Bring That Week Back: Week of August 30

Matthew Knowles and Co. refute Beyonce rumors; Plaxico Burress is denied. Get more top stories!

Rihanna’s Wax Debut - Singer Rihanna’s wax double was revealed earlier this week at Madame Tussauds in Washington, D.C.

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Rihanna’s Wax Debut - Singer Rihanna’s wax double was revealed earlier this week at Madame Tussauds in Washington, D.C.

Diddy Getting Sued - A longtime employee at Bad Boys Records is suing Sean “P. Diddy” Combs for $12 million alleging age discrimination. Francesca Spero, 51, says she helped propel his career – from helping to sign new songwriters to helping produce his MTV hit “Making the Band” – but was let go after receiving hip surgery two years ago. According to the suit, Diddy told her that she got paid too much for “someone who could no longer keep up with his fast-paced lifestyle."

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Diddy Getting Sued - A longtime employee at Bad Boys Records is suing Sean “P. Diddy” Combs for $12 million alleging age discrimination. Francesca Spero, 51, says she helped propel his career – from helping to sign new songwriters to helping produce his MTV hit “Making the Band” – but was let go after receiving hip surgery two years ago. According to the suit, Diddy told her that she got paid too much for “someone who could no longer keep up with his fast-paced lifestyle."

Lawmaker Admits She Broke Rules - On Monday, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tx) admitted to steering thousands of dollars in Congressional Black Caucus scholarships to her relatives. According to reports, she gave two grandsons and the children of a staff member two scholarships each. Due to anti-nepotism rules, relatives of Congress members are barred from receiving scholarship funds from the foundation. Johnson said she plans to reimburse the CBC foundation by the end of the week.

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Lawmaker Admits She Broke Rules - On Monday, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tx) admitted to steering thousands of dollars in Congressional Black Caucus scholarships to her relatives. According to reports, she gave two grandsons and the children of a staff member two scholarships each. Due to anti-nepotism rules, relatives of Congress members are barred from receiving scholarship funds from the foundation. Johnson said she plans to reimburse the CBC foundation by the end of the week.

Student Sues Over Police Beating - On Monday, teenager Jordan Miles filed a federal lawsuit accusing three White Pittsburgh police officers of beating him up earlier this year after wrongfully assuming he was involved with drugs. The officers then allegedly made up a story to cover up their actions, the lawsuit says. Miles was a music student at the city’s performing arts high school when police allegedly pushed his face into the snow, impaled his gums on a piece of wood, kicked and punched him and pulled dreadlocks out of his he

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Student Sues Over Police Beating - On Monday, teenager Jordan Miles filed a federal lawsuit accusing three White Pittsburgh police officers of beating him up earlier this year after wrongfully assuming he was involved with drugs. The officers then allegedly made up a story to cover up their actions, the lawsuit says. Miles was a music student at the city’s performing arts high school when police allegedly pushed his face into the snow, impaled his gums on a piece of wood, kicked and punched him and pulled dreadlocks out of his he

The ‘Bed Intruder’ Song is a Hit - A song featuring Alabama resident Antoine Dodson’s angry TV interview about a person who broke into his home and attempted to rape his sister, shot up the iTunes chart this year. "Y'all need to hide your kids, hide your wife and hide your husband, 'cause they raping everybody out here," is played throughout the hit song. Dodson, 24, made enough money from the song to buy a home and performed at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

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The ‘Bed Intruder’ Song is a Hit - A song, featuring Alabama resident Antoine Dodson’s angry TV interview about a person who broke into his home and attempted to rape his sister, has shot up the iTunes chart in its first 2 ½ weeks of sales. "Y'all need to hide your kids, hide your wife and hide your husband, 'cause they raping everybody out here," is played throughout the hit song, which is selling for $1.29 and has had 60,000 downloads already. Dodson, 24, is splitting the profits with the musicians who made the song.

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T.I. and Tiny Are Arrested - Rapper T.I. and his new wife Tiny were arrested Wednesday night in Hollywood on drug charges. After they were pulled over for a routine traffic stop, police say they smelled marijuana coming from the car they were driving. The two were then taken into custody, but released later after posting $10,000 bail each. The arrest could spell trouble for T.I., who is currently on probation.

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T.I. and Tiny Are Arrested - Rapper T.I. and his new wife Tiny were arrested Wednesday night in Hollywood on drug charges. After they were pulled over for a routine traffic stop, police say they smelled marijuana coming from the car they were driving. The two were then taken into custody, but released later after posting $10,000 bail each. The arrest could spell trouble for T.I., who is currently on probation.

Apple Inc. Unveils New Apple TV - On Wednesday, Apple Inc. announced a new cheaper version of its Apple TV device that streams movies and TV shows over the Internet and into the living room. The device will only let people rent, not buy, content. The price of the box is also being cut to $99, from $229. In addition to the Apple TV device, the company also unveiled a new line of iPods, which included a touch-screen Nano.

