Jena 6 enters the Lycos 50 this week at #27. Jena 6 refers to a group of six black teenagers who were arrested for beating a white teenager in Jena, Louisiana in December of 2006. Defendant Mychal Bell is the only one of the six to be imprisoned. Although he was convicted, his sentence was appealed on the grounds that he should have been tried as a juvenile. On September 21, the judge denied the request for Bell to be freed while his appeal is being reviewed.

The Jena 6 has inspired much discussion about race relations in America. Black students at Jena High School had attempted to address the schoolboard regarding several incidents, including one in which nooses were discovered hanging from a tree (conceivably a threat against black students). Racial tensions persisted at the school, with fights often breaking out between white students and black students. Many feel that treatment of Mychal Ball has been unfair, including the fact that he was tried by an all-white jury. A rally in support of the Jena 6 was held in Jena on September 20 and was attended by the Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

More trouble for Britney Spears! She was charged with one count of hit and run causing property damage and one count of driving without a valid license on Friday. She is accused of hitting a parked car in a parking lot in the San Fernando Valley. A hearing has been scheduled for October 10. Just when we thought that Britney couldn't be any more of a train wreck, it's like ... another train slammed into the existing trainwreck, causing a three train pile-up and a wreck of epic magnitude.

Britney's ex-bodyguard, Tony Barretto, who is a witness in her custody suit, has also spoken publicly about her drug and alcohol use on the "Today Show." Barretto said, "I'm not here to destroy Britney. I'm here for the kids. I'm here to speak out on their behalf because of my frustrations at the time when I worked for her and not being able to protect them from her and I have accomplished that now."

Chris Crocker, who has become well-known as Britney's most ardent supporter with his "Leave Britney alone!" YouTube video, has made the Lycos 50 this week at #50. Crocker has reportedly been approached with television deals, which really makes us wonder what television executives are thinking these days. First the Geico cavemen and now this? Did Crocker really demonstrate any particular talent to carry a TV show by wailing, "SHE'S A HUMAN"? Only in America, people.

Image courtesy: Pan-African News Wire