Bring that Week Back: Week of May 24, 2009

Brown breaks his silence; Jay-Z's about to seal a big deal; Sade is back and more! Check out the week's biggest stories in pictures!

Set Free - After spending the last 23 years behind bars, DNA tests cleared Jerry Lee Evans from a 1986 rape case this week. Evans is now the 20th man added to the list of wrongfully-convicted Dallas citizens. "I knew it would come one day," Evans said. "I just didn't know it was gonna be 23 years."

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Set Free - After spending the last 23 years behind bars, DNA tests cleared Jerry Lee Evans from a 1986 rape case this week. Evans is now the 20th man added to the list of wrongfully-convicted Dallas citizens. "I knew it would come one day," Evans said. "I just didn't know it was gonna be 23 years."

Malcolm X Madness - A group of Harlem protesters is calling for a boycott of the American Apparel outlet on West 125th Street in Harlem, asserting that the store failed to abide by a request made of Harlem merchants to close for three hours last Tuesday, in observance of Malcolm X’s May 19 birthday, the New York Times reports. The Malcolm X New Millennium Committee had requested that businesses close from 1 to 4 p.m. The store said it didn't receive advance notice about closing.

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Malcolm X Madness - A group of Harlem protesters is calling for a boycott of the American Apparel outlet on West 125th Street in Harlem, asserting that the store failed to abide by a request made of Harlem merchants to close for three hours last Tuesday, in observance of Malcolm X’s May 19 birthday, the New York Times reports. The Malcolm X New Millennium Committee had requested that businesses close from 1 to 4 p.m. The store said it didn't receive advance notice about closing.

Watch Your Mouth - An Atlanta Police Sgt. Scott Kreher was placed on leave this week after saying he wanted to "beat (the mayor) in the head with a baseball bat..." Kreher's remarks were in response to what he calls poor treatment of injured police officers and the difficulty some officers face getting workers' compensations from the city. Kreher has apologized; however, the mayor said she felt threatened.

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Watch Your Mouth - An Atlanta Police Sgt. Scott Kreher was placed on leave this week after saying he wanted to "beat (the mayor) in the head with a baseball bat..." Kreher's remarks were in response to what he calls poor treatment of injured police officers and the difficulty some officers face getting workers' compensations from the city. Kreher has apologized; however, the mayor said she felt threatened.

Heartbroken Obama - "I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as president from his encouragement and wisdom," said President Obama.

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It’s a Wrap - This is how you get your radio show canceled – joke about killing President Obama. That's what happened in Canada. In one segment of the New Year's Eve "Bye Bye" program, two hosts discussed Obama's November 2008 win. "We're not racists. It will be good to have a Negro in the White House. It will be practical. Black on white, it will be easier to shoot him," one of the show's hosts remarked. The show was scrapped.

Pushed from Bridge - A suicidal man depressed over the $290,000 debt he accumulated from a failed construction project contemplated jumping to his death for hours as he sat on the edge of a bridge in Beijing. In a surprising twist, a passerby joined him on the ledge, shook his hand and pushed him off. According to the Associated Press, the passerby was disgusted that Chen Fuchao backed up traffic for five hours. Chen survived the 26-foot fall into the partially inflated air cushion the authorities had laid out.

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Pushed from Bridge - A suicidal man depressed over the $290,000 debt he accumulated from a failed construction project contemplated jumping to his death for hours as he sat on the edge of a bridge in Beijing. In a surprising twist, a passerby joined him on the ledge, shook his hand and pushed him off. According to the Associated Press, the passerby was disgusted that Chen Fuchao backed up traffic for five hours. Chen survived the 26-foot fall into the partially inflated air cushion the authorities had laid out.

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T.I. Sentenced - A judge sentenced Rapper T.I. to one year and a day behind bars on federal weapons charges Friday. He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison. He already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence.

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Serving Time - After missing a noon deadline to turn himself in to authorities on Tuesday, T.I. reported to the Arkansas prison where he will serve his 366-day sentence. During his final farewell concert at Atlanta's Philips Arena over the weekend, T.I. told fans he would stay optimistic when he heads to prison on a federal weapons conviction. Many in the packed crowd held up encouraging signs, like one reading: "T.I. We Will Miss U!"

He's Out - Meanwhile, Brown has taken his name off the shortlist for Nickelodeon's popular Kids' Choice Awards scheduled for March 28, after his nomination for favorite male singer and song sparked a controversy. Thousands of parents signed a petition calling on Nickelodeon to toss him out after his alleged attack last month on pop star Rihanna for which he now faces assault charges. Nickelodeon said it respects Brown's decision.