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Apple Inc. Unveils New Apple TV - On Wednesday, Apple Inc. announced a new cheaper version of its Apple TV device that streams movies and TV shows over the Internet and into the living room. The device will only let people rent, not buy, content. The price of the box is also being cut to $99, from $229. In addition to the Apple TV device, the company also unveiled a new line of iPods, which included a touch-screen Nano.

Toni Braxton Faces Foreclosure - The downturn in the economy has impacted one of the biggest R&B stars of the ‘90s. Toni Braxton is behind on her mortgage payments upwards of $12,000. She also has defaulted on a loan of $900,000.

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Facing Foreclosure? - According to reports, singer Toni Braxton’s Nevada home has entered foreclosure. Braxton and her estranged husband Keirston “Keri” Lewis bought the home in 2007 for $2.6 million, and it’s listed now for $1.15 million as a foreclosure on a real estate Web site, Luxist reports.

Should Vince Young Get the Heisman? - Since the Heisman Trophy could be stripped from Reggie Bush of USC (due to the school’s ethics violations), University of Texas coach Mack Brown is lobbying for his former player to get the honor five years after it was originally awarded. Brown thinks his former QB and current Tennessee Titan, Vince Young, should get the Heisman. “Vince was second in the voting, so even if they re-voted I would like to see Vince get it,” he said on a radio show earlier this week.

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Should Vince Young Get the Heisman? - Since the Heisman Trophy could be stripped from Reggie Bush of USC (due to the school’s ethics violations), University of Texas coach Mack Brown is lobbying for his former player to get the honor five years after it was originally awarded. Brown thinks his former QB and current Tennessee Titan, Vince Young, should get the Heisman. “Vince was second in the voting, so even if they re-voted I would like to see Vince get it,” he said on a radio show earlier this week.

Tiki Barber Hires PR Agency - In an effort to clean up his image after leaving his pregnant wife for a former NBC intern earlier this year, former NFL player Tiki Barber has hired a public relations agency, 5WPR, reports the New York Post. Following the scandal, Barber was let go by NBC, and he claimed earlier this summer that he didn’t have enough money to pay spousal support to his ex-wife, Ginny.

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Tiki Barber Hires PR Agency - In an effort to clean up his image after leaving his pregnant wife for a former NBC intern earlier this year, former NFL player Tiki Barber has hired a public relations agency, 5WPR, reports the New York Post. Following the scandal, Barber was let go by NBC, and he claimed earlier this summer that he didn’t have enough money to pay spousal support to his ex-wife, Ginny.

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Reggie Bush Not Looking for a Girlfriend - New Orleans Saints star running back Reggie Bush is more focused on football than girls. According to the NY Post, Bush was hanging out with teammates after a recent win and didn’t pay “flocks of girls” any attention. He broke up with socialite Kim Kardashian earlier this year.

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Reggie Bush Not Looking for a Girlfriend - New Orleans Saints star running back Reggie Bush is more focused on football than girls. According to the NY Post, Bush was hanging out with teammates after a recent win and didn’t pay “flocks of girls” any attention. He broke up with socialite Kim Kardashian earlier this year.

Jamie Foxx Developing New Series - Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx is in the process of developing a new mob drama, according to reports. The series called “Tommy’s Little Girl” will feature Selma Blair and Paul Sorvino and will chronicle the lives of older mobsters, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily. After Foxx finishes editing the trailer, he’ll shop it to cable networks.

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Jamie Foxx Sketch Show Picked Up - On Wednesday, FOX network announced that it’s picking up a half-hour sketch comedy show by Jamie Foxx and comedian Affion Crockett for midseason. The LA Times reports the show will serve as a new generation “In Living Color” featuring spoofs of pop culture. Foxx will serve as executive producer and Crockett will serve as a producer.

‘Dancing’ Cast Includes Brandy, Rick Fox - The cast of ABC’s hit show “Dancing With the Stars” was announced Monday night. Singer Brandy, former NBA player Rick Fox, Kyle Massey (from “That’s So Raven”) and Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol are among those included in the lineup.

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‘Dancing’ Cast Includes Brandy, Rick Fox - The cast of ABC’s hit show “Dancing With the Stars” was announced Monday night. Singer Brandy, former NBA player Rick Fox, Kyle Massey (from “That’s So Raven”) and Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol are among those included in the lineup.

Secret Love Child? - Mathew Knowles was slapped with a paternity suit this week, TMZ reported. He's accused of fathering a young actress' love child – even though he's been married for over 20 years to Beyoncé's mother Tina. Alexsandra Wright, an actress who appeared in a bit part on the TV show "Scrubs," claims Knowles is the father of her baby.

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Beyoncé is Not Dropping Dad as Manager - After rumors hit the net earlier this week about Beyoncé dropping her father to have her husband Jay-Z manage her, her current management posted a statement on its Web site. “Contrary to false rumors online, Beyoncé and her manager Mathew Knowles unequivocally have had and continue to have a close personal and business relationship. Mathew Knowles is the sole and exclusive manager of Beyoncé,” it reads. There have been rumors of a strained relationship between the two.

