Barbara Walters announces that Whoopi will do. Another rumored co-host, comedian Sherri Shepherd, allegedly wanted the same $2 million that Whoopi may be getting. That's why she wasn't mentioned yesterday. Philly-native Jacque Reid, who is currently doing duty on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, is also said to be chatting with producers.


Attorney and Girls High grad Gloria Allred (above) reps Mel B., the alleged mom of Murphy baby, that they say Eddie Murphy is trying to avoid.

A court in Mexico dismisses charges against bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman, but he won't be totally home free until the appeal-date dealine.

Transformers-director Michael Bay may take the stand the Phil Spector murder trial.

Jennifer Garner gets a nose for Broadway.

Barack Obama may say he'd meet with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez if Obama becomes president, but Sean Penn will do it pronto.

We hear singer Will Downing is seriously ill with a condition that has rendered him virtually unable to move. (4th graph)