others battling leukemia.

1 / 30

50 Cent Becomes A Bone Marrow Donor - 50 Cent and his G-unit bandmate Tony Yayo have registered to become bone marrow donors in the name of the Shannon Tavarez cause. Eleven-year-old Tavarez, who once starred as Nala in Broadway’s “Lion King,” has suffered from leukemia and waits desperately for a bone marrow transplant. 50 and Yayo follow singers Alicia Keys and Rihanna, who have already become donors to help others battling leukemia.

Atlanta Section 8 Line Leads to Fights - In a line that began to file two days prior to the release of Section 8 federal housing assistance vouchers, thousands assembled. Under the heat and probable physical exhaustion, fights eventually broke out in frustration. Officials say that the problems began once the attendants began to change the location of where the applications were being handed out. EMTs and firefighters were on site and no injuries were reported.

2 / 30

Atlanta Section 8 Line Leads to Fights - In a line that began to file two days prior to the release of Section 8 federal housing assistance vouchers, thousands assembled. Under the heat and probable physical exhaustion, fights eventually broke out in frustration. Officials say that the problems began once the attendants began to change the location of where the applications were being handed out. EMTs and firefighters were on site and no injuries were reported.

Eight-Year-Old Gunned Down In Chicago - 8-year-old Tanaja Stokes died after being a shot in the head by two gunmen on bicycles. At the time of the attack, Stokes was jump-roping with a 7-year-old cousin, who was also shot in the head but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Police have not made any charges or identified any suspects as of Wednesday.

3 / 30

Eight-Year-Old Gunned Down In Chicago - 8-year-old Tanaja Stokes died after being a shot in the head by two gunmen on bicycles. At the time of the attack, Stokes was jump-roping with a 7-year-old cousin, who was also shot in the head but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Police have not made any charges or identified any suspects as of Wednesday.

David Wolper, Producer 1/11/28-8/10/10 - Television and film producer, David Wolper, died of congestive heart disease and complications from Parkinson’s disease in his Beverly Hills home. With the production of films that include “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Roots,” Wolper earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The famed producer died peacefully, at age 82, while watching television with his wife Gloria.

4 / 30

'Roots' Producer Dead At 82 - Television and film producer, David Wolper died of congestive heart disease and complications of Parkinson’s disease in his Beverly Hills home. With the production of films that include “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Roots,” Wolper earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The famed producer died peacefully, at age 82, while watching television with his wife Gloria.

Desirée Rogers Named CEO Of Johnson Publishing - Desirée Rogers, the former Obama White House Social Secretary ousted after the state dinner party-crashing incident, has been appointed chief executive of the Johnson Publishing Company, home to Jet and Ebony magazines. Rogers was the first African American to hold her position at the White House, and she will now assume a prime position at the world’s largest black-owned publishing company. In a statement, Rogers said “I am humbled to have such an incredible opportunity.”

5 / 30

Desirée Rogers Named CEO Of Johnson Publishing - Desirée Rogers, the former Obama White House Social Secretary ousted after the state dinner party-crashing incident, has been appointed chief executive of the Johnson Publishing Company, home to Jet and Ebony magazines. Rogers was the first African American to hold her position at the White House, and she will now assume a prime position at the world’s largest black-owned publishing company. In a statement, Rogers said “I am humbled to have such an incredible opportunity.”

ADVERTISEMENT
FBI Enters Detroit Shooting Investigation - The case of 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones, killed in her own home on May 16 by a police officer looking for a homicide suspect, has gone under investigation by the FBI. House Democrat Rep. John Conyers called for the Bureau to further review the incident, as he felt the evidence didn’t add up. According to the Detroit police officer, a woman grabbed his gun, causing it to fire.

6 / 30

FBI Enters Detroit Shooting Investigation - The case of 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones, killed in her own home on May 16 by a police officer looking for a homicide suspect, has gone under investigation by the FBI. House Democrat Rep. John Conyers called for the Bureau to further review the incident, as he felt the evidence didn’t add up. According to the Detroit police officer, a woman grabbed his gun, causing it to fire.

Dr. Laura Apologizes For N-Word - The N-word seems to be the newest rage. Radio host Dr. Laura has apologized for using the N-word on her radio station, claiming that she used it to make a point that was obviously lost in translation. TV and film producer Mark Gordon used the word “nigger” six weeks back in a read-through of an “Army Wives” spinoff. Gordon, at the time, was in front of the cast and crew, which included two African-American actresses. Gordon, who “felt terrible,” issued an apology to those that he offended.

