There is a newfound confidence that surrounds the Minnesota Vikings these days.

Jermaine Dupri wants to clear up some misconceptions. In an entry on his blog, the music producer says he and girlfriend Janet Jackson haven't split up — and she isn't pregnant. Dupri writes: "As you all know Janet is a very private person ... the only reason you see her as much as you do on my YouTube vlog is because of me. LOL. But I hear yall and your questions. ... No she is not pregnant and yes we're still together."

Lisa Jackson is in line to become the first African-American to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

Shortly after his 2002 election, Gov. Rod Blagojevich told Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. he didn't appoint the congressman's wife for lottery director because he had refused to make a $25,000 donation to the governor's campaign, a person familiar with the conversation told The Associated Press.

Michael Jackson's glittery glove is going on the auction block. The glove, which inspired countless copycats, quips and Halloween costumes after it was unveiled in the 1983 video for Jackson's hit "Billie Jean," will be part of a five-day auction next year, Julien's Auctions announced Wednesday.
The man who will pick President-elect Barack Obama's successor in the U.S. Senate is talking to someone interested in the job: U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson expects more of a workload, and less controversy, in his second game back from a thigh injury.
The Atlanta Falcons expect Grady Jackson to be available for Sunday's game at New Orleans after the defensive tackle was not one of the players suspended by the NFL for violating the league's anti-doping policy.

Alan Jackson knows that typically an artist is dead or his career is over when a group of hot new stars get together to salute a veteran like him.
“American Idol” judge Randy Jackson has money, fame and a high-profile gig. But there’s one big thing he has in common with millions of ordinary Americans: a lifelong weight problem.

The details of pop star Michael Jackson's settlement with a Bahraini prince are to remain confidential, a lawyer for the royal said Monday.

The Federal Communications Commission has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the indecency case over Janet Jackson's breast-baring performance at the 2004 Super Bowl.
Chad Mustard really wants to begin his career as a high school math teacher and he'd like to get some substitute jobs under his belt until he lands that full-time job.

Michael Jackson's former personal assistant told a British court Friday that a Bahraini sheik who is now suing the singer was a generous friend, eager to give Jackson money and other gifts.

Lawyers for Michael Jackson have reached a settlement with a Bahraini sheik who says the singer owes him $7 million after breaching a signed contract, the pop star's spokeswoman said Sunday.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Sunday he is concerned about executive orders from President Bush in his last few months in office and the effect they could have on the incoming administration.
Rams running back Steven Jackson will not play Sunday against the 49ers because of his injured right thigh, and coach Jim Haslett said he won't even make the trip.
Michael Jackson may be too ill to travel to London to testify in a suit which claims he owes an Arab sheikh $7 million, the pop star's lawyer said Tuesday.
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is optimistic he'll be able to play Sunday at New York against the Jets, but his coach needs to see evidence why.

Samuel L. Jackson doesn't feel normal promoting his latest film "Soul Men" without costar Bernie Mac.

"Other women" abounded on Wisteria Lane this week. Beautiful blonde Anne Schilling, played by Gail O'Grady, the mom from "American Dreams," made a definite impression on Lynette. Lynette was convinced that Tom was having a fling with the woman, who's the mother of Porter's pal, Kirby. And it did look bad for Tom when he hid a condom wrapper from his wife at the rehearsal space Anne helped him find.
Steven Jackson practiced for the second straight day on Thursday and was optimistic he'd be back in the St. Louis Rams' lineup after missing a game with a thigh injury.
Bengals safety Dexter Jackson, who has missed most of the season with a thumb injury, has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury suffered in practice.

