Brad Pitt: Welcome to the Greenest 'Hood in the World

But no, he's not running for mayor

(NEWSER) - To mark the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Brad Pitt spoke to MSNBC about his effort to rebuild the Lower 9th Ward with his Make It Right foundation—and the grassroots campaign to push him to run for mayor of New Orleans. He says he'd run if chosen, but “on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation on marijuana platform. I don’t have a chance,” he tells Ann Curry. “That’s not what I do best.” More»

Also, New Orleans campaigns for a famous mayor, and more

(NEWSER) - In case you didn’t get enough of her on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, you’ll be able to see all of Heidi Pratt, née Montag, in September’s Playboy, People reports. “There is nudity. It's tasteful,” says a source. Elsewhere:

• Brad Pitt as mayor of New Orleans? Maybe. “We need outside help getting the city fixed—Brad can get that done,” a resident tells the Mirror.

Brad discusses New Orleans, lawmakers swoon

(NEWSER) - Brad Pitt was in Washington yesterday for a serious reason, but the effect he had on lawmakers was not entirely professional, with many employees ditching their offices to nonchalantly hang out in the halls hoping to catch a glimpse of the superstar, AP reports. It wasn’t all fun and games, though: Pitt managed to snag a secret meeting with President Obama, a White House spokesman confirmed. More»

Pitt talks engagement to Angelina Jolie at Cannes

(NEWSER) - Brad Pitt was flying solo today at Cannes, but in addition to his gangster film, Killing Them Softly, Angelina Jolie was predictably a big topic of conversation. Pressed by reporters for some juicy gossip, he said his engagement to Jolie was "something that made sense," People reports. As for a wedding date, there isn't one, Pitt tells US Weekly : "It's just something that makes sense to us, and certainly date-wise, it's just a rumor," he said. "We're still hoping that we can figure out marriage equality in the states before that date." He also revealed the couple would "love to" do another film together, Vulture adds. More»

Taylor Swift donates $4M to Country Music Hall of Fame

(NEWSER) - Taylor Swift is donating a sizable $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the largest gift ever donated to the museum by an artist. It will fund the Taylor Swift Education Center, a new classroom and exhibit space opening in 2014, the AP reports. Swift proves that not all celebrities spend their dough on things like $12,000 Chanel bicycles and $18,500 olive trees , and Celebuzz rounds up 14 more who give freely of their money and/or their time. And while some are obvious (hello, George Clooney) many might surprise:

• Sandra Bullock: Has donated $1 million to relief organizations that give aid to those affected by 9/11, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, and the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan.
• Ellen DeGeneres: Her pet cause is, ahem, animal rights and rescue organizations, and her pet food line benefits charity.