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'Not a Monster' - Chris Brown said he is "not a monster" in a video message posted online this week ahead of a court hearing over a criminal charge that he beat pop singer Rihanna, leaving her bruised and bloodied. Brown does not mention Rihanna by name in the video posted on www.justin.tv. At Thursday's hearing, his attorney is expected to contest the charges on grounds that a police photo of Rihanna, taken after she was beaten, should not have been leaked to the media.

Racial Bias? - A judge has set a hearing for later this month to look at allegations that Jayson Williams was the victim of racial bias and misconduct when he was convicted of covering up the fatal shooting of a hired driver. The hearing will look into an incident where a senior investigator for the prosecutor's office used a racial slur to describe Williams during an office meeting. Williams' attorneys want the cover-up conviction overturned.

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Busted - Ex-NBA star Jayson Williams was arrested late Sunday for allegedly punching a man in the face at a North Carolina bar. Raleigh Police say the 41-year-old ex-New Jersey Net player was charged with simple assault. According to a witness, Williams was surrounded by several men who accused him of bumping one member of the group, causing him to spill a drink. The witness said Williams apologized, but the men persisted, cursing him and "trying to start a fight with him."

In the Clear - Jets defensive back Kerry Rhodes is not the target of an investigation into an alleged rape at his home, Jersey authorities said Monday - but law enforcement sources said a pal of his is. A Canadian tourist, told police that she was raped at Rhodes' townhouse in Morristown, N.J., after meeting him and another man at a Manhattan club. Jersey prosecutors did not release details other than to clear Rhodes.

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In the Clear - Jets defensive back Kerry Rhodes is not the target of an investigation into an alleged rape at his home, Jersey authorities said Monday - but law enforcement sources said a pal of his is. A Canadian tourist, told police that she was raped at Rhodes' townhouse in Morristown, N.J., after meeting him and another man at a Manhattan club. Jersey prosecutors did not release details other than to clear Rhodes.

Daughter Dies - The 4-year-old daughter of boxing legend Mike Tyson died a day after she was injured in a treadmill accident at her home in Phoenix, Ariz., police said. Exodus Tyson was found by her 7-year-old brother on a treadmill with her neck caught in a cord attached to the machine, police said in a statement. They are calling the incident a horrible accident.

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Daughter Dies - The 4-year-old daughter of boxing legend Mike Tyson died a day after she was injured in a treadmill accident at her home in Phoenix, Ariz., police said. Exodus Tyson was found by her 7-year-old brother on a treadmill with her neck caught in a cord attached to the machine, police said in a statement. They are calling the incident a horrible accident.

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Jackson Dies - Leo Jackson, the first Black mayor of a New England city, has died. He was 83. Jackson shocked the nation three decades ago when his fellow city councilors in New London, Conn., selected him to lead the city. Although Jackson was only mayor for one, one-year term, he remained on the New London City Council for the next 13 years.

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Jackson Dies - Leo Jackson, the first Black mayor of a New England city, has died. He was 83. Jackson shocked the nation three decades ago when his fellow city councilors in New London, Conn., selected him to lead the city. Although Jackson was only mayor for one, one-year term, he remained on the New London City Council for the next 13 years.

Kidney for Cole - Natalie Cole was discharged from the hospital Monday – five days after undergoing a kidney transplant. Cole headed home on Sunday to continue her recovery, her rep confirmed to PEOPLE. The 59-year-old Grammy winner, who had been undergoing dialysis three times a week following complications from treatment for hepatitis C (now in remission), is expected to spend the next three to four months recuperating.

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Kidney for Cole - Natalie Cole was discharged from the hospital Monday – five days after undergoing a kidney transplant. Cole headed home on Sunday to continue her recovery, her rep confirmed to PEOPLE. The 59-year-old Grammy winner, who had been undergoing dialysis three times a week following complications from treatment for hepatitis C (now in remission), is expected to spend the next three to four months recuperating.

Awaiting a Kidney - Meanwhile, Olivia Fox, midday host at Majic 102.3 (WMMJ Washington, D.C.), is awaiting a life-saving kidney transplant. Fox, probably best known for being on “The Russ Parr Morning Show with Olivia Fox" from July 1996 until December 2002, has been on and off dialysis treatment for the past two years. She still has some functionality of her kidneys, but eventually, she will need the “gift of life." More than 80,000 people are awaiting a kidney transplant.

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Awaiting a Kidney - Meanwhile, Olivia Fox, midday host at Majic 102.3 (WMMJ Washington, D.C.), is awaiting a life-saving kidney transplant. Fox, probably best known for being on “The Russ Parr Morning Show with Olivia Fox" from July 1996 until December 2002, has been on and off dialysis treatment for the past two years. She still has some functionality of her kidneys, but eventually, she will need the “gift of life." More than 80,000 people are awaiting a kidney transplant.

