• Most Popular
  • Most Shared

Special Report

A shopper browses the bread section at a Wal-Mart store in Santa Clarita, California April 1, 2008. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

The food-stamp economy

On the last day of every month, shoppers at Walmart load their carts with food and household items and wait for the midnight hour. Is this the new normal in America?  Full Article 

Court allows singer R. Kelly to stay free

CHICAGO
Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:44pm EST
Recording artiste R. Kelly (C) leaves the Cook County Criminal Courthouse in Chicago December 20, 2007. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A judge on Friday allowed R. Kelly to remain free on bond pending his trial on child pornography charges, even though the R&B singer missed a court appearance this week.

U.S.  |  Entertainment  |  Music  |  People

Prosecutors had asked that Kelly's bond be revoked because of the missed appearance, which came in the midst of a nine-week concert tour promoting his new album "Double Up."

But Judge Vincent Gaughan of the Cook County District Court ruled that Kelly, a double nominee for the 2008 Grammys whose album sales are in the millions, could remain free while pretrial hearings continue.

Kelly's lawyers had argued he had made all previous court dates and said this week's absence was an accident because his tour bus was delayed by snow in California and was later stopped for speeding in Utah.

Kelly was charged with child pornography in 2002 for allegedly making a video of himself having sex with an under-aged girl. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The trial has been repeatedly delayed by maneuvering over what kinds of testimony could be presented. Gaughan on Friday set a trial date of May 9.

He also ordered Kelly to cancel the last show on his tour -- January 13 in Hampton, Virginia -- so that he will have no trouble making it to court for his next pretrial hearing on January 14.

(Reporting by Michael Conlon; Editing by Bill Trott)
U.S.
Entertainment
Music
People


More from Reuters

Joint Terminal Attack Controller SSgt Clinton J. Herbison, a U.S. Airman from the 817 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (EASOS) takes a break during a night mission near Honaker Miracle camp at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province August 12, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Pictures of the Year

A look at the best photos of 2009.  Slideshow 

    PICTURES
    The Dalai Lama jokes with a nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference after his first lecture in Lausanne, Switzerland, August 4, 2009. REUTERS/ Valentin Flauraud

    What a wacky year it's been...

    Um, what's up the Dalai Lama's nose? "Oddly Enough" editor Bob Basler rounds up the goofiest photos of the year.  Full Article 

    Oddly Enough
    A caution sign is seen next to a stock board at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney September 5, 2008. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
    Political Risk in 2010:

    Don't say we didn't warn you

    With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead.  Full Article 

    Global Markets