7 / 30

Dr. Laura Apologizes For N-Word - The N-word seems to be the newest rage. Radio host Dr. Laura has apologized for using the N-word on her radio station, claiming that she used it to make a point that was obviously lost in translation. TV and film producer Mark Gordon used the word “nigger” six weeks back in a read-through of an “Army Wives” spinoff. Gordon, at the time, was in front of the cast and crew, which included two African-American actresses. Gordon, who “felt terrible,” issued an apology to those that he offended.

Fantasia Hospitalized - Overdosing on “aspirin and a sleep aid,” singer Fantasia Barrino was rushed to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. On that same day, Barrino responded to a court complaint filed by a woman who claims the singer engaged in an affair with her now-ex-husband, Antwaun Cook. To this issue, Barrino is “heartbroken and is sorry for any pain she may have caused,” says her manager.

8 / 30

Fantasia Hospitalized - Overdosing on “aspirin and a sleep aid,” singer Fantasia Barrino was rushed to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. On that same day, Barrino responded to a court complaint filed by a woman who claims the singer engaged in an affair with her now-ex-husband, Antwaun Cook. To this issue, Barrino is “heartbroken and is sorry for any pain she may have caused,” says her manager.

MTV Crowns First Twitter VJ - Twenty-three year old blogger Gabi Gregg was selected as MTV’s first-ever TJ - - or Twitter jockey. The author of the “Young, Fat and Fabulous” blog won a competition Sunday night and she will be based in Manhattan. Gregg’s first assignment is to cover the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12.

9 / 30

MTV Crowns First Twitter VJ - Twenty-three year old blogger Gabi Gregg was selected as MTV’s first-ever TJ - - or Twitter jockey. The author of the “Young, Fat and Fabulous” blog won a competition Sunday night and she will be based in Manhattan. Gregg’s first assignment is to cover the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12.

Gucci Mane Walks Out Of Interview - On the set of Virginia’s Power 92.1, Gucci walked out of the studio 20 seconds before going on the air. A Plus, the DJ interviewing at the time of the incident, believes it was a response to a question about Waka Flocka. DJ A Plus was left to explain the incident to anxious listeners, even so, there has already been speculation of tension between the two friends after Gucci dropped Flocka’s mom as his manager.

10 / 30

Gucci Mane Walks Out Of Interview - On the set of Virginia’s Power 92.1, Gucci walked out of the studio 20 seconds before going on the air. A Plus, the DJ interviewing at the time of the incident, believes it was a response to a question about Waka Flocka. DJ A Plus was left to explain the incident to anxious listeners, even so, there has already been speculation of tension between the two friends after Gucci dropped Flocka’s mom as his manager.

ADVERTISEMENT
Isiah Thomas Not Returning To Knicks - Isiah Thomas won’t be returning to the New York Knicks after all. Thomas and the Knicks rescinded their deal after talking to NBA commissioner David Stern. "After speaking with Commissioner Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws," Thomas, the former Knicks’ coach and president, said in a statement. "Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team."

11 / 30

Isiah Thomas Not Returning To Knicks - Isiah Thomas won’t be returning to the New York Knicks after all. Thomas and the Knicks rescinded their deal after talking to NBA commissioner David Stern. "After speaking with Commissioner Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws," Thomas, the former Knicks’ coach and president, said in a statement. "Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team."

Jay-Z Memoir Coming In November - Rapper and businessman Jay-Z has announced that his autobiography is set to be released on November 16, 2010. The rap mogul partnered up with former Source magazine editor Dream Hampton to create the 336-page book that will be part memoir and part dialogue of his lyrics. Jay-Z broke it down for Rolling Stone magazine: “It’s not anything I haven’t said in the past, in songs. It’s just more detailed. A song is three minutes long."

12 / 30

Jay-Z Memoir Coming In November - Rapper and businessman Jay-Z has announced that his autobiography is set to be released on November 16, 2010. The rap mogul partnered up with former Source magazine editor Dream Hampton to create the 336-page book that will be part memoir and part dialogue of his lyrics. Jay-Z broke it down for Rolling Stone magazine: “It’s not anything I haven’t said in the past, in songs. It’s just more detailed. A song is three minutes long."

Jennifer Nicole Freeman: October 20 - Actress Jennifer Nicole Freeman celebrates her 25th birthday.

