Mel B to Speak Out on Eddie Murphy Paternity Battle  —  Melanie Brown, aka "Scary Spice," is holding a press conference with her lawyer, Gloria Allred, on Wednesday to address ongoing paternity issues with Eddie Murphy.  —  In a statement, Allred said she and her client will use the occasion …

Rosie & Star on Whoopi's New 'View'  —  The former "View" co-hosts talk to "The Insider" about today's announcement.  —  Just in!  ROSIE O'DONNELL tells "The Insider" what she thinks of her replacement on "The View," WHOOPI GOLDBERG.  —  "Whoopi is fantastic in every way and perfect for the job," says Rosie.

Jessica Simpson's Big Bomb  —  Is Jessica Simpson's flick Blonde Ambition too much of a stinker for the silver screen?  —  "It is going straight to DVD domestically.  It will only come out in theaters internationally," an insider tells Us Weekly.  —  What's the problem with the romantic comedy, costarring Luke Wilson, 35?

Cook County judge sets Sept. 17 trial date for R. Kelly  —  CHICAGO - R&B singer R. Kelly is scheduled to go on trial next month — more than five years after he was first charged with child pornography.  —  The judge in the case announced a Sept. 17 date for the start of a jury trial …

NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT  —  KLINE & GARNER NOSING AROUND CYRANO REVIVAL  —  I stick my nose into the theater biz, and what do I find: Another nose!  —  A long one.  —  Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner are in negotiations to star in a revival of "Cyrano de Bergerac" at the Richard Rodgers this fall.

Britney's 'Cousin' Alli on Her Pop Career & Spears's Kids  —  She's been best known for hanging out with Britney Spears, but now her "cousin" Alli Sims is aiming for a pop career of her own.  —  Blogs have been watching Sims's Web site closely, and on Monday Spears's former assistant updated …

Angelina Jolie Drenches Brad Pitt with Wine in Fight Over Barack Obama  —  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are taking sides in the presidential race for 2008.  Not surprisingly the liberal couple are not supporting any Republican but many will be surprised that neither supports Hillary Clinton.

OH THAT CELLULITE OF THE STARS  —  oh good morning - i'm way tired - last night's bat for lashes gig was awesome - i even spotted kate bosworth in the crowd but the band didn't come on until about 11:45 - although i'm beat - it was totally worth it!  (more on the show later) …

The Dog May Be Free!  —  TMZ has learned that all Mexican charges may have been dropped against famed bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman and two members of his team — including his son.  We're told these photos were taken moments after Dog learned his fate.  Hallelujah!

Has J.Lo's bust been given a secret boost?  —  She's known for her curvaceous derriere, but Jennifer Lopez's bold plunging neckline helped keep all eyes to her front as she sashayed down the red carpet in Los Angeles last night.  —  The star arrived in a glamorous full-length white gown …

Boy For Richie, Girl For Xtina  —  It's a dude for Richie and a chick for Xtina according to InTouch Weekly .  The mag claims that both girls had ultrasounds on the same day, July 25th, at the same hospital, Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.  Weird.  I wonder if they shared ultrasound jelly.

Britney's Vegas Police Call  —  Police say that Britney's bodyguard tussled with paparazzi in Vegas.  —  Police have confirmed to "The Insider" that an incident took place last week at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas involving BRITNEY SPEARS, paparazzi and her bodyguard.

Update!  Nicole and Joel's Shopping Trip  —  I've got new details to add to last night's item on Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's shopping trip yesterday to the Z'Baby clothing boutique on New York's Upper East Side.  —  I just got off the phone with owner Sharone Glaser, who told me that the parents-to-be couldn't have been nicer.

Dating Kate 'like Vietnam war'  —  PETE DOHERTY yesterday revealed his strife-torn romance with KATE MOSS "became like the Vietnam war".  —  The junkie rocker, who has dyed his hair peroxide blond, said: "I was always dodging bullets.  —  "The last six weeks of our relationship were bad.