Despite spending the more money on health care per capita than any other country in the world, the U.S. seems to be doing a poor job of keeping its citizens alive. Amnesty International released a startling report that found the U.S. ranked 50th for maternal mortality rates — and what’s worse, African-American women are three…

If parents and critics expect an apology from Rihanna over her recent music video “Man Down,” they’re out of luck. The pop diva went on a Twitter rant yesterday defending her controversial video — in which she is seen shooting a man who assaulted her — and thanked supporters. “I’m a 23 year old rockstar…

Former Black Panther Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt died Thursday at the age of 63 in Tanzania, according to his former lawyer. The ex-activist died in a small village where he lived with his wife and child; the cause of death is still unknown. Pratt served two tours in Vietnam before joining the Black Panther Party in…

The Global Commission on Drug Policy claims that the war waged on drugs has failed. The 19-member panel — which includes former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz and leaders from Mexico, Columbia and Brazil — is demanding the legalization of some drugs and an end to drug arrests. “Political…

Legendary Pictures, the production company behind hit movies such as The Dark Knight, Inception and Hangover, recently announced plans to produce a biopic based on legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. CEO Thomas Tull is set to produce, while L.A. Confidential writer Brian Helgeland will direct. Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, is said to be acting as…

Twenty-six years after producing the iconic song “We Are the World” — to help raise money for AIDS in Africa — Quincy Jones is now setting his sights on the Arab world. The legendary producer is teaming up with some of the biggest names in Arab music to produce a charity song meant to help…

Infamous Hot 97 radio DJ Mister Cee (Calvin LeBrun) pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a charge of loitering for the purpose of engaging in a prostitution offense after his March 30 arrest for public lewdness. Cee and Lawrence Campbell, 20, were reportedly in a parked car when police found Lawrence giving Cee oral sex. According…

Nineteen years and four championship rings later, Shaquille O’Neal is finally calling it quits. O’Neal spoke directly to fans through Twitter last night in a short video about his decision, saying, “We did it. Nineteen years baby. I want to thank you very much. That’s why I’m telling you first. I’m about to retire. Love…

Southern Sudanese officials are seeking international help after Northern troops seized the border town of Abyei Saturday night. At the same time, the United Nation’s Security Council is now demanding that the Sudanese government withdraw its troops from Abyei. On Saturday night, Northern troops entered Abyei and threatened to reignite the country’s civil war. The…