13 / 30

Jennifer Freeman Accused Of Attacking Husband - Jennifer Freeman was accused of violently attacking her husband, NBA player Earl Watson. Watson filed for divorce papers last week and reported that his soon-to-be ex-wife bit him until he bled, struck him several times, and attempted to hit him with an iron. According to legal papers filed in California, the abuse began in the fall of 2009, when Freeman received a suspicious late night text, which Watson tried to check. Freeman was furious and reportedly bit Watson through the skin.

Lil' Kim is New Face Of Three Olives Vodka - Three Olives Vodka has released its Purple alcohol and asked rapper Lil Kim to be the first celebrity to endorse it. There hasn’t been any further word on Lil Kim’s beef with Nicki Minaj or even if she plans to drop an album, nonetheless she appears in Purple vodka’s newest ads. “Since I'm Queen Bee and purple is the color of royalty, I'm thrilled Three Olives has asked me to bring my flavor to the sexy 'O-Face' campaign for their new Purple vodka.”

14 / 30

Lil' Kim is New Face Of Three Olives Vodka - Three Olives Vodka has released its Purple alcohol and asked rapper Lil Kim to be the first celebrity to endorse it. There hasn’t been any further word on Lil Kim’s beef with Nicki Minaj or even if she plans to drop an album, nonetheless she appears in Purple vodka’s newest ads. “Since I'm Queen Bee and purple is the color of royalty, I'm thrilled Three Olives has asked me to bring my flavor to the sexy 'O-Face' campaign for their new Purple vodka.”

Ex-Wife of Wright Says He Was Carrying Drugs - Sherra Wright told reporters that she saw her husband, Lorenzen Wright, leave home carrying money and a box of drugs 10 days before the authorities found the ex-NBA player’s body in the woods. Before he left late on the night of July 18 Sherra overheard Wright telling someone over the phone that he planned to “flip something for $110,000.” He then left the house in a car with an unidentified man. No arrests have been made in the homicide.

15 / 30

Ex-Wife of Wright Says He Was Carrying Drugs - Sherra Wright told reporters that she saw her husband, Lorenzen Wright, leave home carrying money and a box of drugs 10 days before the authorities found the ex-NBA player’s body in the woods. Before he left late on the night of July 18 Sherra overheard Wright telling someone over the phone that he planned to “flip something for $110,000.” He then left the house in a car with an unidentified man. No arrests have been made in the homicide.

ADVERTISEMENT
Maxine Waters Denies Ethical Allegations - Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is denying the allegations of ethical indecency posed by the House of Representatives. After being accused of maneuvering federal bailout money to a bank with which her husband was financially affiliated, 71-year-old Waters made it clear on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” that she is “not guilty of any violations.” Her trial is likely to be held after the November mid-term elections, against her request for a prompt trial.

16 / 30

Maxine Waters Denies Ethical Allegations - Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is denying the allegations of ethical indecency posed by the House of Representatives. After being accused of maneuvering federal bailout money to a bank with which her husband was financially affiliated, 71-year-old Waters made it clear on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” that she is “not guilty of any violations.” Her trial is likely to be held after the November mid-term elections, against her request for a prompt trial.

Michael Baisden Co-Host Denied Home - Co-host of the ”Michael Baisden Show” George Willborn and his wife Peytyn were denied their dream home in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. The 8,000 square foot property was withheld by owners Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, once they discovered the race of the Willborn couple. After agreeing to a $1.7 million purchase price, the owners refused to sign the contract, and now the Sabbias and their real estate broker have been charged with federal housing discrimination.

17 / 30

Michael Baisden Co-Host Denied Home - Co-host of the ”Michael Baisden Show” George Willborn and his wife Peytyn were denied their dream home in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. The 8,000 square foot property was withheld by owners Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, once they discovered the race of the Willborn couple. After agreeing to a $1.7 million purchase price, the owners refused to sign the contract, and now the Sabbias and their real estate broker have been charged with federal housing discrimination.

Alleged Serial Killer Targeting Black Males Arrest - After an FBI manhunt, a White serial killer identified as Elias Abuelazam, was arrested in Atlanta during his attempt to flee the U.S. He is believed to have attacked 20 men in Virginia, Michigan and Ohio, wielding a knife and targeting African-American men. Five were killed and15 were wounded. Out of the 20, all but two of the victims were Black.

18 / 30

Alleged Serial Killer Targeting Black Males Arrest - After an FBI manhunt, a White serial killer identified as Elias Abuelazam, was arrested in Atlanta during his attempt to flee the U.S. He is believed to have attacked 20 men in Virginia, Michigan and Ohio, wielding a knife and targeting African-American men. Five were killed and15 were wounded. Out of the 20, all but two of the victims were Black.