Honoring Vets - President Barack Obama avoided a racial controversy on his first Memorial Day in office by sending wreaths to separate memorials for Confederate soldiers and for Blacks who fought against them during the Civil War. Last week, a group of about 60 professors petitioned the White House, asking the first Black U.S. president to break tradition and not memorialize military members from the Confederacy, the group of Southern states that supported slavery. The White House ignored the request.

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Honoring Vets - President Barack Obama avoided a racial controversy on his first Memorial Day in office by sending wreaths to separate memorials for Confederate soldiers and for Blacks who fought against them during the Civil War. Last week, a group of about 60 professors petitioned the White House, asking the first Black U.S. president to break tradition and not memorialize military members from the Confederacy, the group of Southern states that supported slavery. The White House ignored the request.

Supreme’ Pick - Meanwhile, the president nominated Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the country's Supreme Court this week. Sotomayor, 54, who now has to be approved by a Senate vote, would be the first Hispanic judge to take the position. She would replace Justice David Souter, who announced his retirement from the top U.S. court earlier this month.

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Supreme’ Pick - Meanwhile, the president nominated Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the country's Supreme Court this week. Sotomayor, 54, who now has to be approved by a Senate vote, would be the first Hispanic judge to take the position. She would replace Justice David Souter, who announced his retirement from the top U.S. court earlier this month.

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Bolden for NASA - President Barack Obama named a former shuttle commander as the man he wants to head up NASA. Obama announced the nomination of retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General Charles Bolden on May 23. If the Senate confirms his nomination, Bolden would be the first African American to serve as NASA Administrator and only the second astronaut to hold the position.

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Bolden for NASA - President Barack Obama named a former shuttle commander as the man he wants to head up NASA. Obama announced the nomination of retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General Charles Bolden on May 23. If the Senate confirms his nomination, Bolden would be the first African American to serve as NASA Administrator and only the second astronaut to hold the position.

Jordan Wants It - Majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Bob Johnson, is reportedly looking to sell the team, and Michael Jordan wants it. According to two sources knowledgeable of the situation, Jordan is taking a serious look at buying controlling interest of the team. Right now, he has a minority interest in the Bobcats and the former NBA superstar oversees their basketball operations.

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Jordan Wants It - Majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Bob Johnson, is reportedly looking to sell the team, and Michael Jordan wants it. According to two sources knowledgeable of the situation, Jordan is taking a serious look at buying controlling interest of the team. Right now, he has a minority interest in the Bobcats and the former NBA superstar oversees their basketball operations.

Deal with Sony? - Rapper Jay-Z is close to signing a deal that will reportedly bring his future recordings to Sony. If the deal goes through, Jay-Z’s highly-anticipated eleventh studio album, "The Blueprint 3," will most likely be the first release on Roc Nation to be distributed by Epic. Just last week, Jay-Z confirmed his departure from longtime label home Def Jam, where he was once president and CEO.

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Deal with Sony? - Rapper Jay-Z is close to signing a deal that will reportedly bring his future recordings to Sony. If the deal goes through, Jay-Z’s highly-anticipated eleventh studio album, "The Blueprint 3," will most likely be the first release on Roc Nation to be distributed by Epic. Just last week, Jay-Z confirmed his departure from longtime label home Def Jam, where he was once president and CEO.

IRS Distress - Actress Robin Givens is the latest Hollywood star to be in financial distress with the IRS. According to a government lawsuit, Givens failed to pay $222,000 in federal taxes. The other $70,000 the government is demanding consists of interest and assorted penalties, including failure to pay, underpayment of estimated tax and late filing.

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IRS Distress - Actress Robin Givens is the latest Hollywood star to be in financial distress with the IRS. According to a government lawsuit, Givens failed to pay $222,000 in federal taxes. The other $70,000 the government is demanding consists of interest and assorted penalties, including failure to pay, underpayment of estimated tax and late filing.

It’s Settled - Sources say James Brown’s long embattled estate has been settled with Tomie Hynie-Brown (his wife at the time of death), son James Brown, and several grandchildren earning rights and a reported charitable fund. Brown’s grandchildren and needy kids in South Carolina and Georgia will get the biggest paycheck due to a charitable trust set up to pay for their education, according to published reports. Brown’s six adult children had bickered for years over the estate and funds going to his widow.

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It’s Settled - Sources say James Brown’s long embattled estate has been settled with Tomie Hynie-Brown (his wife at the time of death), son James Brown, and several grandchildren earning rights and a reported charitable fund. Brown’s grandchildren and needy kids in South Carolina and Georgia will get the biggest paycheck due to a charitable trust set up to pay for their education, according to published reports. Brown’s six adult children had bickered for years over the estate and funds going to his widow.

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‘Real Housewives of D.C.?’ - If you can’t get enough of Bravo’s housewife-themed shows, you’re in luck: Bravo can’t either. The network has announced that Washington, D.C. will serve as the location for the next installment of the popular reality series. "The Real Housewives of D.C." is looking for women who are "among the city's influential players, cultural connoisseurs, fashion sophisticates and philanthropic leaders.”

