Lil’ Kim set free from jail

Chicago – Lil’ Kim celebrated Independence Day one day early with her release from a federal detention center Monday morning after nearly 10 months behind bars.

The rapper, who was sent to prison for lying about a shootout outside a New York radio station, walked out of the jail looking glamorous in sunglasses and an all-white, cleavage-baring outfit.

Carrying a balloon and a bouquet of white roses, she waved to dozens of cheering onlookers – some carrying signs that said, “Welcome Home, Queen Bee” – before getting into a silver Rolls-Royce. The car pulled into a nearby parking lot where she re-emerged to greet the throng.

“I love you,” she said, blowing kisses.

The 4-foot-11 entertainer, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, began serving her time in the detention center Sept. 19. She was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, but was released early for good behavior.

Lil’ Kim will remain under house arrest for 30 days at her home in Alpine, N.J., and be under supervised release for three years.

Ebert in serious condition

Chicago – Roger Ebert had to have an emergency operation to repair complications from a previous cancer surgery and was in serious but stable condition Monday, his wife said.

Chaz Ebert said the famous film critic was doing well.

“I am pleased to report that the doctors say Roger is stable and responding well to the recent surgery,” said Chaz Ebert. “Roger and I are so grateful for your prayers and support but please give the big guy the space and time needed to recover until he is ready to use those thumbs again.”

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper – co-host of “Ebert and Roeper” – said Ebert’s vital signs appeared to be good after the hours-long operation.

“Roger is a fighter, and I have every confidence and hope that he has thousands of movie reviews ahead of him,” Roeper said.

Ebert has been a film critic at the Chicago Sun-Times since 1967. He won the Pulitzer Prize for criticism in 1975, the same year he teamed up with Gene Siskel of the rival Chicago Tribune to launch their movie-review show. Siskel died in 1999.

Brown back with raunchiness

Houston – Bobby Brown was back with New Edition – and his ostentatious behavior stood out when he was paired with the soulful group.

Brown, who left New Edition in the 1980s for a solo career, reunited with the band Sunday night for two songs at the Essence Music Festival.

As the other five members moved to slick choreography Sunday, Brown ran around the stage wildly and performed raunchy dance moves.

The men brought the crowd to its feet with their performance of the 1985 hit “Mr. Telephone Man.”

Brown then left the stage, and the remainder of the group – original members Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe, plus Johnny Gill, who replaced Brown – performed several ballads.

Brown followed with a solo set that started with “Don’t Be Cruel,” then quickly turned to more raunchy dancing and talk about his sex life with wife Whitney Houston.

By the time he finished with “My Prerogative,” Brown was shirtless and many in the audience were screaming for him to get off the stage.

Foxx a hometown guy

Houston – Jamie Foxx says he has big plans for his hometown of Terrell, Texas. But he’s not ready to share exactly what they are.

“We’re going to do something real special in Terrell – for the whole city,” the Oscar-winning actor and singer said Sunday at the Essence Music Festival.

Foxx said he has “snuck back” to his hometown, which is about 30 miles east of Dallas, a couple of times since he won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the movie “Ray.”

He said he plans to help friends with community work, such as opening a new youth center.

“When I get a chance I’m going to get back to Terrell, Texas,” he said.

Foxx said he was particularly excited to perform at the festival in its first installment outside of New Orleans.

“When you’re in Texas it’s that great southern feeling and it’s just great to be able to do it in front of my folks,” he said.