Usain Bolt Thinks Gay Hates Him - Star Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt thinks rival American runner Tyson Gay “hates his guts.” In an interview with the BBC, Bolt (who beat Gay at the Olympics in Beijing and the World Championships a year later) says Gay is sick of losing to him. “He just really gets upset because every time he runs fast, I run faster than he does,” Bolt said. Gay did beat him last month at a race in Stockholm, but Bolt brushed off his victory, declaring this his “off” year.

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Usain Bolt Thinks Gay Hates Him - Star Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt thinks rival American runner Tyson Gay “hates his guts.” In an interview with the BBC, Bolt (who beat Gay at the Olympics in Beijing and the World Championships a year later) says Gay is sick of losing to him. “He just really gets upset because every time he runs fast, I run faster than he does,” Bolt said. Gay did beat him last month at a race in Stockholm, but Bolt brushed off his victory, declaring this his “off” year.

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Obama’s Ex-Pastor Calls Himself Toxic - The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's controversial former pastor, said in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that he is "toxic" to the Obama administration and that the president "threw me under the bus." The letter was in response to a group’s plea for help in getting the Obama administration to release frozen funds for Haitian relief. Wright stirred up a storm during Obama’s 2008 election with his controversial, racially charged remarks. Subsequently the Obamas withdrew from his church.

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Wright Defends Obama - President Obama’s former pastor, the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright, defended the president against rumors surrounding his religion during a sermon this past Sunday. Wright accused people who wrongly believe Obama is Muslim of catering to political enemies. The president broke ties with the Rev. during his campaign in 2008 calling his words “divisive” after he made controversial comments.

Bye —For Now - Plaxico Burress has begun serving a two-year sentence at Rikers Island prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. The former New York Giants hero could be released in May 2011 when he would be nearly 34, and might attempt a comeback in the NFL.

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Burress Denied Work Release - On Tuesday, the New York State Department of Correctional Services turned down a work release request for former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who was hoping to make a return to the NFL. Burress was arrested in 2008 for illegal gun possession after shooting himself in the leg accidentally at a New York club. He could be released from prison in June.

Obama Announces End to Iraq War - During a televised primetime address on Tuesday, President Obama announced the end of U.S. combat missions in Iraq. After seven years, “It's time to turn the page," the president stated. He will keep up to 50,000 troops in Iraq for support and counterterrorism training. The remaining forces aren’t scheduled to leave until the end of next year.

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Obama Announces End to Iraq War - During a televised primetime address on Tuesday, President Obama announced the end of U.S. combat missions in Iraq. After seven years, “It's time to turn the page," the president stated. He will keep up to 50,000 troops in Iraq for support and counterterrorism training. The remaining forces aren’t scheduled to leave until the end of next year.

Gunman at Discovery Channel HQ - On Wednesday afternoon, James Lee, armed with a gun and explosives, stormed into the Discovery Channel’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., taking three hostages before he was shot to death by police. Lee had protested against the network in 2008 demanding an end to shows such as “Kate Plus 8” because they promote population growth. He also hated the network’s environmental programming for doing little to save the planet, he’s said in the past.

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Gunman at Discovery Channel HQ - On Wednesday afternoon, James Lee, armed with a gun and explosives, stormed into the Discovery Channel’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., taking three hostages before he was shot to death by police. Lee had protested against the network in 2008 demanding an end to shows such as “Kate Plus 8” because they promote population growth. He also hated the network’s environmental programming for doing little to save the planet, he’s said in the past.

Hurricane Earl Approaches East Coast - Hurricane Earl hit North Carolina’s outer banks Thursday, sending powerful rains and shaking signs. The storm had weakened throughout the day, though, from a Category 4 storm (with winds of 140 mph) to a Category 2 storm (winds of 105 mph). Residents are still trying to assess damage the storm left behind, but earlier predictions of storm surges between 2 and 4 feet might have been too much, said a National Weather Service meteorologist.

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Hurricane Earl Approaches East Coast - Hurricane Earl hit North Carolina’s outer banks Thursday, sending powerful rains and shaking signs. The storm had weakened throughout the day, though, from a Category 4 storm (with winds of 140 mph) to a Category 2 storm (winds of 105 mph). Residents are still trying to assess damage the storm left behind, but earlier predictions of storm surges between 2 and 4 feet might have been too much, said a National Weather Service meteorologist.

Gulf Oil Rig Catches Fire - For the second time in less than five months, disaster has struck in the Gulf of Mexico. On Thursday, a fire burned off an oil platform owned by Houston-based Mariner Energy. While initial reports indicated that a spill resulted, Coast Guard officials weren’t able to find any spill. There were no fatalities in the incident. No word yet on what caused the fire that was eventually put out later in the afternoon.

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Gulf Oil Rig Catches Fire - For the second time in less than five months, disaster has struck in the Gulf of Mexico. On Thursday, a fire burned off an oil platform owned by Houston-based Mariner Energy. While initial reports indicated that a spill resulted, Coast Guard officials weren’t able to find any spill. There were no fatalities in the incident. No word yet on what caused the fire that was eventually put out later in the afternoon.