Just before his taped episode of “The View” aired Thursday at 11 a.m. EST, President Obama wrapped up live remarks about his

administration’s new education initiative “Race to the Top,” at the National Urban League 100th Anniversary Convention in Washington.

The president spoke at length about the program as well as other initiatives designed to help students prepare for college.

President Obama also spoke about reforms undertaken in the past year and a half by states, school districts, schools systems and teachers

unions, including the improvement of teacher effectiveness and bringing about a turnaround with low-performing schools.

Watch the full speech below, or click here to read the complete speech transcript.

*With the IRS hot on his heels, Chris Tucker is reportedly trying to unload his suburban Orlando mansion for an asking price way lower than what he paid.

According to TMZ, the tax-troubled star listed the Montverde property for $2 million … even though he paid $6 million for it just three years ago.

According to public records, Tucker took out a $4.2 million loan to purchase the 8861 square foot home back in 2007. The house includes 5 bedrooms, a wine cellar, pirate ship-themed home theater and a library with a secret room, according to the website.

As previously reported, Tucker is said to owe about $11 million in back taxes.

 

Essence editor Angela Burt-Murray

*Uh oh Essence! You done did it now.  Obviously, black women have been patronizing Essence magazine because it was the black women’s magazine.

Now you’ve gone and got yourself a white woman to sit at the helm of the fashion pages and tell a black woman what’s right for her image? Her fierceness?  Her swag?

The move to hire a white woman in the top spot by Essence editor Angela Burt-Murray was not celebrated and has ruffled the feathers of some black women who are incensed by a sort of break in tradition. (more…)

Al Goodman

*According to phone calls we’ve received and various internet postings, it is with sadness that we report that Al Goodman of the legendary R&B group Ray, Goodman and Brown passed away today at 63.

At press time, the cause of death has not been determined.

An associate of EURweb called to let us know that she had just seen Mr. Goodman at church services yesterday, Sunday, July 25. Naturally, she is in a state of shock and disbelief.

As could be expected, upon hearing of his passing, fans and friends are flooding his Facebook page with well wishes

Developing …

*Responding to rumors that Wyclef Jean is plotting a run for the presidency of his native Haiti, the musician’s rep would neither confirm nor deny, according to the Canadian Press.

“We don’t have anything to talk about at this point, that’s for sure,” Adrienne Jacoby told The Canadian Press in a telephone interview Saturday. “I know there’s always rumors flying, but we don’t have anything definitive on our end, so if anything were to change, I’m sure a press release would be issued.”

Jacoby, of Jean’s charitable Yele Haiti Foundation, was responding to a report Saturday in an Ottawa-based newspaper that says the Haitian-born musician is poised to run for president.

French-language newspaper Le Droit reported that a source close to the Haitian government is “sure” the singer and producer will be a candidate. The newspaper claimed he’s taking steps to formalize his candidacy, which must be registered by the first week of August. It also said he’s consulting his entourage and law experts to assure that his eventual candidacy is legal.

Jean, 37, was asked Friday in an interview with Fox Business if he would run in the Nov. 28 presidential election.

“I would say right now, currently at this minute, no,” he said.

Earlier in the week, the Haitian-American, who grew up in New Jersey, addressed the issue on his Twitter page.

“Just to Clear up the rumors I have not announce (sic) to the Press that I’m Running for President of Haiti,” his tweet said.

Jean’s charity helped with relief efforts following January’s devastating earthquake, work that prompted many to ask him if

we would consider leading the impoverished Caribbean nation.

Al Jarreau

*In France, Grammy-award winning singer Al Jarreau from a hospital in the Alps to one in the French port of Marseille after he suffered breathing problems in the mountains that forced him to cancel several concerts, hospital authorities said Saturday.

Jarreau was conscious, in stable condition and in the cardiology unit of La Timone hospital in Marseille, the Marseille Hospital Authority said. He was expected to remain there for about a week for tests.

Jarreau’s website said the Milwaukee born 70 year-old singer had asked to be taken to the hospital Friday after he had trouble adjusting to the Alpine mountain altitude. He had experienced breathing problems and was for a time in intensive care.

Read more HERE.