Obama Welcomes Super Bowl Champs - The Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints were welcomed to the White House on Monday by President Obama. Despite his allegiance to the Chicago Bears, Obama pointed out that the Saints winning the title was big for the country. “Look, I’m a Bears fan,” Obama said. “I’m not going to lie. But this was a big win for the country -- not just for New Orleans -- because five years ago, this team played its entire season on the road.  It didn’t have a home field.”

19 / 30

Obama Welcomes Super Bowl Champs - The Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints were welcomed to the White House on Monday by President Obama. Despite his allegiance to the Chicago Bears, Obama pointed out that the Saints winning the title was big for the country. “Look, I’m a Bears fan,” Obama said. “I’m not going to lie. But this was a big win for the country -- not just for New Orleans -- because five years ago, this team played its entire season on the road. It didn’t have a home field.”

Former Olympic Gold Medalist Found Dead - Antonio Pettigrew, a former Olympic runner, was found dead in his car in Chatham County, North Carolina. Pettigrew was a part of the 1,600-meter relay team that took a gold medal in the Sydney Olympics back in 2000, but the International Olympic Committee revoked the medal after Pettigrew admitted to taking narcotics. Chatham County’s Sheriff stated, “We don't know if it was intentionally or accidental at this point…we might not ever know.”

20 / 30

Former Olympic Gold Medalist Found Dead - Antonio Pettigrew, a former Olympic runner, was found dead in his car in Chatham County, North Carolina. Pettigrew was a part of the 1,600-meter relay team that took a gold medal in the Sydney Olympics back in 2000, but the International Olympic Committee revoked the medal after Pettigrew admitted to taking narcotics. Chatham County’s Sheriff stated, “We don't know if it was intentionally or accidental at this point…we might not ever know.”

ADVERTISEMENT
Pras: October 19 - Rapper Pras celebrates his 38th birthday.

21 / 30

Wyclef’s Growing List of Opponents - Having announced his candidacy for the Haitian presidency just last week, Wyclef Jean has already managed to pick up a list of acclaimed opponents. Former Fugees member and Haitian native Pras has rejected his bandmate’s campaign as he mistrusts the potency of Jean’s plan to elevate the damaged nation. Pras has announced that his vote lies with Wyclef’s opponent, Michel Martelly.

Rangel Celebrates Amidst Ethics Investigation - Ethics scandal aside, Rep. Charles Rangel celebrated his 80th birthday in the company of many high-profile politicians at the New York Plaza hotel. Former New York Mayor David Dinkins was in attendance and was spotted waving his middle finger to protestors flailing signs that read “Rangel Resign” and “Just say no to Incumbents.” Rangel has been accused by the House of alleged financial violations and injuring the credibility of Congress.

22 / 30

Rangel Celebrates Amidst Ethics Investigation - Ethics scandal aside, Rep. Charles Rangel celebrated his 80th birthday in the company of many high-profile politicians at the New York Plaza hotel. Former New York Mayor David Dinkins was in attendance and was spotted waving his middle finger to protestors flailing signs that read “Rangel Resign” and “Just say no to Incumbents.” Rangel has been accused by the House of alleged financial violations and injuring the credibility of Congress.

American Tyson Gay Upsets Usain Bolt - U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay beat the world record holder, Usain Bolt, in a 100-meter dash in the DN Galan meet. Bolt fell short with 9.97 seconds to Gay’s 9.84 seconds. In the midst of a sellout crowd, and after two false starts, Richard Thompson of Trinidad finished in third place. The 100-meter world record, set by Bolt in Berlin back in 2009, is 9.58 seconds.

23 / 30

American Tyson Gay Upsets Usain Bolt - U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay beat the world record holder, Usain Bolt, in a 100-meter dash in the DN Galan meet. Bolt fell short with 9.97 seconds to Gay’s 9.84 seconds. In the midst of a sellout crowd, and after two false starts, Richard Thompson of Trinidad finished in third place. The 100-meter world record, set by Bolt in Berlin back in 2009, is 9.58 seconds.

Quayle: “Obama Is The Worst President In History" - The son of former Vice President Dan Quayle, Ben Quayle put out a new campaign ad in which he calls on Arizona voters to send him to the nation’s capital so he can “knock the hell out of the place.” He is targeting Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, assuring them first that Obama is the “worst president in history,” that Quayle himself was “raised right,” and that no Arizonian deserves to “inherit a weakened country.”

