After 'N-Word,' Bounty Hunter Returns to TV

Celebrity bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman is set to return to television after his reality-TV show was pulled from the air three months ago in a controversy over his use of the N-word, cable channel A&E said Tuesday, reports Reuters. "Over the last few months, Duane 'Dog' Chapman has taken and continues to take the appropriate steps in reaching out to several African-American organizations in an effort to make amends for his private comments," the network said in a statement. "Since the premise of 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' is about second chances--we have decided to give him one." A&E took the show off its schedule last November after a private phone call, in which Chapman referred to his son's girlfriend as the N-word. Check out which words (and the celebrities who use them) are the most offensive.

Michelle Obama's Campaign Job: 'Barack's Rock'

Michelle Obama is already being dubbed by supporters as the first Black First Lady. Although she is not necessarily ready to accept that title just yet, a name she has grown to accept is "Barack's Rock," as she has been known to ground the Illinois senator's lofty ideals. On stage, Obama has introduced Michelle as "my rock," the person who keeps him focused and grounded. In her words, she is just making sure he is "keeping it real,"
reports Newsweek. But the Princeton and Harvard Law graduate doesn't spend her time talking policy, although she can. Instead, she speaks in front of crowds and makes the senator, who now lives full time inside the surreal campaign bubble of adoring crowds, appear as normal as possible, reports Newsweek. Who really is Michelle Obama?

Supreme Court Takes on Retaliation Cases: What Would the Decisions Mean?

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in an employment-retaliation case that turns on whether the federal-sector provision of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits retaliation against employees who complain of age discrimination, reports EmploymentlLaw360. A decision has yet to be made on the case, which traces back four years to an age-discrimination complaint logged by a Puerto Rican postal worker and involves subsequent claims of retaliation. Today, the Supreme Court heard another retaliation case--CBOCS West v. Humphries--that considers whether an employee who allegedly experienced employer retaliation can sue for racial discrimination under a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, reports Scotusblog. Read about that case and how the Supreme Court's decisions could make it easier for employers to retaliate.   

'Diddy' to Star in ABC's 'Raisin in the Sun'

Two years after "A Raisin in the Sun" debuted on Broadway, ABC producers announced the network will premiere a film version of the 1950s Chicago-set play, reuniting Sean Combs with Tony winners Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald and Tony nominee Sanaa Lathan. "It was more about experience and an understanding of how to completely engulf yourself and become a character and really give yourself up to the role," Combs told CNN about his role as Walter Lee, a son and husband at odds with his family over how to spend an inheritance. The show is slated to premiere on Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

First Openly Gay Black State Legislator

Connecticut Rep. Jason Bartlett has become the country's first openly gay Black state legislator, ending widespread speculation about his orientation, reports 365gay. "For me, the decision came down to why not now," Bartlett, who came out to the public, family and friends on Tuesday, told the Danbury News Tribune. "To me this is about having a conversation with my larger family--the people of Greater Danbury who voted for me." Bartlett was first elected two years ago. Connecticut is one of a handful of states where gay and lesbian couples can legally enter into civil unions. What are the same-sex-marriage laws in your state?

More News Digest >>