FIRST LOOK: The News in Brief, May 11, 2005

MISSING IN ACTION? Dave Chappelle reportedly checking himself into a mental health facility in South Africa, according to Entertainment Weekly. Last week, Comedy Central shut down production on Chappelle's Show because the comedian was a no-show at work. EW says Chappelle flew to South Africa Apr. 28 for treatment of the unspecified metal illness. "We don't know where he is," a network rep says.

NOT HOME ALONE: Macaulay Culkin wrapping up his testimony for the defense in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial after 90 minutes Wednesday, telling jurors that the charges against Jackson are "absolutely ridiculous."

NEVER SAY NEVER? The National Enquirer reporting that Jackson has secretly sold Neverland Ranch for $35 million. No comment from Jackson's camp.

THEY DO! Heidi Klum and Seal tying the knot in Mexico Tuesday, per published reports. The couple is expecting their first child together in the fall.

SPLITSVILLE: Mena Suvari filing for divorce from Robert Brinkmann due to "irreconcilable differences."

WITCH WAY: A statue of Samantha from Bewitched being erected in Salem, Massachusetts on June 15, despite objections from town officials.

IN COURT: Lawyers for Bill Cosby denying allegations that he drugged and sexually molested a woman at his home, but acknowledging he gave her an over-the-counter medication after she complained of trouble sleeping.

THAT'S AMAZING: Married team Uchenna and Joyce Agu beating out reality vets Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich to win The Amazing Race 7 in Tuesday night's finale. An offshore bookie stopped taking bets on the show months ago after a disproportionately high number of wagers were placed on the Agus to win.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK: Saturday Night Live wrapping up its 30th season May 21 with host Lindsay Lohan and musical guest Coldplay.

IT'S OVER: Meanwhile, ex-SNL cast member Dennis Miller's CNBC talk show, Dennis Miller, getting the boot from CNBC due to low ratings. Miller's last show will air this Friday on the cable network.

GET READY TO MOSH: Anthrax's original lineup reuniting for the first time in 13 years to play three concert dates in May and early June.

THEY WANT THEIR MTV: Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas among the stars scheduled to appear at MTV's Summer on the Strip week in Las Vegas May 30 through June 3.

BASIC MATERNAL INSTINCT: Sharon Stone adopting a baby boy born to "unknown and unrelated parents in Texas," according to a statement from Stone's publicist Wednesday.

HEADING SOUTH: MTV Latin America hosting the Fourth Annual MTV Video Music Awards Latin America in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

SHAKING THINGS UP: MTV Networks President Van Toffler naming Christina Norman as president of MTV: Music Television and Tom Calderone as general manager of VH1.

SUMMER TIME: Summerland returning to the WB on June 7 for the remaining five new episodes of the second season.

ROAD TO RECOVERY: George Lopez saying he feels better than ever after undergoing a kidney transplant last month. Lopez's wife Ann served as donor.

IDOL TIME: American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers, an album featuring individual performances by the 12 Idol finalists, hitting stores next Tuesday.

NOT SO DESPERATE: Eva Longoria topping Maxim magazine's sixth annual Hot 100 list honoring the year's most successful women in film, television, music sports and fashion.

KICKING OFF: The Cannes Film Festival opening Wednesday with the screening of German film Lemming.

HEY YA! André 3000 signing a deal with Nickelodeon and MTV to produce edgier programming for kids.

THE BACHELORETTE RETURNS: Trista Rehn Sutter returning to reality television to participate in ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Rachel Hunter and Evander Holyfield also participating.

OFF THE BLOCK: Liz, Andy Warhol's portrait of Elizabeth Taylor selling for $12,616,000 at Sotheby's Tuesday.

SHOW'S OVER: HBO canceling Carnivale after two seasons.

PULLING OUT: Billy Dee Williams withdrawing from The Mambo Kings, scheduled to open on Broadway in August, due to an aggravated hip condition.

NAILING DOWN THE TOP SPOT: Nine Inch Nails' new release, With Teeth, to debut atop Billboard's album charts Wednesday with sales in excess of 272,000.