Public Enemy figurehead Chuck D makes his debut as a commentator on the Fox News Channel in the US. His first broadcast includes his thoughts about the ongoing trial of alleged bomber Timothy McVeigh, OJ Simpson prosecutor Marcia Clark’s new book, a brawl during a New York Knicks basketball game, Tiger Woods’ multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with American Express, and blockbuster movie The Lost World.

City councillors in Memphis announce details of Elvis Week, a series of events to mark the 20th anniversary of Presley’s passing in August. Attractions include a ballet based on “Blue Suede Shoes”, a display by pupils at The King’s old karate school, a firework display and lightshow in the grounds of the Gracelands mansion, and 6am “meditations” at Elvis’s grave. There are also plans for a box set, to include more than 70 previously unreleased recordings.

Trauma Records, the independent outfit who first signed No Doubt, take legal action against major label Interscope over a distribution agreement. Trauma say Interscope are withholding cash from the group’s Tragic Kingdom album, which has so far shifted more than 10 million copies.

Lilith Fair, a travelling music festival featuring only women performers, sets out on a 30-date US-wide tour, after its initial four-show launch the previous year. Masterminded by Sarah McLachlan, other artists lined up include Tracy Chapman and Jewel.

Kiss launch their own Visa card, in conjunction with Beverly Hills bank-to-the-stars Wilshire Financial.

The Lost World, Steven Spielberg’s sequel to Jurassic Park, breaks US box office records with an opening weekend take of $90 million, five million more than the previous year’s Independence Day. Its total is three times as much as the week’s takings for the rest of the Top Ten put together.

A $5 million lawsuit against Pamela Anderson is thrown out of court. The Private Movie Company took legal action against the actress, claiming she’d reneged on a verbal contract to star in their production, Hello She Lied, opting instead to make her own feature, Barb Wire. Anderson had earlier told the court she pulled out of the first project because of its graphic sex scenes.

The final episode of Roseanne airs in the US, bringing to an end a much-slated season, with plummetting ratings, in which the star and her onscreen family became multi-millionaire lottery winners. Roseanne herself plans to take on Oprah Winfrey in the cut-throat world of daytime talk shows.

Laurie Lee, author of Cider With Rosie and As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, dies at the age of 82.

Actor Edward Mulhare dies of lung cancer, aged 74. Best known in later years for playing David Hasselhoff’s mentor in the 1980s action TV series Knight Rider, he also had dozens of supporting character roles in movies throughout the 50s and 60s. “He was my King Arthur and I was his Lancelot,” says Hasselhoff. He taught me many lessons about acting and character.”

The makers of Barbie announce the latest addition to their ever-growing range of dolls, Wheelchair Barbie.

A tornado hits Jarrel, Texas, killing 27 people.