Taking Names

Snoop Dogg was arrested for investigation of illegally possessing a handgun and drugs as he left NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., after performing on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” Associated Press reports.

The rap star, 35, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, and two members of his entourage were arrested Tuesday following a search of his home and car, Sgt. Kevin Grandalski said. Police seized a handgun and some illegal drugs, Sgt. Grandalski said.

The rapper was arrested for investigation of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possessing cocaine, transporting marijuana and having a false compartment in his vehicle.

Donald Etra, the rapper’s attorney, said he believed Snoop Dogg was booked at the jail for investigation of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He made bail of $60,000 and was released shortly after 1 a.m. yesterday, about seven hours after his arrest. The rapper was expected to be arraigned Jan. 11, Mr. Etra said.

Two acknowledged gang members who are associates of Snoop Dogg — Michael Mingo, 33, and Lovell Polk, 36 — also were taken into custody, Sgt. Grandalski said. According to police, the arrests stemmed from an investigation that followed the rapper’s Oct. 26 arrest at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Calif., after airport police said they found a gun and marijuana in his car. No charges have yet been filed in that case, but Snoop Dogg has a Dec. 12 court appearance for an arraignment.

Mr. Etra said the rapper also has a Dec. 4 arraignment in Orange County after his Sept. 27 arrest for investigation of carrying a deadly weapon at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. Security officers said they found a collapsible baton in the entertainer’s carry-on luggage. The rapper told deputies that the baton was a prop for a movie.

In 1990, Snoop Dogg was convicted of cocaine possession, and he was charged with gun possession after a 1993 traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in exchange for three years’ probation and his promise to make anti-violence public service announcements. In 1996, he was acquitted of murder after the death of a purported street-gang member killed by gunfire from the vehicle in which he was traveling.

Judging Madonna

Human rights organizations will help decide whether Madonna is fit to adopt a Malawian toddler, a judge ruled yesterday.

Judge Andrew Nyirenda ruled in favor of a coalition of 67 Malawian human rights and child advocacy groups that want to be party to the assessment of the 48-year-old pop singer’s fitness as a mother. On Oct. 12, Judge Nyirenda granted Madonna and her husband, filmmaker Guy Ritchie, an interim order allowing them to take initial custody of 14-month-old David Banda.

Mom’s the word

Director Sophia Coppola has given birth to her first child, a daughter named Romy, AP reports.

The baby was born Tuesday in Paris to Miss Coppola and her boyfriend, Thomas Mars, singer for the French rock band Phoenix. Miss Coppola, 35, is the daughter of Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola. She was married to director Spike Jonze for four years before filing for divorce in 2003.

Compiled by Robyn-Denise Yourse from Web and wire reports.

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