24 / 30

Quayle: “Obama Is The Worst President In History" - The son of former Vice President Dan Quayle, Ben Quayle put out a new campaign ad in which he calls on Arizona voters to send him to the nation’s capital so he can “knock the hell out of the place.” He is targeting Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, assuring them first that Obama is the “worst president in history,” that Quayle himself was “raised right,” and that no Arizonian deserves to “inherit a weakened country.”

Business Council Meeting - The president will address the Business Council’s annual meeting on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. During his remarks, he’ll talk about what his administration is doing to push job creation and the role that the business community plays.

25 / 30

Obama Administration To Pass Housing Package - Coming to the rescue of unemployed homeowners facing foreclosure, the Obama administration plans to provide $3 billion in aid. According to the Treasury Department, $2 billion will be sent to 17 states with the highest unemployment rates, and an additional $1 billion will be used to fund a new program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program should provide homeowners with zero-interest rate emergency loans of up to $500,000 for up to two years.

ADVERTISEMENT
Kanye West Compares Himself To Emmett Till - According to the Louis Vuitton Don, the backlash he experienced after his VMA incident with Taylor Swift was worthy of being compared to Emmett Till’s death. On NYC’s Hot 97 radio station while debuting his newest song, “See Me Now,” West declared that the aftermath of last year’s Swift ‘strong arm’ incident was like the “modern day Internet version of Emmett Till. “ Even so, Till paid the price of a mistake with his life.

26 / 30

Kanye West Compares Himself To Emmett Till - According to the Louis Vuitton Don, the backlash he experienced after his VMA incident with Taylor Swift was worthy of being compared to Emmett Till’s death. On NYC’s Hot 97 radio station while debuting his newest song, “See Me Now,” West declared that the aftermath of last year’s Swift ‘strong arm’ incident was like the “modern day Internet version of Emmett Till. “ Even so, Till paid the price of a mistake with his life.

LeBron Returns To Akron - It only took a month but LeBron James finally thanked the fans of Cleveland. "To the city of Cleveland, my fans in Cleveland, my fans in northeast Ohio," said James at his annual “King for Kids” charity bike-a-thon in Akron. "I want to say thank you for the last seven years and the years that continue to go in the future."

27 / 30

LeBron James Gets Booed At Ohio State Park - Miami Heat’s newest team member, LeBron James, headed to Cedar Point only to find waves of resentment among the amusement park’s crowd. As the two-time NBA league MVP prepared to shoot at a basketball stand, an angry crowd stood watching. A woman yelled out, “I bet you miss,” while another likely ex-fan taunted the NBA star, “Bron, shoot left handed; your elbow hurts!”

Rice, Smith Inducted Into Hall Of Fame - Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith were two of seven greats inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday night in Canton, Ohio. "This is finally it," Rice said. "There are no more routes to run, no more touchdowns to score, no more records to set. That young boy from Mississippi has finally stopped running.  Let me stand here and catch my breath."

28 / 30

Emmitt, Rice Inducted Into Hall of Fame - Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith and John Randle were just three of the seven NFL veterans inducted into the Hall of Fame this past weekend. Wearing pale yellow blazers, each player stepped up to the podium to accept the award. Emmitt Smith, considered to be “the best running back to ever play the game,” gave what many considered the most compelling and emotional speech of the evening.

Nelly - [Me and Em, it was] a misunderstanding. Me being young in the game. Somebody said something that said something, and I reacted to it. Being young to the game and being real influential, and not checking to see if that's what it was - which it wasn't.

29 / 30

Nelly to Become St. Louis Radio Personality - Nelly will take a brief hiatus from the rap game to become St. Louis’ newest radio host. Filling in for radio personality Staci Static, Nelly will be on air weekdays from 3 to 7 pm local time. The rapper and CEO of Derrty Entertainment record label, will take charge of celebrity interviews, but will only hold the spot for about a month.

Missing Grad Student Found Dead - The skeletal remains of Mitrice Richardson, a graduate student at Cal State Fullerton, were found in Malibu Creek State Park on Monday. The 25-year-old, who suffered from bipolar disorder, was last seen in September of 2009, being released from a Malibu police station after refusing to pay an $89 bill at a Malibu restaurant.

30 / 30

Missing Grad Student Found Dead - The skeletal remains of Mitrice Richardson, a graduate student at Cal State Fullerton, were found in Malibu Creek State Park on Monday. The 25-year-old, who suffered from bipolar disorder, was last seen in September of 2009, being released from a Malibu police station after refusing to pay an $89 bill at a Malibu restaurant.