In today’s top news, U.S. runner Allyson Felix wins her first gold at her third Olympic games, Harry Belafonte critiques Jay-Z’s and Beyonce’s dedication to humanity and the Census Bureau aims to expand narrow definitions of race.

Allyson Felix wins her first individual gold at her third Olympic games. [LA]

The Census Bureau aims to expand narrow definitions of race. [AP]

Harry Belafonte critiques Jay-Z’s and Beyonce’s dedication to humanity. [THR]

Kenyan fossils indicate a new human species, researchers say. [BBC]

An unexpected drop in jobless claims signals a modest improvement in the economy. [Bloomberg]

The U.S. women’s gymnastic team is set to turn Olympic gold into green. [AP]

South African double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius will get another chance at Olympic glory. [NYT]

Rick Ross earns his fourth no. 1 album on Billboard 200 chart. [Reuters]

Tavis Smiley, John Salley, Scarlett Johansson, Woody Harrelson and a number of other celebs are banding together to pressure Congress to pass the Healthy Schools Meals Act.

The act, which has 55 co-sponsors in congress, will reduce food in schools that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol and replace them with fruits, vegetables, vegetarian options and other foods high in fiber.

“I’ve always aimed to be a voice for the disadvantaged, the persecuted, and all in need of help,” Smiley says. “We need to refocus the school lunch program to fight obesity. Schools are already trying to correct the problem, but they need support from the government.”

Read Smily’s letter to U.S. Congressman George Miller (D-Calif.)

Pictured above are track star Allyson Felix and former pro-baller John Salley with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) on a trip to Capitol Hill.