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‘Real Housewives of D.C.?’ - If you can’t get enough of Bravo’s housewife-themed shows, you’re in luck: Bravo can’t either. The network has announced that Washington, D.C. will serve as the location for the next installment of the popular reality series. "The Real Housewives of D.C." is looking for women who are "among the city's influential players, cultural connoisseurs, fashion sophisticates and philanthropic leaders.”

Coming to BET - Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and Antonia "Toya" Carter, also known as women who have stood by two of hip hop's biggest stars, T.I. and Lil' Wayne, will make their way to BET for an exclusive reality series on Tuesday, June 30 at 10 p.m./9c. Set in Atlanta, the half-hour docu-drama chronicles the lives of "two dynamic, young women immersed in the craziness of the hip-hop world, but striving to find inner strength, peace and purpose."

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Coming to BET - Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and Antonia "Toya" Carter, also known as women who have stood by two of hip hop's biggest stars, T.I. and Lil' Wayne, will make their way to BET for an exclusive reality series on Tuesday, June 30 at 10 p.m./9c. Set in Atlanta, the half-hour docu-drama chronicles the lives of "two dynamic, young women immersed in the craziness of the hip-hop world, but striving to find inner strength, peace and purpose."

Engaged? - “Iron Man” star Terrence Howard reportedly asked his girlfriend Zulay Henao to marry him — and she said yes, according to RadarOnline.com. The 40-year-old father popped the question while filming "Red Tails" in Prague. Though they've never officially been confirmed as a couple, the star has been seen with the Colombian actress/Maxim pin-up girl at numerous events.

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Engaged? - “Iron Man” star Terrence Howard reportedly asked his girlfriend Zulay Henao to marry him — and she said yes, according to RadarOnline.com. The 40-year-old father popped the question while filming "Red Tails" in Prague. Though they've never officially been confirmed as a couple, the star has been seen with the Colombian actress/Maxim pin-up girl at numerous events.

She’s Out - When "Top Model" returns next season, Paulina Porizkova won't be at the judge's table. The state of the economy – not a clash with Tyra – led to her being fired, the show's executive producer told “Access Hollywood.” However, Porizkova said that she and Tyra didn't get along on the set, and the only time Tyra would speak to her was when the cameras were rolling.

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She’s Out - When "Top Model" returns next season, Paulina Porizkova won't be at the judge's table. The state of the economy – not a clash with Tyra – led to her being fired, the show's executive producer told “Access Hollywood.” However, Porizkova said that she and Tyra didn't get along on the set, and the only time Tyra would speak to her was when the cameras were rolling.

In Concert - It's official. Dates for Maxwell's "Blacksummers'night" tour are set. Slated to kick off June 17 in Grand Rapids, MI, Maxwell's summer trek will make its way through Los Angeles, Cleveland, Tampa, Austin and Milwaukee before coming to a close July 31 in Miami, Florida. According to Columbia Records, Maxwell will also headline the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans July 4, appear at the BET Awards in Los Angeles June 28, and perform on the CBS "Late Show with David Letterman" on July 10.

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In Concert - It's official. Dates for Maxwell's "Blacksummers'night" tour are set. Slated to kick off June 17 in Grand Rapids, MI, Maxwell's summer trek will make its way through Los Angeles, Cleveland, Tampa, Austin and Milwaukee before coming to a close July 31 in Miami, Florida. According to Columbia Records, Maxwell will also headline the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans July 4, appear at the BET Awards in Los Angeles June 28, and perform on the CBS "Late Show with David Letterman" on July 10.

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Sade is Back - Sade has announced plans to release her new album “Soldier of Love” early 2010. The 50-year-old songstress has sold more than 50 million records in her career.

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The Wait is Over - Soul-jazz siren Sade is set to release her first album in nine years, according to reports. Last heard on 2000's “Lovers Rock,” Sade is notoriously patient with her music – prompting even Prince to recently say he was "[getting] sick of waiting for Sade to make a new album." Sade2009.com promises a new album on Nov. 24.

Michelle Williams Fires Mathew Knowles - Michelle Williams, former member of the Grammy Award-winning group Destiny’s Child, has ended her professional relationship with Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment. Williams, who is currently on a Broadway tour, said she is ready for a fresh start. “We’ve shared great success together. However, as I move in a new direction in my career, I felt it was time. I wish Mathew Knowles and the Music World Entertainment family all the best,” said Williams.

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Michelle Does ‘Chicago’ - Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams is heading to Broadway again. She'll be making her West End stage debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" at London's Cambridge Theatre from July 13 until August 22. In 2002, Williams made her stage debut in the title role in the Broadway musical "Aida," and then appeared in the musical, "The Color Purple."